Anthony Gianunzio, longtime composition
and creative writing teacher in the Portage high schools (and
occasionally at KVCC), has just published a book describing his
experiences in World War II. That said, it is more than simply a
WWII story. Tony often had the 8 pm to midnight watch on the fantail
of the Coast Guard's USS Machias. During those still, peaceful hours
when one is already prone to daydreaming it is easy to see how a
thoughtful, young man could wax philosophic about his place in the
universe. After all, the Pacific is a big place and Japanese ships
and subs couldn't be everywhere. Mesmerized by the ship's wake and
with endless stars for a canopy, how could one not think big
thoughts?
The Last Romantic War is a
series of these reminiscences. Just as Tony would sit on the depth
charge rack with his thoughts drifting home the book weaves his time
on the Machias with his impressions of growing up in America as the
son of Italian immigrants. One moment he is in his hometown of Iron
Mountain, Michigan hoping to play big league baseball, the next he is
escorting troop ships to the south Pacific.
Warning: shameless plug ahead. If
you're interested in reading Tony's book you can purchase it from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Congratulations to Tony!
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