Chick’n Charlie

About the Book

Chick’n Charlie is a memoir about a New York family navigating the unchartered waters of post WWII and working to build a good life after the war.  Because of the historical upheavals of this time period, the “Greatest Generation”, full of hope and dreams for their children, did their best to manage the effects of the ’60s, rock n roll, and the accompanying drug culture.  Unfortunately, this family found itself battling to stem the tide of addiction consuming one of its members.

Filled with artifacts, the book portrays the pain, joy, strength, perseverance, and limitations experienced during this family’s struggle.  The reader gets a glimpse at the realities of dealing with a beloved son/brother addict.

As America once again faces the scourge of widespread addiction, this very personal story is universal.

About the Author

Christine Carlisi Manzi was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. During the course of her 30+ years of teaching, she taught students of all ages, from pre-school to college. She also worked as a Mentor and a Behavioral Counselor in the NYC schools. She spent the bulk of her time teaching middle school students how to strengthen their reading skills and find ways to become lifelong readers. She sang professionally for 30 years as well, starting at the age of thirteen. Her singing career took her from high school dances in the ’60s, to rock n’ roll backstreet bars in the ’70s, to dance clubs in the ’80s, to weddings, and to the World Yacht and New Year’s Eve at the World Trade Center in the ’90s. Ms. Manzi wrote this book over the course of 20 years as a way to cope with life’s challenges. She recommends that her readers use reading and writing to navigate the trials and tribulations of life. She currently lives with her husband, John, in Westchester County, New York.