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Author e-blast from Stephen Puleo
September 2025
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Greetings, dear readers!
I hope you had a wonderful summer. Mine included a very busy writing schedule (and the fall will be the same) as I make the turn into the home-stretch on Book 9 writing (topic will be revealed soon).
In this issue, I pay tribute to a dear friend who was honored recently for her service to Boston's North End Italian-American community; recap two wonderful North End tours I led since you've heard from me last; summarize a trip to a fascinating WWII museum on Cape Cod; share some great reader responses that I think you'll enjoy; provide links to two podcasts that I participated in over the summer; offer a preview of my Fall speaking season; and as always, give you my recommendations for books (besides mine) that I think you'll enjoy. In addition, I hope you'll check out my new "25th Anniversary Blog" in which I discuss a few important lessons I've learned as an author (link below).
Please let me know your thoughts on the e-blast – or share anything else you’d like – by contacting me at spuleo@aol.com. Because I respect your time and fully recognize the flood of emails you receive, I try to limit these newsletters to 4-5 per year (I've had several readers say they appreciate this!). For those "in-between times" and more "breaking news," I hope you’ll follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and Linkedin.
Thanks again for providing me with the greatest gift an author can wish for – engaged, supportive, loyal, and communicative readers who enjoy books and who always feel free to express their opinions.
Happy reading!
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I Hope You Enjoy My "25th Anniversary Blog"
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I've mentioned that 2025 marks my 25th anniversary in the "author life." I started researching my first book, DARK TIDE: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 in 2000. Twenty-five years and eight books later -- with a ninth on the way -- I'm so grateful for the best readers an author could possibly have!
I've learned a few lessons about writing and being an author over the last quarter-century, and summarized three of them in my most recent blog, which you can read here. Hint: It all starts with you!
I hope you enjoy it -- as always, let me know what you think!
PS - Here's my DARK TIDE dust-jacket photo from 2003 -- I'll thank you in advance for not snickering!
| | Congratulations to Pam Donnaruma, Publisher and Editor of Boston's North End Post-Gazette Newspaper! | |
Some 20 years ago, I walked into the Boston North End office of the Post Gazette and introduced myself to Pam Donnaruma, publisher and editor of the premier newspaper in the city's iconic Italian-American neighborhood.
I mentioned to Pam that I was working on my book, THE BOSTON ITALIANS (ultimately published in 2007), and hoped to feature her grandfather, James Donnaruma, as one of the book's main real-life characters. James, who founded the paper for Italian immigrants in 1895 as La Gazzetta del Massachusetts, was an important and influential champion of Italian-Americans throughout his life, and often used his paper to highlight issues that affected them (James is shown at the far right in the offices of La Gazzetta del Massachusetts in 1913).
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I was so grateful that -- without having any idea of who I was -- Pam immediately agreed and was immensely helpful as I moved forward with my research. Pam and I have been friends since!
Recently, Pam was honored with an official proclamation in recognition of the 130th anniversary of the paper's publication by State Representative Aaron Michlewitz (see photo), as well as for her steadfast and unwavering support of the Italian-American community and residents of the North End.
Pam has done a remarkable job advancing the mission of the paper -- the longest continuously published ethnic newspaper in the United States -- and fulfilling a true legacy of love. A paper first published in Italian over a century ago by her grandfather, James, the Post-Gazette became an English-language paper and was operated by Pam's father, Caesar, and mother, Phyllis.
When Pam took over the business, she dedicated herself to upholding and further promoting the Italian-American culture, ideals, and traditions articulated more than a century ago by her grandfather -- hard work, love of family, commitment to community. She is proud of her family legacy and its perseverance even in tough times. The Post-Gazette has never once missed a weekly publication in its 130-year history!
Any honor Pam receives is so well-deserved. She has been recognized nationally for her work and philanthropic activities, and been the subject of numerous media stories -- but she has never forgotten her roots.
