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MAS BOOK CLUB: "Lost In America, Memoirs of a Maverick" by Joe Tetro

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Every review I’ve read about "Lost In America, Memoirs of a Maverick" by Joe Tetro warns you that it’s explicit in nature or not for the weak. In fact, to quote a book reviewer:

"'Lost in America: Memoirs of a Maverick' is Joe Tetro in the naked light of his psyche and without apology. This is a big novel of some 688 pages, divided into twelve chapters that take the reader for a ride of rough and ready adventure through the author’s vision of America. The book is not a light-hearted read; in fact one should get ready for some downright confrontation of the soul. There is no price listed on this book, which makes me suspect that it is self-published — but hey, So was Walt Whitman. I suggest Joe Tetro’s great 'Kerouac-inspired adventure' only to those who can handle it … In other words, if you’re weak in the gut, skip it."

I personally found it more like refreshing and honest rather than “explicit in nature.” I mean sure he talks about his sexual encounters as an early teen and how didn’t realize what exactly he was supposed to do with “it” and couldn't even find the right "entrance" to put it in the first few times. And definitely didn’t realize that part of "sex" was that he was supposed to “get to the finish.”

Later, he finally realizes what sex is all about. And “finishes” plenty.

In fact, during his later travels he has many sexual encounters some being with prostitutes throughout the world and isn’t shy about giving details.

But let’s rewind here for a second and start from the beginning.

Joe’s life at home as a child can be described as not the best home environment. His dad? Hard working but shows his kids no emotions other than rage when he feels they don’t perform up his expectations. In fact, one could probably say that Joe’s dad tried very hard to beat the soul out of him because he sensed that Joe was different. And he didn’t like different.

What type of differences? Well, for one, in Mr. Tetro’s mind there was a certain class of people, where white meant superior and poor meant lesser than. Joe never quite understood this theory and it tortured him, even as a small child.

“In time, I came to the conclusion that such opinions weren’t based on anything, but simply reflected the “central position”. i.e., the illusion that I, and all that’s mine-my nation, my race, my culture, my religion, and my ways-are at the center of reality in a way that those of others are not. In other words, the central position is the ethnic, self congratulatory feeling that ‘we and our ways’  are superior to ‘them and their ways.’”

This wasn’t all. There are many other of his dad’s life views that Joe didn’t agree with. After many beatings, he finally learned to learn to hold it all in and “pretend” to be normal. Well, at least normal in the eyes of his father.

“The first modality was the learned, enforced, and skin deep one that was comfortable to the culture around me; the second modality was a surrogate, inner retreat into myself, where I could dream and believe that I would never conform to society’s beliefs and ways of looking at life.”

In "Lost In America, Memoirs of a Maverick," Joe Tetro dares take us on this journey we call life through his nonconformist  eyes.  We go through every stage of his life and witness different events that shaped him or broke him. And how he bounced back every time. It’s a very open, honest and soul searching story in which the author doesn’t believe in holding back.

If you’re ready to take this journey with him then I suggest you go pick up a copy of his book at Russo’s Bookstore at the Marketplace this Saturday, March 28^th at noon where he will be on location available for pictures and book signing.

You can also buy Lost In America by clicking HERE!