Pepo: Tales of growing up, addiction and prison (Paperback) by Donna Papacosta, John Papacosta

9798364744470. New condition. Trade paperback. Language: English. Pages: 764. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 764 p. PEPO: Tales of growing up, addiction and prison is a memoir based on more than 100 letters that John Papacosta wrote to his sister Donna. To preserve his sanity while incarcerated, John wrote stories of growing up in Astoria, Queens, discovering girls, going off to college in upstate New York and Miami, working in the hospitality industry, and much more. His many misadventures, both hilarious and harrowing, showcase his sense of humor, his lifelong friendships and his storytelling abilities. His tales also demonstrate the inhumanity of the penal system, and how it breeds recidivism. If not for a "bank withdrawal gone awry," John may never have shared his stories. His sister, who laughed and cried as she read each missive, has lovingly transcribed and edited his letters to share with the world.

From a recent review:
From the moment you start reading, you fall in love with Pepo. His writing is spare and poignant. He is able to paint the scenes that transport you to Astoria in the 60s and 70s and Miami in the 80s as if you were watching a movie. Pepo's charm snags you and before you know it, you find yourself laughing with him, getting mad at him for pulling off some of his pranks and empathizing with the horrid life inside prison. The editor has done a brilliant job of weaving the stories from Pepo's youth with the stories from jail, without the reader wondering, "now where are we"? Pepo did not love school or excel academically, but his writing is tight and insightful. Pepo is a story I did not want to end. -- Nancy Wood