There is not enough space here for me to enumerate Pam's countless contributions to the North End community, nor the number of times she has helped people who have stopped by her door at the Post-Gazette office on Little Prince Street.
I'm just so honored and grateful that she extended a helping hand to this author two decades ago!
Thanks and congratulations, Pam!
| | | Speaking of the North End, It's Always a Treat to Lead Tours (Large or Small) of the Historic Neighborhood! | | |
If you've been following me here, you know that I often give tours of Boston's historic North End. These are usually associated with book clubs or community groups, or sometimes just private tours that people request.
Here's a recap of two tours -- one large and part of a community group, and one small and private. Both were enormously gratifying -- it's an honor to share the vibrancy and history of the North End neighborhood with people who enjoy and respect history!
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Thanks to the Southborough (MA)
Trail Blazers...
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Many thanks to the nearly 40 members of the Southborough (MA) Trail Blazers Club for sponsoring a tour of Boston's North End!
I appreciated the efficiency with which this large group moved through the narrow streets of this busy neighborhood, as well as their excellent questions and kind comments afterward.
Thanks to Hal Kiess for being my main contact as we planned the event. A really fun day!
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...and to Billy McCarty and Elaine Little
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I was thrilled to conduct a private tour of Boston's North End for Elaine Little and Billy McCarty of Phenix City, Alabama (located across the river from Columbus, Georgia on the AL-GA state line) on their first visit to Boston!
Billy and Elaine are retired, love to travel, and are huge history buffs. Billy was a Battalion Chief for many years with the Columbus, GA Fire Department. So in addition to the historical portion of the tour, we stopped into the Hanover Street fire station to say hello.
Many thanks to the firefighters from Engine 8 and Ladder 1, who made Billy feel right at home, and presented him with a BFD jersey! "The chief is in the House," exclaimed one BFD firefighter when he learned of Billy's background.
After my tour (and lunch in the Italian North End, of course), Billy and Elaine were heading to nearby Charlestown for a tour of the USS Constitution.
Welcome to Boston, Billy and Elaine!
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World War II Ended 80 Years Ago This Month --
A Visit to a Cape Cod Museum Reminds Us
of Homefront Contributions
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On September 2, 1945, after six years of brutal fighting, World War II, the most destructive and consequential war in history, came to an end when the Japanese surrendered to the Allies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur (shown in the surrender photo here), Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific, presided over the surrender.
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It seemed fitting, then, during a summer weekend on Cape Cod, my wife Kate and I, along with some dear friends, visited the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, including the Marconi/RCA-Wireless Museum, which tells the story of Chatham's contributions during WWII's Battle of the Atlantic.
Dubbed the "World's Greatest Coastal Station," the museum building was once home to the largest ship-to-shore radiotelegraph station in the United States. It was established in 1921 by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) -- seven years after Guglielmo Marconi constructed the site -- and was known to mariners worldwide as Chatham Radio, WCC.
During WWII, Navy personnel monitored messages from German U-boats prowling the Atlantic. They intercepted Morse code signals, encrypted by the German Enigma machine, and relayed them to Washington D.C., where they were decrypted at the Navy's secret sub-tracking room (related note: see my book recommendations below, where I summarize Phantom Fleet, which tells the story of the search for German U-boats).
This museum is a bit of a hidden gem on Cape Cod! I found it interesting and informative in the way it depicted an important slice of WWII history.
Thanks to our friend, Ed Stratton, for bringing it to our attention and organizing the outing!
PS - If you visit the museum, I suggest you top off your day of history with an evening that features a Cape Cod sunset, as Kate and I enjoyed
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Thanks to the Latest Group of Readers Who Have Commented on My Books!
As I've mentioned before, if there is anything better than having loyal readers, it's that they feel comfortable -- even enthusiastic -- about writing to me to offer their opinions. I cherish this interaction, and to pay tribute to such thoughtful readers, I wanted to share my most recent correspondence here. You can find more reader comments by visiting the What Readers are Saying section of my website. Read on and enjoy!
