Montenero Val Cocchiara is usually referred to simply as Montenero, or Mundunur in the local dialect. Montenero is a typical mountain village on the border of the Abruzzo and Molise regions, but it is more than that. Its history was tinted by contacts with numerous powerful groups over many centuries. The village and its people prove to be unique, but they also are highly embued with elements common to all in South Italy. Of course it is the hope of the author that anyone with roots in South Italy will benefit from reading this book. However, his much greater aspiration is that others will equally enjoy the story of Montenero as a metaphor of their own ancestral village or town, regardless of country or even see the village as a microcosm of the world where the forces of history and culture forge the character of people.

This biographical novella is about family life, surviving world wars, immigrating and adapting to a new culture. It’s a story based on the life of Michele DiMarco (1893-1975). Readers will envision the majestic natural beauty of Michele’s home village in central Italy and learn of its rich history. Readers will also sense the harsh reality of life that forced Michele to emigrate. Shortly after Michele arrives in the US, he is drafted into the Italian army. He returns to Italy to fight in W.W. I, is wounded, taken prisoner, and escapes. Michele crosses the Atlantic a second time, takes menial jobs and eventually starts his own bakery. His success leads to purchasing a home, marrying, and having three sons. How does the mafia and the Great Depressions change his life? Although the story line focuses on Michele, strong relationships are presented throughout, the main being with his parents, brother, wife, and grandson. What happens to his family and friends in Italy during WW II is also detailed. This biographical novel is about life values revolving around family, a strong work ethic, humor, and love. The main character is not a unique representative of this value system. Many others sacrificed as he did, cared for their families and had compassion for others. This book will encourage everyone who has grey-haired relatives to get to know their stories, especially if they are immigrants. Their histories nourish our roots so healthy branches continue to grow.

A needle may draw a thread through printed pages to bind a book. In this little memoir, I feel like a needle that drew a common thread though a segment of martial art history. This book details three interrelated activities: (1) martial art studies, (2) involvement as founder of Via Media Publishing, producing a quarterly journal and books, and (3) teaching martial arts. Publishers, writers, researchers and serious martial art practitioners will benefit with the detailed overview of Via Media and its publications. Via Media produced the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, known for its high academic and aesthetic standards. Its contents reflect the history of two decades and provides rich information for practitioners and scholars, making The Best Fighta valuable reference work. In addition to reading, the primary way to learn a martial art is through instruction. In reading about my studies and teaching experience, readers can relate to their own involvement in martial arts. What is important here is the portrayal of my instructors, their teaching methods, and reasons for being involved in martial arts. Their accounts should offer insights and inspiration for others who study and practice any martial art.

This novel is about life values revolving around family, a strong work ethic, humor, and love. This book will encourage everyone who has grey-haired relatives to get to know their stories, especially if they are immigrants.