Gus Busbi - A Novel

       What can a black teen from the gang-controlled South End projects of Boston and a seventy-year-old curmudgeonly Italian man, who has given up on life, have in common?  Jamiel Russell and Gus Busbi live in the same house but they’ve never met.  They both would have just assumed it stayed that way, but life often has more in store for us than we plan for.  This timely novel is the second story in the neighborhood of Father Tom’s St. Francis Parish and shows the power of mentorship, relationships, love, and forgiveness.    

Hopefully, you will enjoy reading a preview of the first three chapters and provide comments if you are so inclined.

Reviews

A huge thank you to Jim Sano for bringing Father Tom back. After introducing him in The Father's Son, Sano gives his readers more of Father Tom in Gus Busbi. This book has edge-of-your-seat suspense, breathtaking sports action, romance, laughter, and tears. Most of all you will be inspired to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Another must-read from Jim Sano. 

Father Mike Coleman

Inspiring Tale! Jim Sano masterfully enthralls teen readers – even adults – in sacrifice of the Passion as emulated by Gus Busbi without a hint of preachiness. Busbi’s faith grows through devastating loss, heartwarming joy and desperate experiences woven artfully into his life and the lives that this unlikely hero touches. Busbi draws Jamiel, a gang-life-destined teen, to likewise wrestle with tough issues to find forgiveness, morality and other jewels of the Faith. Sano’s masterful writing style compels readers to experience visceral struggles on the road to God’s love, purpose and love of others.

Gus Busbi is a thought provoking challenge to find or enrich faith – even emulate Christ’s suffering to attain divine joy – without feeling proselytized. Yet, Gus Busbi a wonderful contribution to evangelization and entertainment! ☆☆☆☆☆

Dan Gallagher, author of The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning (SOA recipient), Ancient of Genes, short stories and articles

"Gus Busbi" is another great novel by Catholic and author, Jim Sano, in the Fr. Tom series. I used the novel for a book study with my men's small group. The themes in the story gave us lots of wonderful materials to discuss, from the roles of fathers and men in the lives of young people to racism and biases to forgiveness, love, and mercy in relationships. It was an enriching experience for us; I know it was for me. ☆☆☆☆☆

Deacon Phúc Phan

Gus Busbi is a great novel that shows everyone has a God task and it more often than not it will show up in the most unexpected way. If we choose to live out our God tasks it will have an impact on our lives and those that God puts in our path.

Robert E. Tunmire, President & Executive Director, Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance & Heroic Men

Wonderful: I read The Father’s Son and was hooked. This story was equally enjoyable. JS does a wonderful job of developing relationships in his books. Then he allows you to be a part of that relationship. Stolen Blessing up next. ☆☆☆☆☆

Scott Phillips

“Another great book Fr Tom Series. I first read Fathers Son in last year and did not expect Jim to write a book that was as rich and engaging as the first. I was pleasantly surprised. I had trouble putting the book down. Thank you Jim!” ☆☆☆☆☆

Nevin Dinghra, The Fraternity of the Weary Travelers

What a book! Another tremendous offering from Jim Sano. He takes his readers on an emotional roller-coaster! This book demands that its readers ask themselves some very basic questions: about what is involved in a person's sense of self-worth, and what is not; about the extent to which a person is prepared/willing to extend forgiveness, without any expectations in return; about the extent to which we are required to forgive; about the relationship between human forgiveness and divine forgiveness. Hard thinking, but needs must! ☆☆☆☆☆

Donald K.

Jim Sano delivers another thought-provoking novel in Gus Busbi, immersing readers in the lives of an unlikely pair—an elderly man struggling to carry on and a young boy being dragged under by social pressure.  A great read. ☆☆☆☆☆

Michelle Buckman, award-winning author

An amazing book. Very moving and inspiring. This was the second story I have read by Jim Sano. The first is in the same series, Father Tom Fitzpatrick series, and was titled The Father's Son. It was an excellent read and when I heard that there was a second volume, I was very excited to read it. Father Tom is an amazing character, and I hope we get books featuring him for years to come. I had heard great things about Jim’s first book and held off reading it. That was my loss and going forward I will be reading his works as soon as they become available. The Father Tom stories are very well written. Have excellent characters, draw you in and keep you hooked. The writing is excellent.