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Summer reading is the best reading, and there's nothing more gratifying on a summer day than getting an email from a reader who has enjoyed one of my books -- especially one he has enjoyed poolside!
Say hello to Commander Thomas J. O'Malley, Jr., U.S. Navy (retired), who wrote to me from Tampa, Florida to say how much he enjoyed A CITY SO GRAND.
"I treasure my copy absolutely," he said. "The book itself is an awesome work...I believe it should be required reading for all students in Boston. Thank you for your work."
Tom is a native of South Boston, a graduate of UMass-Boston (my alma mater!), and served in numerous posts in the Navy and the Naval Reserve. While on active duty, he served on the USS Capricorn, the USS Guam, and the USS Basilone, and served as a combat advisor to the Vietnamese Navy. After serving in the Reserve, he was recalled to active duty and was deployed to the Persian Gulf for anti-terrorism operations.
His civilian career was in the airline industry, where he worked for TWA, American, and PanAm airlines.
Grateful thanks to Tom for his service to our country and his kind words about my book!
Keep reading for additional correspondence,
and my sincere thanks to all readers who take the time to write!
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Jonathan Baird, Concord NH
I am a fan of your book about Charles Sumner [THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST]. It was a great read. A long time ago I was a history major in college and I like reading history, but it is rare to find historians who tell the story as well as you. I like the way you have very crisp chapters. Also you did a great job getting inside Sumner, who certainly was a quirky dude.
Most historians are poor writers, I think. You are an exception. Historians often tend to be dense or focus on telling facts but they don’t necessarily create a good story line. You do that very well.
Sumner is a total hero to me. I appreciate you writing about him because I am afraid he is an unknown now. Anyway I mostly wanted to say thanks. That read made me curious to check out your other books.
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Brett L. Gold, New York City
I just finished reading your new book [THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST], and learned much about Sumner, who I had always been curious about ever since I took a course on Civil War and Reconstruction in college almost 50 years ago, taught by Eugene Genovese.
I was a history major in college and have kept up my interest, in recent years spending a lot of time reading about Atlantic slavery, and so was surprised that I had never heard of the Pearl episode, the Sarah Roberts case, or the Trent Affair. Thank you for bringing these important moments in American history to my attention.
Also, I'm used to seeing extensive notes at the back of history books, or at least references to sources combined w/page numbers. You went a different route with your topical bibliographical essays, and I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying they were to read. Overall, I agree with your other readers that your decision to skip detailed notes worked very well.
I look forward to reading your next book.
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Kevin Monahan, Arcola, IL
I recently took my wife and 3 young sons to Boston. My highlight was the Duck Tour in which the guide mentioned the Molasses Flood. I barely knew what molasses was and certainly didn't know anything about a flood over 100 yrs ago. But he mentioned your book [DARK TIDE] and said it was a really good book.
I ordered it that night and even though I consider myself a slow reader - completed it in just over 2 weeks. I was fascinated with the story and you did an incredible job bringing it to life.
I write this only to thank you and wish you Godspeed.
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Richard Yanco, Nashua, NH
I just finished reading your wonderful book A CITY SO GRAND. It was very well written and more than interesting. I used to have an office in Boston and was surprised to learn that the Great Boston Fire began across the street from my office. I was also surprised to learn the depth of the abolitionist movement in Boston. I worked for years across the Fort Point Channel from South Station in the Boston Wharf District and often walked downtown for lunch or stopped into the chapel in back of South Station.
I have also ordered a copy of VOYAGE OF MERCY and am looking forward to reading it. My grandmother came from County Mayo, which was one of the hardest hit regions of the famine.
I recommend all of your books to all of my friends. Sad to say I don’t have as many of those as I used to.
Thanks for helping to fill my days with your wonderful history.
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| It Was a Summer for Podcast Appearances! | | |
I really enjoy being a guest on podcasts, especially those that are well done. I like the informal, conversational style, and I'm always pleased when a host has spent the time to know the subject well. During the summer, I had the pleasure to be a guest on two podcasts with great hosts!
