Author: Joseph Cariello

ISBN: 9781933538501

It’s nice to read a simple, entertaining, and useful book such as “The Wingy Chronicles – Grandpa’s guide to life.”  It’s also nice to know there is hope and humor even in the face of adversity. And, with determination, motivation and the fortitude to stand up for what you believe, one can be a success.

I have read and reviewed many books about success, but none so fun or that can be used so readily in everyday life.

The first lesson Grandpa has to offer comes in the way of a baseball game. Now I am not a baseball fan nor do I profess to understand any of it, but I did comprehend the lesson – parents need to invest time in their children. There is something that happens when a family doesn’t share time – they drift apart. And the author suggests we listen to Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle,” for a better understanding of this fact.

Cariello covers observations, curiosity, grammar school and panic vs. keeping calm. Juvenile crimes is an interesting and humorous tale involving guppies that became a burden, Boy Scouting that was too complicated and regimented, and the discovery that he wasn’t cut out for certain things because he “thought” he couldn’t do it.  When we are young and miss valuable learning experiences, I never knew how much of a setback it could be until reading the bit about being a delivery boy for a grocery store. But, if the shoe doesn’t fit, I suppose it’s best to move on – to petty theft, so it seems.

Wingy’s mother was shopping at the local A & P and gave her son a dime to go pick something out at the five-and-dime next door. He looked at the toys and decided he couldn’t decide on a selection so he put a handful in his pocket – and shoved Lionel train light poles into his pockets, as well (he didn’t even have a train!). Seems that Wingy got a thrill out of stealing, but learned that others, like his mother, were disappointed in his behavior. The moral -- “Stealing is for losers!”

There are other life lessons -- victim-of-abuse, lost fortune, poetic justice, and consequences – all told openly with humor. The morals Cariello learned from situations that he experienced in growing up are addressed to each of the author’s four grandchildren – Brianna, Austin, Ethan and Jake. It’s a rare grandfather that takes the time to write his secrets, shortcomings, and tales down –leaving a legacy for all time. 

If you want to recall your youth, this book is for you. If you want to teach your child or grandchild lessons, this book is for them. If you want to bring a smile to someone’s face, you can’t miss with this book.

I enjoyed the short stories, learned a few lessons, and wished I could go back to my childhood with the information I gathered from Joseph Cariello’s recollections. What a thoughtful legacy to leave for future generations!

The above review was contributed by: Sue Vogan, Writer & Author of NCO-No Compassion Observed: To read more of Sue's reviews Click Here