FRAMILY

(Friends Considered Family)

The third installment of the Lou Saulino trilogy about three friends from childhood combines the world of sports and friendship in a unique way.

Original Cover
Prior to Republishing

FRAMILY (friends considered family) is historical sports fiction at its finest!

The third installment of the Lou Saulino trilogy about three friends from childhood combines the world of sports and friendship in a unique way.

The saga began with “8” Center field in New York, 1951-1957 as three thirteen year old best buddies debate the attributes of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider, and is followed by Dopey Bastid,  as the now early thirties adults reflect on the dumb decisions they have either read about or witnessed personally.

What they're saying

“A trio of friends grows up in this sports-centered tale of love and kinship. Joey, Bob and Lou have been best pals since their childhoods in Forest Hills, Queens. On New Year’s Eve 1979, Joey’s wife, Susan, says that she’s expecting a baby, and the group wonders at the possibilities for the newest member of the next generation. They also needle one another with cheerful, playful banter, as one would expect from close friends. The “Core Six,” as they’ve dubbed themselves, are entering the next chapter of their lives, and the major sporting events of the time—which the men highly contest and the women mostly ignore—act as mile markers for their memories. These events include the “miracle” victory of the United States men’s hockey team at the 1980 Olympics and the New York Giants’ triumphant win in Super Bowl XXI. Over the course of a decade, children are born, secrets are unearthed, parents die, and life goes on, and the Core Six fight, support and love each other as “framily”—friends who think of themselves as family. In the natural evolution of his writings, Saulino (“8” Center Field in New York, 1951-1957, 2011, etc.) has developed a smart way of storytelling via weaving his characters’ plotlines together with contemporary sports events. Many writers use music as a way of marking their characters’ experiences, but very few would think to use sports; here, it’s an eye-catching and inventive strategy. However, readers needn’t be sports fans to enjoy the work; even those who are athletically challenged will be gripped by what is, at its heart, a tale of love. The members of this group love one another to their cores, despite their differences, the passage of time, and their changing roles and responsibilities. The book is also immaculately researched, vividly recalling each play of each game like a great sports announcer. One part historical fiction, one part relatable rapport, this novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good story about good friends. The finest installment so far in Saulino’s continuing saga.”

“the sports discussions are authentic and entertaining. Too bad Saulino is a NY Giant fan.”

“the power of friendship is worth going to bat for."

“Recalling the special sports moments Saulino brilliantly describes in FRAMILY was a joy.”