First, a big thank you to Mike Allen, who runs the very fine "Amazing Tales About History" podcast, for interviewing me about the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, which I write about in my book, DARK TIDE. It's about 20 minutes long, and Mike does a great job with the flow, pace, and the narration. You can listen here.
It was fun being his guest -- and I appreciate his kind comments at the end about DARK TIDE and my other books! Enjoy and let me know what you think.
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I also want to thank host Lee Stabert for inviting me to appear on her fine podcast, "Explain Boston to Me," to talk about my most recent book, THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union.
Lee is a transplant from Philadelphia who -- as her podcast title suggests -- is trying to learn as much about Boston as possible. And she's doing a great job! Lee's breezy, conversational style made this a fun experience for me It's about 50 minutes long (Lee introduces a few other items too). You can listen here. Enjoy!
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Looking Forward to a Busy and Fun
Fall Speaking Season!
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I'm preparing for an exciting and busy speaking season this fall, both public and private appearances. Remember, my schedule is subject to change -- you can always find up-to-date details on the Events page on my website.
Here's a quick preview:
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October 13 -- I'll be delivering the Columbus Day Breakfast keynote address for the Massachusetts Italian Heritage Month Committee (IHMC).
October 15 - Presentation on THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST hosted by the Sherborn (MA) History Center and Museum, venue is the Sherborn Public Library, 4 Sanger St., Sherborn. 7:00 p.m.
October 23 - Presentation on THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST at the Walpole (MA) Public Library, 143 School St. Walpole, 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Walpole Public Library.
November 6 - A DARK TIDE presentation at the luxurious Hub50House apartments, 50 Causeway St., Boston (private event).
November 13 - A presentation on THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST at The Village at Duxbury (MA) (private event).
November 15 - I'll be delivering the keynote speech at the Bellingham (MA) Local Author Expo at the Bellingham Public LIbrary, 100 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA (daylong event).
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And, More Information on my Upcoming Speaking Appearance in Gettysburg in November at The Lincoln Forum Conference!
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If you missed the last issue, here is a little more information I can share with you about my upcoming appearance at the prestigious THE LINCOLN FORUM November conference in Gettysburg, PA (one of my favorite historical places).
THE LINCOLN FORUM is an assembly of people who share a deep interest in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era. Through a roster of activities including symposia, tours, student essay competitions, teacher scholarships, a newsletter, and annual awards to recognize special contributions to the field of Lincoln studies, the Forum endeavors to enhance the understanding and preserve the memory of Abraham Lincoln. The conference usually draws upwards of 300 attendees.
Because of my book, THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union, the organizers have asked me to be part of a panel called "The Voice of the People: Lincoln and Congress." My panel will be held on Tuesday, November 18, and I'll be joined by prestigious authors and academics Jeffrey Boutwell, Fergus Bordewich, Cecily Zander, and moderator Michelle Krowl. I'm very much looking forward to it. You can find out more about the overall conference and the panel here.
My thanks to THE LINCOLN FORUM for this exciting opportunity and to you for your ongoing support of THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST, and my work in general.
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My Year-Long Thanks to All of You as I
Celebrate my 25th Year as an Author!
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I say it every time I publish a newsletter, and many times in between, but once again -- THANK YOU!
I'm so grateful for your support, and especially so as I celebrate my 25th year as an author. Consider this a year-long thank you to all of you who have supported me this year and for many years before!
I’ve been enormously blessed as an author – so many people have encouraged me and been by my side throughout the journey – and it all starts with you!
Whether you are a loyal and devoted reader, a good friend or family member, a school administrator or teacher, a member of a library staff, a book club member, a student who loves history or writing, part of a community organization, a corporate or non-profit staffer, a publicity professional, or a member of the media (and maybe you fill more than one of these roles!) -- you have all done so much to make my author career very special!