The Father Tom stories are contemporary fiction. They are realistic fiction. They are set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this story we have a few main characters. And Father Tom is an influence on most of them. Our two main characters are Gus Busbi, whom the story is named after and Jamiel Russell. The story takes place in a Boston neighbourhood. Gus Busbi is a typical grumpy old man. He has lost a lot. And is not longer really living but going through the motions. He is renting out the main part of his house to Celia a single mother and her son Jamiel. Jam is a star basketball player. But he is at a point in his life where his decisions will have a huge impact, for himself, and those who care about him. Celia moved to get out of the projects. She wants a better life for her son. He is a star on the St. Francis School team. And does well academically as well. Father Tom is the chaplain at the school and rector of the attached parish. Celia and Jamiel attend the Baptist church of Reverend Richard Obasi.

The story revolves around decisions we make, and the consequences of those actions. Jamiel is being drawn into gang activity. And he turns to Father Tom to help him out. Father Tom makes him repay the debt by helping Gus around the house. And something unexpected happens.

This is one of the best contemporary stories I have read in a few years. There is not as much philosophy, theology, and depth of conversation as the first volume. But in some ways, it deals with even heavier matters. The story is deeply moving. And the story will make you think. You will find yourself reflecting on your own life, area’s you need to work on, area’s you need to improve. And maybe even some old things you need to let go. The beginning of the description of the book muses:

“What can a black teen from the gang-controlled South End projects of Boston and a seventy-year-old curmudgeonly Italian man, who has given up on life, have in common?”

And the answer as might surprise you is, a lot more than you might imagine. But to fund out what you will need to read the book. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. But I will warn you, it is a novel that will leave an impact. It is not fluff just to pass the time. However, it is well worth it! A great read in what I hope will be a long series.  ☆☆☆☆☆

Stephen McEvoy, writer, Book Reviews and More

Started this story yesterday and had to finish right away this morning. After reading Jim Sano’s first book, The Father’s Son, I knew I wanted to make this my first read for 2021 and I was not disappointed.

With each page turned, I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot and the characters. Jim Sano tells a great story, introducing us to Jamiel and Busbi, the two main characters, and then developing a portrait of each that you come to understand and care about. As the plot develops, there are enough twists, turns and questions, that I just had to read on to see how this plays out.

This story moves along quickly but Sano adds extra details on things such as the repairs of a roof, a car and a raised garden bed that make this more believable and readable. His testament to his Christian faith comes through in his writing and he seeks to provide answers to questions many of us think about. As a Catholic reader I appreciate a good read that is not afraid to talk about spirituality, morality and redemption and this book does that.

Thanks Jim Sano for another great story. ☆☆☆☆☆

Andy Z

Gus Busbi: Another “Slam Dunk Winner” by Jim Sano.
In his second book of the Father Tom series author Jim Sano scores another big win with Gus Busbi. This compelling page turner provides an honest unwrapping to expose the raw pains and effects of bigotry, violence, hopelessness and fear. For a weary world desperately searching for forgiveness, respect and care, Gus Busbi, a pertinent book for our times, provides the formula to satisfy our intense longing for love, joy and salvation. ☆☆☆☆☆

Marty Muratore

Another outstanding piece of writing by Jim Sano!

After reading 'The Father's Son', I was blown away and knew I had to read another of Jim Sano's books. 'Gus Busbi' surprised me as it had the same level of emotions and feeling, yet was at a slightly slower pace than that Father's Son. That is not a bad thing, it is a skill of writing. I love also how there was a subtle and brief overlap of the main character from 'The Father's Son' and Gus Busbi.

I highly recommend this book. Sometimes when authors write a number of books, the story seems the same with just different characters and locations. But with Jim Sano, the theme of mercy, love and forgiveness is the same but the storyline is so different, but like 'the Fathers Son', it grips you from the very first page.

