......And The Whippoorwill Sang,  by Micki Peluso, is the latest book that I have read, and it is with joy that I recommend it to you as a must read!   Although I am a writer and author of several books, one of my favorite things  is to read the works of others.  Since Authors Den has many talented writers, I’ve dedicated the past few months to reading as many books as possible from fellow members, and reviewing whenever possible. 

     Many first time authors choose to write about their own lives; generally biographical, as personal experiences are what we are most familiar with.  Having read dozens of these author biographies, I was wondering what this book would be about, and if it could hold my interest.  Ms. Peluso skillfully lays out two stories within one, leading the reader through the journey that she and her husband traveled,  beginning as married teens, raising a large family.

      It was a little difficult to keep track of every character within this 295 page book, as Micki Peluso was able to name every single neighbor, every relative, and every home and town she and her family had known along their journey.  After awhile, I realized that it didn’t matter so much about all these people, it was more about the descriptions, and the laughter that so many of them brought into the lives of the Peluso Family.  The author was able to bring each person to life, and I could hear them speaking, and laughing, and when times were not so funny, she brought me to wonder what would happen to some of the important people in her life. 

    One could say this is a story about a normal Italian-American family, with all the positive and negatives that happen in many families; yet…this story is unique in many ways.  The children become endearing, and I got to know which one was going to do what.  The moving from one state to another, one home after another, and the uniqueness of some of those homes brings laughter and tears to the reader. 

    In between the normality of life, Ms. Peluso shares a heartbreaking and almost unbearable portion of their life; and one wonders how they will manage, staying in tact, and still remain sane and whole.  This family, centers around the six children of Micki and Butch Peluso; even when they included comical escapades, as well as grief and tragedy.  Any one who has been a parent will understand the pain and torment that an accident to a child will bring to the family, as well as to each individual within the family unit. 

    Throughout the laughter, the travels from Long Island, New York, to the neon lights of Las Vegas, Nevada; the majestic Pennsylvania Susquehanna Mountains, to Staten Island, New York; the reader can count on the solid foundation of this family  to always be near the surface!   As Micki Peluso has shared .. The family embarks upon its journey, from one side of grief, to the poignant gift of life as they begin…. To Weep,  To Laugh,  To Grieve,… To Dance…

     I won’t give away the underlying story, as you must read this book yourself!! It is more than just a history of a families travels and how life took them up and down; it is more a story of sheer inspiration!   It is a story of hope and substance, and if you have endured struggles in your own life….this one will help you to understand that we can surely relate to one of our own authors….one who has taken a tragedy and turned it into a positive movement for her entire family…and for others as well!!

    You must visit the website of Micki Peluso, and read some of her other works.  She is a talented writer, and her book….. And The Whippoorwill Sang, will move you to the core.  Information as to how to order this book is available on AD.