Thanks for your attendance at my author appearances, your emails, your visits to my website, your responses to my social media posts, your book purchases, and your general well wishes.
With eight published books, a ninth on the way, and 728 appearances since this journey began, you have humbled me with your support.
I'm profoundly grateful! I can't say it enough.
And I'm truly honored that you're members of the "Puleo team."
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And finally, a few books (besides mine)
for your reading pleasure..
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Those of you who have received my e-blasts before know that I like to recommend nonfiction books (with an occasional fiction title thrown in, like this issue) from other authors that I think you'll enjoy. Many of you have let me know that you appreciate this, which I'm glad to hear. I love talking about books, so consider this our online book club conversation.
For previous books I've recommended, you can always go to my "What I'm Reading" section of my Website (this issue's selections will be added shortly).
My suggestions for this issue:
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THE FIFTEEN: Murder, Retribution, and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America, by William Geroux
I really enoyed this book becasue it brought to light a little known aspect of the Second World War. During the war, some 400,000 German POWs were housed in hundreds of hastily built camps in the United States. They were well-fed, many worked on American farms, and some would even marry young women who lived on those farms. However, ardent Nazis in the camp took a dim view of fellow Germans who befriended their captors or even simply spoke negatively about the Nazi regime. In camp after camp, Nazis attacked and often killed fellow Germans they deemed disloyal to Hitler and the Third Reich. Fifteen of these killers were convicted and sentenced to death by secret U.S. military tribunals for acts of murder. In response, German authorities condemned fifteen American POWs to the same fate, most for minor or non-existent crimes. In the waning days of the war, as it faced certain defeat, Germany proposed a trade -- 15 German lives in exchange for 15 American lives. I'll stop there -- although this story is 100 percent true, there is a mystery quality to the ending. I'd rather not give it away!
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PHANTOM FLEET: The Hunt for Nazi Submarine U-505 and World War II's Most Daring Heist by Alexander Rose
There were lots of reasons I enjoyed this book, not the least of which is it featured as one of its major real-life characters Kenneth Knowles, who I also featured in my book, DUE TO ENEMY ACTION. Knowles ran the sub-tracking secret room in Washington D.C. during World War II, which tracked German u-boats prowling the East Coast of the U.S. In this book, Knowles helps U.S. Navy Captain Dan Gallery locate the U-505 to do something amazing -- steal a German Enigma machine for Knowles, which will help the Allies break German codes. Gallery's job was to make an entire U-boat, its crew, and its secrets vanish into thin air. Read this book to find out how Gallery and his crew fared!
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SAVE OUR SOULS: The True Story of A Castaway Family, Treachery, and Murder, by Matthew Pearl
On December 10, 1887, a shark-fishing boat disappeared. On board the doomed vessel were the Walkers -- the ship's captain, Frederick; his wife, Elizabeth; their three teenage sons; their dog -- and the ship's crew. A terrible storm split their boat in two and left those on board adrift in a raging sea. When the castaways awoke the next morning, they discovered they had been washed ashore on an island inhabited by a man named Hans. He is helpful at first and educates the Walkers about the island. But Hans has a secret...and the Walker family soon learns they are in danger. I enjoyed this book a lot, both the historical aspects and the mystery-story feel of the narrative. It's also the only known instance in history of an actual family of castaways.
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STRANGERS IN TIME (historical fiction special), by David Baldacci
London 1944. A city torn apart by German bombs for several years. Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters, without parents, scrounges to survive, stealing what he needs, living day to day, hoping to reach the age where he will be able to fight the Germans. He meets fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield, who has just returned to an unrecognizable London. One of millions of British children relocated to the countryside by her wealthy parents, Molly has been away from home for nearly five years; when she returns she is devastated to learn her parents are no longer there. Charlie and Molly befriend a book-shop owner who is mourning the recent loss of his wife. Togther they form a bond, but Ignatius, the bookseller, also is harboring a secret that could put them all in danger. I've said too much already! Baldacci, a great storyteller and narrative expert, is at his best here!
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