The main character in Robert Amoroso’s first novel experiences much of what Mr. Amoroso has gone through in real life.
By: David Pescatore
EAST WINDSOR If you had the chance to do it all over again, would you take it? At what cost?
That is the question posed to Bob Amato, the main character in Twin Rivers resident Robert Amoroso’s debut novel, "Journey."
"I was going through a lot of emotional turmoil when I started writing this in 1994," said Mr. Amoroso, 55, who has lived in Twin Rivers since 1976. "My mom passed away. My brother died soon after. My business and relationships were going south. I had a lot of emotions, anger, depression. Some people drink or gamble; I used the depression to write."
In "Journey," Bob Amato struggles with many of the same problems, as did Mr. Amoroso. He begins the story as a successful businessman with a loving wife and grown children. Slowly, his business falters and Bob siphons the family nest egg to keep it afloat. On the verge of ruin, Bob leaves his family and business behind and runs away.
"He ends up in a flophouse, his self-imposed prison," Mr. Amoroso explained. "His only diversion is a window overlooking a decaying city. He sees winos, prostitutes, but he realizes that they are surviving. He begins to realize that those people have the same needs and desires as he.
"He also thinks about periods in his dad’s life. His life parallels his father’s in many ways. That was big for me. I would remember how my dad survived challenges and ask myself what he would do in my situation."
Over three days in his "prison," Bob grows. He begins the novel feeling sorry for himself, but he comes to realize how good life is and the effect he has on others. He is, in a way, reborn after the book’s climax, a near-death experience where Bob is forced, by his guardian angel, to make a choice that will affect the rest of his life, and the lives of everyone he has ever touched.
"Of course there is a lot of me in Bob," Mr. Amoroso said. "But I think Bob is really everyone. He is the man in the mirror, that voice on our shoulders. We all go through the same things."
Mr. Amoroso began writing as therapy to work through his own problems.
"I learned that we are all given choices, that we affect other lives. I learned that nothing lasts forever; change is constant and we are never too old to change. I am not as keyed up on success. I’ve had that. If everything else failed, I could still be whole."
Nearly 10 years has passed since Mr. Amoroso began his diary-like notes that would eventually become "Journey." Things have worked out well for him and Judy, his wife of 35 years, and their two sons, Jason, 30, and John, 25. Now he is ready to share his work with the world.
"I think you have to be in a place where you are comfortable with yourself to put something out there to be judged. This will be judged. I want that. I’m ready."
As with any unknown author, Mr. Amoroso struggled to find a publisher. In October of 2002, he finally hit with PublishAmerica, a growing company based in Baltimore that specializes in working with new authors.
Mr. Amoroso will not be a new author for long. He is already seven chapters into his next book, "The Prince of Belmont Avenue."
"This is a book, written from a ’50s perspective, about growing up in a city divided by invisible racial boundary lines," Mr. Amoroso said.
"Journey" is scheduled to be released in April. The 110-page novel will carry a retail price of $16.95 and be available from a variety of Web sites, including Walmart.com and Amazon.com.
Mr. Amoroso said the book would be available at www.authorsden.com for $13.95, and that he would be setting up a personal site where the book may be discounted further. He also is working on getting shelf-space in "brick and mortar" retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Wal-Mart.
He will be busy peddling his book whenever he is not at his day-job as an account manager with a Manhattan creative staffing firm.
"I’ll be making two appearances on the ‘Wheels on Literacy’ tour, April 12, sponsored by Wal-Mart and Sam’s club. I will be speaking about literacy, reading from my book and signing copies."