Well done Jim. I highly recommend this book. Really enjoyable and touches the heart. ☆☆☆☆☆

Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Gus Busbi by Jim Sono is a heartwarming, hopeful novel about growing up in the inner-cíty ghettos, seen through the eyes of a young black man torn between the friendship and familial love of young gang members and his mother’s desire for him to break free from the hopelessness of the ghetto. Jamiel Russell had grown up without a father in the projects, where violence, drugs, and senseless killing were an everyday occurrence. When Jamiel’s mother saw the opportunity to move her and her talented son away from the gang influence and into a predominantly white, safer neighborhood, she jumped at it. Jamiel, a gifted basketball player, was now attending a local Catholic school where the priest, Father Tom, proved to be a wonderful coach and mentor. Faced with a curmudgeonly landlord, Gus, who lived on the same premises, and who Jamiel thought was just a grumpy old racist, he found himself increasingly drawn back to his gang friends. Slowly but surely he was being sucked into their lifestyle, and, worse, their crimes. It would take bold actions by the surrogate fathers in Jamiel’s life to ensure he found the right road to follow. 

Gus Busbi is a wonderfully insightful and meaningful novel. Author Jim Sano uses the narrative to pose and attempt to answer some critical questions faced by youth in our cities today, especially African-American youth. The characters are wonderfully drawn and the author explores each one in some depth. I particularly appreciated the remarkable synchronicities the author injected into the story that ultimately brought Jamiel and Gus together in the same environment. Jamiel does some deep thinking about his relationships, especially expressing gratitude for the wonderful men who stepped into the void in his life. Jamiel felt the “black” experience was infinitely harsher than those experienced by immigrants through the years. He also was intelligent enough to realize that this wasn’t the only group to experience discrimination and hatred based on skin color or ethnicity. For me, the character who stood out the most was Father Tom, the quintessential caring priest. I have known a Father Tom whose heart was bigger than most and whose patience was endless. It reinforces the underlying themes of love, role models, and forgiveness that run seamlessly through the narrative. Novels with a great story that impart fundamental truths are priceless and this one certainly falls into that category. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. ☆☆☆☆☆

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite

Heartwarming book! Gus Busbi is an amazing story of friendship and love while finding peace through suffering. The characters are vivid and alive and you are transported into their lives, seeing the world as they see it. What a triumphant story. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the third installment. ☆☆☆☆☆

Daniel R

A timely story with redemption: Gus Busbi could jump out of the front pages of national news as it pertains to race relations. In this excellent novel, The author takes us beyond the news sound bites and brings us closer to people in a Boston neighborhood caught up in racial issues and their hopes and dreams along with their sorrow and sadness. The lives of both white and black families and the impact of fear and suspicion and misunderstandings along with hope and redemption are found in this book.
I loved this book for so many reasons but not least of all, the story takes place in Boston with "wicked good" lingo and basketball. Both men and women, adults and teens will enjoy this book. It reminds us that we all can use guidance, good friends and forgiveness in order to grow into the people we are meant to be. Two thumbs up for the second book in the Fr.Tom series. ☆☆☆☆☆

Emily C.

The Perfect Story for Today: Jim Sano has produced another great story in Gus Busbi, this one being particularly timely. A crotchety old man and a teenage boy remind us how we can find help and friendship in the most unlikely places. Jim has the knack of capturing readers and opening hearts in his tales, and this engaging story is no exception. Highly recommended for teens and adults. ☆☆☆☆☆

Michelle Buckman, Award Winning Author

This book is worth reading: I liked the down to earth way the author portrayed Jamiel Russell, the young black character in the story. He struggles to let go of his instincts and friends from the gangs in his old neighborhood. Gus Busbi, the older white character, reminded me of a cranky Clint Eastwood type who is very jaded due to his personal losses. Celia, Jamiel's single mother has moved the two of them from Boston's gang-ridden South End to the bottom floor of Gus's family home where his son was murdered and his wife died a few years later. In this book and "The Father's Son" Sano has dealt with the lack of a father for young men. Through the metaphor of basketball, Father Tom tries to get Jamie to understand what it takes to become a good man. His old friend Gus painstakingly starts to fix things around the house at his urging. Positive Catholic values are woven into the story. The book would be appropriate for young men in public school attending religious education classes. ☆☆☆☆☆

Sally Germain

A great book on faith, family, and friendship: An excellent book, especially for younger readers, about faith, friendship, identity and growing up. A friendship slowly forms between a young Black teen and an angry white man, on that teaches both more about themselves. A Catholic novel, but one that will resonate w/readers of any faith background. ☆☆☆☆☆

Matt Ryan - English Literature Teacher

A story with a great message and lessons to be learned Gus Busbi was an eye opening look at inner city youth, gangs, hopelessness and most importantly forgiveness. The author does a fantastic job in this book, as well as in his others, of weaving the Catholic faith into the narrative and demonstrating the importance of faith for us all. A great read! ☆☆☆☆☆

Susan

GOLD WINNER OF THE ICBA Awards

Gus Busbi is book two of the Father Tom Fitzpatrick Series, written by Jim Sano.

