The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic

By Thomas M. Cirignano

Book Overview

Growing up in Dorchester presented real challenges, but once the author took over the family's auto repair shop in South Boston, life became intense. Mob-enforcers, drug dealers, killers, and cops became Tom's friends and customers, which made each moment in "Southie" unpredictable. This was the era of unbridled crime, courtesy of mob-boss James "Whitey" Bulger. Tom walked a fine line between two conflicting worlds just to co-exist. Within feet of his office at the shop, Whitey Bulger threatened Tom with a gun. Another day, a man was gunned-down at the gas pumps. A black man was brutally attacked by a gang of raging youths wielding hockey sticks. At a home down the street, Whitey was killing people and burying them in the cellar. One morning, the author confronted a would-be killer at the shop. That man later returned and emptied a 9MM clip into Tom's friend.
On the lighter side, there were lots of fun times too. A friendly drug dealer often tossed free samples from his car window while driving by as Tom pumped a customer's gas. There was never a dull moment in Southie during the 1970's & 80's. Your adrenaline will spike while reading "The Constant Outsider" as you experience a truly surreal time in Boston history. How did the author survive his gunpoint encounter with Whitey? You'll probably laugh, as Tom did, because his memoir is tempered by amazing humor.
Tom's life story will inspire you to follow your dreams. His past is proof-positive that if you want something badly enough, and express your wishes to others, those dreams and wishes will often become reality, as they did for Tom.

*Notes: There are numerous related photographs throughout this book. "The Constant Outsider" also offers a unique opportunity for each reader to record his or her own life changing events through the use of "Reader's Notes" pages at various points.
Thomas Cirignano also authored a fictional adaptation of "The Constant Outsider", titled "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer". In real life, the author declined numerous offers from both the Irish and Italian Mobs to become seriously involved in criminal activities. Within "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer", Tom's fictional character, named "Nick", says "Yes" to each and every one of those illicit opportunities to see how those alternate decisions could have changed the trajectory of his life. Those offers were quite substantial, including an offer from the mob to kill a man for him. Tom does not recommend "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer" for younger or sensitive readers due to the violent content and strong adult language.
This true memoir, "The Constant Outsider", was written to be enjoyed by all ages.

REVIEWS: "You will smile, laugh, and cringe with horror as you read his efforts to survive in the Mob-controlled environment of South Boston. While he has always been remarkable courageous, Tom has not always had the wisdom to match."
Izzy Kalman, Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Bullies2Buddies.Com "Recommended Reading"

"The Constant Outsider" is a well written memoir that gets you to think about the impact your actions, even the most ordinary ones, have on others. Tom tells a story that so many of us can relate to. Whether you grew up on a city block or in a rural suburb, you'll find a lot in common with Tom, a guy who often bucked the system to live a decent life."
Jordan Rich, WBZ Radio, Boston.

"Folks Read the book now, because when they make the movie, you'll be able to say, I read that when..."
Paul Lazarovich, WVBF Radio, Cranberry Country Journal.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CCCKFTQT
• ISBN13: 9798852631879
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"