America Lives in Brooklyn

About the Book

What a UNIQUE Renaisance man. A Street Vendor Mensch. Hurt by an Army trauma, limited by medical illnesses, and living in fear from nervous disorders, come meet James nearby the Metropolitan Museum of Art at his street vending boutique. “So if you need a curb cut or street tree planted, if you need a health care proxy written or patient transport, give James a call, ‘he has the knack for turning a no into a yes.’” —Col. Jack Guersney, USMA 1969 “I want to take a moment to thank you . . . A West Pointer has God for his armor, which was inspired by your experiences as a cadet and veteran. Poems drawn from personal experience are among the most powerful, and you’re at once poignant and hopeful is a fine addition to the essential living narrative of our nation’s veterans. I’m honored you shared it with me in time for Veterans Day.” —Governor David A. Paterson, New York State “WOW . . . it sounds like, indeed, you have it all! And it appears you may even be Italian, which would be another great part of your ‘world citizenship’! I really enjoyed your poems and am taking the liberty of sending them along to our Brooklyn poet laureate.” —Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President “To Jimmy Faraguna, thanks for your good letter.” —President Jimmy Carter, USNA ’47 “I was overwhelmed and truly touched when I came to Marble Collegiate Church and saw the statue of the Angelus. It is one of the great pieces of all time, and I am so pleased to now have a copy. You are very dear, so wonderfully loving and thoughtful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Peace.” —Dr. Art Caliandro “A true community star.” —Bay News/ Kings Courier “A coach of all coaches.” —Brooklyn Technical High School “Let me thank you for your activism and concern for the New York City veteran community. Your attention to those who served and those who still serve is commendable. We here in the five boroughs owe you a great debt of gratitude.” —Mike Handy, Director, Veteran Office of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani “I can give no higher recommendation to James Faraguna in any area of education or professional endeavor.” —Arnie Fine, Editor, Jewish Press

About the Author

Whether coaching American football, he is involved in criminal litigation, guiding imagery or teaching, singing at church, working as a park ranger or prayer partner for Guideposts, assisting in Roman Catholic canon law, advocating for Veteran benefits and housing, facilitating support groups, community grassroots activism, special assistant to Congressman Anthony D. Weiner, leading baseball great Gil Hodges Way, or assisting the police with verbal judo. “James F. Faraguna is happy only when he improves the quality of life of others.”