08 Mar Charles Presti Covered in Flour #HistoricalFiction #coveredinflourjourney #comingofage #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn

FEATURED AUTHOR: CHARLES PRESTI

I am pleased to host Charles Presti as the featured author in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held between February 16th — April 5th, 2024. Charles Presti is the author of the Historical Fiction, Covered in Flour, independently released by the author on October 10^th, 2023 (220 pages)

Below are highlights of Covered in Flour, Charles Presti’s author bio, and his fascinating guest post about the historical background of the political turbulence in 1968.

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-tour-covered-in-flour-by-charles-presti.html

HIGHLIGHTS: COVERED IN FLOUR

Covered in Flour
By Charles Presti

Blurb:

It’s 1968 in Whisper Haven, and 8-year-old Carl Pozzi’s world is about to change.

For eight-year-old Carl Pozzi, 1968 begins like any other year—playing kickball with friends and enjoying the comforting aroma of Mom’s pasta dinners in their predominantly white suburban Whisper Haven home. But when Carl’s teacher introduces lessons about racial prejudice and injustice, his worldview cracks wide open.

How far can innocence stretch before it snaps?

As Carl flips through the pages of his 3-ring binder, each lesson serves as a gateway to a journey of self-discovery and understanding. It’s an expedition that not only changes him but reshapes his whole concept of family and justice—especially as he watches his father put on a police uniform during one of the most fraught periods in American history.

Covered in Flour is not just a heartfelt stroll down memory lane. It’s a captivating coming-of-age saga that digs deep beneath the surface of suburban tranquility. It beckons you to reconsider long-held family values and confront the societal norms you’ve taken for granted.

Written with genuine love, humor, and a tinge of sorrow, this story blends the nostalgia of tradition with the inevitability of change, offering a stirring mix that leaves you pondering long after the last page is turned. This book isn’t just a delightful read; it’s a catalyst for introspection, freshly baked and served for your soul.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LdWED

AUTHOR BIO: CHARLES PRESTI

Charles Presti, emerging from the sun-drenched shores of Pensacola, Florida, crafts narratives that echo with the richness of his varied life. His journey from a USF College of Medicine graduate to a storyteller is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Drawing from his days as a physician and informatics specialist, Charles infuses his writing with a rare blend of scientific precision and heartfelt emotion. His debut novel, “Covered in Flour,” is a vivid tapestry of his Italian-American heritage, his experiences in the whirlwind era of the 1960s, and his personal journey as a gay man. These elements converge to create stories that not only entertain but resonate deeply with themes of family, discovery, and the delicate dance of life’s everyday moments.

Charles’s passion for storytelling is paralleled only by his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Alongside his husband, Mike Bruce, and their beloved Wheaton Terrier, Zoey, he is a vibrant force and founder of “Sunday’s Child,” a local charity dedicated to nurturing inclusion and empowering LGBTQ+ and  other marginalized communities through grants to local charities. A pillar in the Emerald Coast Writers group, he continually explores the nuances of identity, heritage, and a sense of belonging. Discover more about Charles’s captivating world and Covered in Flour at www.coveredinflour.com, where each story is a window into a life lived fully and authentically.

Author Links:

Website: www.coveredinflour.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552112886658

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckpresti/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covered_inflour/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/covered-in-flour-1968-a-young-boy-s-perspective-on-school-family-and-changing-times-by-charles-presti

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/charlespresti

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45201473.Charles_Presti

GUEST POST: CHARLES PRESTI

We’re back on the journey through Covered in Flour, diving headfirst into the heart of 1968, a year that forever altered the fabric of our nation and, indeed, the world. Let’s peel back the layers of history together, shall we?

The Civil Rights Movement and Racial Tensions

1968 was a cornerstone for the civil rights movement, especially marked by the loss of Martin Luther King Jr. Through the eyes of our young protagonist and his family, we’re thrust into the midst of race riots, a tangible representation of the era’s strife. His father, a figure of law and authority, stands on the frontlines, offering us a window into the raw challenges faced by those sworn to protect amidst a backdrop of societal upheaval.

Race isn’t just a theme in our story; it’s the very pulse of the narrative, shaping every moment of our protagonist’s journey. It’s about the struggle to find a balance between the heritage that binds us and the change that propels us forward. Through the protagonist’s eyes, we confront prejudices—both inherited and hidden within. This journey underscores the power of compassion, the strength found in understanding, and the crucial fight against hate.

Political Turmoil and the Vietnam War

As we navigate the tumultuous waters of the Vietnam War, our story captures the essence of a family ensnared in the web of political and social discord. The departure of the cousin to Vietnam intertwines the personal pains with the political, reminding us of the war’s ripple effects on American families.

Politics at the Dinner Table and Beyond

Then there’s the slice of life from our mock election, where politics spilled from the TV screens and newspapers straight onto our dinner table. Nixon, Wallace, and Humphrey weren’t just candidates; they were characters in our daily conversations, shaping our understanding of democracy and citizenship. This moment, a microcosm of the national scene, paints a vivid picture of how deeply politics influenced our young minds and the conversations that shaped our perceptions of right, wrong, and everything in between.

Reflection and Resonance

Covered in Flour transcends the bounds of a mere historical narrative; it’s a meditation on how the events of 1968 continue to resonate, shaping the characters’ views, relationships, and destinies. By weaving personal stories with the historical fabric, the novel invites readers to reflect on the enduring impact of that pivotal year and its lessons for future generations.

As you wander through the pages of Covered in Flour, remember, it’s more than a journey through time. It’s a reminder of the complexities of our shared history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the imperative to grasp our past firmly to chart a course for our future.

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