Huge steel mills blew hot breaths of black smoke over the Pittsburgh Michael Repasky knew in the late 30's and early 1940's. The son of immigrants from Czechoslovakia who came to America to find a new and better life, he assimilated well into this diverse melting pot of Italians, Poles, German, Irish and other nationalities, all a part of the great rush of peoples from all over the world hurrying to partake of this new land boundless with opportunities and "streets paved in gold."
In this memoir, Michael Repasky, one of a family of twelve, relates of a changing time, much like today, when America faced the challenges of new peoples, ideas and turmoil reaching to the very core of its existence. Walk along the coal barge filled Monongahela banks, experience the feel of a careless summer day through the eyes of a boy using the city as his playground... note the sights, sounds and ideas of growing up and how this booming part of America helped shape what we have today.
A Pittsburgh Kid is a "Thanks to America" from a boy who appreciated what the American dream represented to the many that lived it.
If you are anywhere near my age, you most likely have been asked at one time or another. You know the question; "What were things like when you were young?"
When I try to explain life as I remember it in the 1950's and 60's, I'm sure the younger folks think I'm stretching the truth.
That's why Michael's book is so fascinating. Not simply because he 'tells it like it was', but because he tells it with honesty and eloquence. I've never had so much fun with history.
Thanks, Michael,
and welcome to
'AMERICAN DREAMERS'!
Jim Corbin
Managing Editor
Dream Scape Publishing