Jim Sano brings forth two very opposite characters, Jamiel and Gus Busbi, and brings them together to create an unforgiveable story of forgiveness. Jamiel is a young teen from the Boston Projects, and Gus Busbi is an old, cranky Italian man who is losing faith in life and everything in it. When Gus rents out his house to Jamiel's mom, who moved to create a better life for Jamiel, life begins to change for both Gus and Jamiel.

Jamiel needs help after being tempted by social pressure of local gangs and he turns to his school Chaplain (Fr. Tom). Fr. Tom guides Jamiel to help around Gus' house. Gus and Jamiel both learn valuable lessons in real-life topics like violence and bigotry as well as kindness, caring and mercy. Although this is a fiction, the situations are realistic and are relatable by many people in today's society.

Jim Sano took two completely different types of people and brought them together to teach lessons of life, love, forgiveness and God, without being preachy. Very well written and so description it can be envisioned while reading. ☆☆☆☆☆

STAFF PICK and Recommended by the ICBA Panel of Judges!

Excellent book. Jim Sano provides a great backdrop for the lives of different characters and then manages to mesh them together seamlessly. His attention to details helps paint a great picture of both the characters and the city as well. On top of all of this, he incorporates true Christian values that support the characters as they struggle with the demons of the past and the issue of today. I would highly recommend this book. ☆☆☆☆☆

Jospeh C

Highly recommended ☆☆☆☆☆

Ellen Gable Hrkach, Award Winning Author

This book tells a touching story interwoven with memorable characters that confronts many of today's social and cultural issues. If you were a fan of Gran Torino, this would be a must! ☆☆☆☆☆

Wayne Spiro

A wicked good story! As a lifelong Massachusetts resident and a cradle Catholic, I was instantly drawn to Jim's writing. But, I've realized that this books are just as important (or even more important) to readers with little (or no) faith or who struggle with their faith. As you read the story you are being taught about the Catholic faith while being absorbed by his wonderful story telling. This subtle talent is what makes Jim's books so wonderful. I have purchased and downloaded all of Jim's remaining books to my Kindle app (I've already read "My Father's Son") and I highly recommend his books to everyone. For me it's on to "Stolen Blessing"! Enjoy!! ☆☆☆☆☆

Michael Ferreira

There is hope. I finished reading Gus Busbi in one sitting. Another excellent novel by Jim Sano, The author of The Father's Son.
American Society has just ended 2020 and by anyone's standards a tumultuous year. Gus Busbi gives us hope for the future. Gus Busbi is a critical and in-depth look at relationships, that developed, despite differences in racial backgrounds, diverse cultures, societal pressures, and generational differences. Sano is not afraid to address difficult topics that are so apropos in today's society. It was nice to see the character of Father Tom included in this novel. His wisdom and moderating effects gives us hopes for a better 2021. This novel proves that we are unique and yet the same. Thanks again for a great read Jim. ☆☆☆☆☆

Robert Samiagio

Wonderful characters. Wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jim Sano's second book (and look forward to more!). Gus and Jamiel - and all the characters, for that matter - are so well portrayed, they seem real. I could easily see them in my mind's eye and felt their many emotions as the story unfolded. I will not spoil anything about the way the story ends except to say it was not anything I imagined and yet, made perfect sense. Thank you, Jim. ☆☆☆☆☆

L. Eliz

Hard to put down. Jim Sano is a man on a mission to remind us of the importance of fathers in society. Gus Busbi is a moving story that was hard to put down. An insight into the culture of inner-city youths, it shows the repercussions of our choices and the necessity of forgiveness. ☆☆☆☆☆

Kelly Guest

A Healthy Relationship for All Ages: Another great read by Jim Sano. I am in my late twenties and reading Gus Busbi gave me a new perspective on what it means to forgive people who have done wrong. Forgiving is hard in general, and the way Jim goes about portraying it in the book helps to better understand how to go about forgiving and what that actually looks like. The book also illustrates the positive and negative relationships that teenagers are going through, and that the people in their life represents what they want or need in their own life. The book also discusses racism and how to go about learning about people with different backgrounds from yourself. Don’t judge someone based on their appearance because on the inside they would be what you need in that point in your life. I’ll leave you with this thought “If it were true, would you want to know?”- Jim Sano. Read the book to find out the answer to this question. ☆☆☆☆☆

