Skater In The Sky is the story of Franky Belsen, an eighteen-year old whose only ambition is to become the first non-Italian member of the Mafia in the history of Newark, New Jersey. On the surface, it is a rollercoaster ride of self-delusion, dashed dreams, crime, violence and sexuality. At its core, it is an hour by hour, day by day, look at the often tragic, desperate lives of the urban poor; especially those living in public housing projects.
On the surface this novel is a roller coaster ride of self-delusion, dashed dreams, crime, violence and sexuality. At its core, it is an hour by hour, day by day look at the often tragic, desperate lives of the urban poor; especially those living in public housing projects.
Professional Reviews
L.E.A. - Absolutely splendid! - 5 stars
Franky Belsen is one heck of a main character as he navigates his big dreams of becoming part of the notorious East Coast mafia. The author does a brilliant job of telling his story while also illuminating the themes of what people will do to get out of their personal circumstances. I think that's actually what I found most compelling, besides the expert dialogue and superior setting descriptions. I loved the complexity of his characters, which made them so incredibly human. I understood Franky's ambitions, as dark and misguided as they seemed. He was, and is, a beautiful portrait of the very real effects that poverty and lack of opportunity create.
Additionally, Lieberum's chapter leads are awesome, beginning with the first sentence that gets the book off and running. Talk about great hooks!!! The third person POV lends itself well to making this read feel more like you're watching a movie. I tend to have a love-hate relationship with this type of POV, but when used masterfully, as in this case, it works so well.
SKATER IN THE SKY is gritty and disturbing; emotional and perfectly-paced. I would highly recommend to any avid reader, especially those who are drawn to the character-driven reads.
MMH - A Gritty Tale of Ambition and Identity - 5 stars
"Skater in the Sky" by Jack Lieberum is a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of ambition and identity against the backdrop of 1964’s Newark housing projects. Lieberum's masterful storytelling captivates readers from start to finish, painting a vivid picture of the constraints that poverty and position can have on one’s dreams.
At the heart of the story is Franky, a 19-year-old whose unwavering desire to become a member of the Italian mafia sets the stage for a gripping exploration of personal identity and societal expectations. Lieberum skillfully weaves together the threads of Franky's aspirations with the challenges he faces due to the world he lives in and his non-Italian heritage, creating a multi-layered character that resonates deeply.
What truly sets this book apart is its raw depiction of the human struggle to find one's place in a world that often imposes narrow definitions of success. Franky's journey serves as a thought-provoking mirror to our own desires and the compromises we're willing to make to achieve them. The tension between his ambition and his true self makes for a compelling and introspective read.
Lieberum's meticulous attention to detail transports readers to the projects of 1964 Newark, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the time. Lieberum’s attention to the dreams and realities of each of its characters adds depth to the story, making it not only an engaging read but also an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of identity and social pressures.
"Skater in the Sky" is a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, identity, and the human spirit. Lieberum's expert storytelling delivers a powerful narrative that lingers long after the final page. This book deserves a resounding five-star rating for its ability to ignite conversation, inspire introspection, and transport readers to a world where dreams and reality collide.
katherine d. - Excellent! - 5 stars
This book reads like a Bakshi film. I see each and every protagonist of American Pop in Franky. I see every grainy cell animation of the city landscape as painted here like they came straight out of Heavy Traffic. The very plot itself feels like a optional draft of Hey Good Lookin’ straight down to the meaningless.
It’s a spit-shined idea of the American dream with a gratuitous amount of sex and nonsensical violence. Note that when I say this, I mean it as a compliment.
Sometimes, you just really need a book to pop open the lid of your skull and scramble your brains around a bit. Bakshi was tremendously good at this, and I feel, here, Liberum has done the same.
I think in recent years, many writers have fallen for the idea that their character has to be, at minimum, an antihero, has to be liked in some capacity. Truthfully, I disagree. I miss reading a book and hating the main character with every fiber of my being. I hate missing out on just watching an jerk be a jerk and what happens because of it. Franky is no Caulfield, they’re a Vinnie, and that’s the point.
In the middle of a functioning dysfunctional family, we find the main character, Franky Belsen, a poverty-stricken, projects-bred nineteen-year-old who is searching for two things – a way out of the projects in Newark, NJ, and manhood. His aspirations and dreams are all wrapped up in one desire – to be a “family” member of the Italian mafia. Rough around the edges and learning life as it comes, as much as you really shouldn’t like him because of his lifestyle and the stunts he pulls, there’s something likable about Franky. I found myself cheering for him as he struggled to rise above his circumstances from the hand he had been dealt since birth.
The author’s scene-setting descriptions are well-worded graphic and grisly depictions set in the 60s and were distinguished by characteristics given throughout the dialogue, such as the brand of cigarettes or the mention of the beehive hairdo. I found it ironic that to Franky getting out of the projects in Newark and becoming a member of the mafia was a step up in society. He was certain he could gain the respect and props he desired by being in the mob.
Jack Lieberum has a unique writing style that is very compelling. Written with the mature audience in mind, Skater in the Sky is a well-written drama with an interesting storyline that pulls the reader in from the beginning raw lines.
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