Book excerpt: A kid of Italian immigrants grows up in South Brooklyn and Flatbush during the 20s, 30s, and 40s, playing Johnny-on-the-Pony, Ringalevio and Spin-the-Bottle. Life was simpler then, before the breakup of Ma Bell, the corporate takeovers, and junk mail. His generation was deeply affected by the Great depression; the Big Band music of Goodman, Dorsey, Ellington; movies of Cowboy and Indians, Fred and Ginger; Mickey and Judy; the New York Worlds Fair; and Pearl Harbor, which forced them to leave home and go to war in places they could hardly find on a map. REVIEW What great fun! Ive never been to Brooklyn, and I feel I know the old place - and love it. Although those simple, innocent, carefree, halcyon pre-war days of 50, 60, 70 years ago are long gone, they surely come alive in this charming, laugh-out-loud poignant memoir of Brooklyn. DGuido writes as if hes talking to his reader over a beer, making the story both appealing and very accessible - a la Neil Simon, in tone and the story itself. Thanks to the author for recapturing a kinder, sweeter, gentler time with such wonderful recall. Id love to send this book to several former Brooklyn-ite friends. I cant imagine anyyone from that era or place whod not enjoy this breezy, good read.