Amazon Customer

Very thought provoking. Gus Busbi by Jim Sano is a very thought provoking book that has left me reflecting on today’s issues of racism, gang violence, and aging. The characters in the novel are well-developed and interesting, and I especially liked Fr. Tom. When Fr. Tom offers advice or wisdom to Jamiel or Gus, I feel like I’m in the same room with them and he’s talking to me too. Their discussion of the Prodigal Son was most relevant, especially since I could see that parable reflected in many situations of the novel.

The author does a very good job presenting how Jamiel allows himself to be drawn to the gang members, how he buys into them. I could even feel myself being swayed by Leonard, the gang leader. I don’t have experience with gangs personally, so this book opened my eyes to how easy it is for kids to end up in gangs.

The book was a very enjoyable read and hard to put down. I can’t wait to discuss this book at the end of the month with my book club. While reading the book I found myself copying down quotes from Gus and Tom. There’s so much in this novel to reflect on, and I highly recommend it. ☆☆☆☆☆

Cathy Parsloe

I love this book! Gus Busby is a heartwarming story that has it all; especially characters you care about. This is the kind of book you do not want to put down because you are invested in what happens to the characters. I had the good fortune to read Jim Sano's first book, The Father's Son, and was thrilled to find the very pastoral Fr. Tom in this new book too. Jim's books are written and researched with great care. More importantly his stories and characters make you think about the importance of relationships and maintaining them. The themes of love, forgiveness, patience, and kindness give life to this story in unimaginable ways. I highly recommend this book! It is a great read for book clubs because it is multifaceted with endless topics to discuss. Bravo! ☆☆☆☆☆

Elaine Morisi

A timely book. I found this a very thought provoking book particularly well suited in light of what is going on in our world today disguised in an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and you find yourself hoping that Jamiel will resist the wrong path and you find yourself loving the curmudgeonly Gus. The author obviously believes we are all capable of a conversion of heart, that to forgive can free you and to assume things about another can bring harm to a relationship and to ourself. ☆☆☆☆☆

Blessed

Excellent read! Great character development and keeps you in suspense until the end! his is an excellent read with multiple interpersonal relationships that keeps you in suspense with the underlying theme of love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the character development. The story takes place in the South End projects of Boston, Massachusetts and at points I had trouble putting down my book because of the gripping puzzle pieces that invariably fit together at the end. ☆☆☆☆☆

Maki

Amazing things can happen to you with the power of love, trust, and forgiveness. This book should be a “Must Read” for everyone, but young adults would truly identify and reap great rewards/lessons from this book. ☆☆☆☆☆

Tanya Thompson

Gus Busbi is a heartfelt story about friendship and support and how it changes the life of a seventy year old Italian man Gus and a young teenage boy Jamiel as they develop a meaningful bond that is special. I shed quite a few tears towards the end of the book and would highly recommend reading it. You will be very touched. ☆☆☆☆☆

Laura Mills-Smith

This is the second book by Jim Sano in the Father Tom series. It continues the saga of Father Tom and his parishioners set in South Boston. It is as enticing as the first book, The Father's Son. It is a book of fiction, yet additionally weaves in Christian values of love and forgiveness. I had eagerly awaited this second book after having read and loved the first. I highly recommend reading this book. I have just purchased the third book in the series, Stolen Blessing. We read these books as part of St. Edward the Confessor's Book Study Group( Medfield, MA). Of special interest is that each of these books has been published on a Feast Day of Mary, Mother of God. ☆☆☆☆☆

Nancy

I would give this book 5 stars because it is fast moving, and there are a minimum amount of characters making it a very fast read. I think it will appeal to any age group beginning with teens. It is uplifting and wholesome. I have read both of Jim's books and am looking forward to reading his new one, "Stolen Blessing", just coming out. ☆☆☆☆☆

Judy Riggs

A wonderful story of Gods providence, love and redemption: A beautiful and timely story about love forgiveness and redemption. ☆☆☆☆☆

Jeremey