When Dan Russo’s cousin told him about the scene in downtown Newark, N.J., a door to a secret world opened – a world that revolved around homosexuality, new experiences and sexual freedom.
His memoir “Downtown” (published by iUniverse) offers a profoundly honest, chronological portrayal of one man’s coming-of-age journey through both the bright and dark sides of life as he eventually discovers his own way to bring good to a troubled world.
Russo begins his memoir in the early ‘60s, in a time when the Waldorf Cafeteria was a bohemian hangout for such artsy characters as Mad Alice who was always in semi-drag, Miss Coppertone who dyed his hair red and spoke with a lisp, and Mafia Bob who was gifted with a raspy voice and wore a tiny hat. As Russo continues with a revealing look into his childhood when his bi-curiosity began, he introspectively shares what it is like to be sexually confused, hide the secret of your true identity from everyone, and then suspect that some might know anyway.
Reminiscent of Reinaldo Arenas’ “Before Night Falls: A Memoir,” “ Downtown ” presents a powerful look at one man’s odyssey towards self-realization in a time of social change.
“ Downtown ” is available in hardback, paperback and e-book.
About the Author
Dan Russo was born to Italian immigrant parents and grew up in Newark, N.J. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he entered the business world. He lives in Morris County, N.J. This is his first book.
About iUniverse
An Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader’s Choice, Rising Star and Editor’s Choice designations—self-publishing’s only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.