Between The Sauce, Stars and Heaven
by Lou Basenese Jr
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Pub Date 21 May 2025 | Archive Date 26 Sep 2025
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Description
Step into a kitchen of memories, a living room of laughter, and a heart cracked open by grace—this is the story of one family’s unbreakable bond through joy, tragedy, and faith.
Between the Sauce, the Stars and Heaven is a faith-infused Italian-American memoir that traces Lou Basenese’s journey from the close-knit streets of Netcong, New Jersey to boardrooms, hospital rooms, and ultimately a place of deep spiritual clarity. The narrative unfolds in vivid, photo-rich chapters:
- Roots & Relatives – colorful vignettes of immigrant grandparents Gabriel and Donata, plus nine larger-than-life uncles (especially the irrepressible Uncle Angelo) whose mischief and wisdom shape Lou’s moral compass.
- Love & Legacy – Louie and Eva’s WWII-era sacrifices, family feasts, and the small-town traditions that anchor identity across generations.
- Triumphs & Trials – Lou’s rise from debt-burdened salesman to successful entrepreneur, punctuated by a near-death heart attack and a miraculous “second half” lived on borrowed time.
- Loss & Redemption – the devastating fentanyl-poisoning death of Lou’s son Christopher and the grace-filled healing that followed, portrayed through letters, eulogies, and a “Last Kiss” photo series.
- Threads of Faith – reflective pauses, Scripture-laced insights, and a final epilogue that reminds readers every family carries “secrets, silence, and scars”—but few dare to write them with grace.
Blending humor, nostalgia, and spiritual reflection, the book reads like Sunday dinner at a big Italian table: stories are passed, laughter rings out, tears are wiped away, and everyone leaves full.
Ready to laugh, cry, and rediscover what truly matters? Grab your copy today and be reminded: the messiest stories often lead to the most miraculous endings.
Advance Praise
"Got mine yesterday. Very powerful. Excellent job Lou and everyone involved."
— Jay Reilly
"Read the first 4 chapters today. Brings back memories of my grandfather and his voyage to America. Well written, Louie."
— Louis Lucatelli
"Mine arrived Friday and I just finished it. Wonderful book— inspirational, funny, and filled with great stories that any Netcong-raised Italian American can relate to."
— Tony Togno
"Heartwarming, funny, and most of all, filled with great memories of Netcong. Wonderfuljob, Lou!"
— Rita Milone Juliano
"Louie's story is soul-stirring. It brought me back to growing up in Netcong, with family, friends, and the warmth, laughter, and tears. Thank you for capturing it."
— Gayle Pierson
"Just finished reading this book. It was wonderful. Excellent job, Lou."
— Debbie Fiorello
"Makes me feel thankful for my hometown. Going to have John bring it down to Palumbo's on Saturday!"
— Mary Clare
"I'm only on page 14 and already I can smell my Nona's sauce simmering and my Nono's bread coming out of the oven."
— Ronnie Koert
"Reading it now—can't put it down! Netcong will always be my home. Thank you, Lou, for capturing the memories of our small family town so well. Inspirational book!"
— Olive Carbonaro
"Wonderful, heartwarming, nostalgia-filled book. Thank you, Lou."
— Rita Milone Juliano
"Thank you for writing this book. You certainly know Netcong!"
— Dolores Dalessandro
"Reading it now. I remember my parents being friends with your parents. I love all the happy memories. Makes me smile."
— Maria Arbolino DeFazio
"Great story! I hope Sam and everyone at Palumbo's Barber Shop reads it."
— Mary Clare
"Wonderful book filled with memories, laughter, and tears. Great job."
— Debbie Fiorello
Just shared this with my family on Facebook I'm halfway through. It's taking me forever because I'm crying and laughing and just living it and loving it.
—Annette Oswald
Available Editions
| EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
| ISBN | 9798999016812 |
| PRICE | US$2.99 (USD) |
