In this true story set in the 1970s, you’ll look through the eyes of then 14-year-old Kevin Purcell, who’s now a professional advertising writer, as he watches his perfect childhood neighborhood turn into a racial battleground, where two young kids are stabbed to death, including one of Kevin’s friends. Read as the author describes what it was like as young kids, black and white, from working-class families suddenly find themselves on the front lines of racial upheaval.
Kevin Purcell is the second oldest of five boys raised by Joe and Mary Purcell in Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (MBS) in Southwest Philadelphia. Kevin graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Journalism/Advertising. His advertising career includes positions at: The Philadelphia Inquirer, National Liberty Marketing, Ogilvy & Mather Direct (New York), and The McClure Group, where Kevin served as Partner, Vice President, and Creative Director. Since 1997, Kevin has been creating TV commercials and direct mail packages from his home-based business, Purcell Direct, Inc. Kevin lives in West Chester, PA with his wife, Jeani, and two children, Christian and Jenny-kate.
The first chapter is great and definitely leaves you wanting to read more!
Shanna
A timely and poignant memoir about race relations in Philly during the 1970's. Lots of Philly nostalgia and tons of heart. This would make a great movie!
Cynthia
Great Book,could not put it down,Brings back alot, Most good some just the way it was at the time.
Joe Connolly
Having grown up very close to and played many hours at Meyers in the mid to late 60's it was like going back in time.It was almost like being next to Kevin as he lived his life in SW Philly. Every place mentioned throughout the book MBS ,the Food Store , Cahill's , Mitchell School (where I went)all brought back vivid memories. Some of my best friends lived on the 60th st side ,I even played ball in every place mentioned even Narbeth which Kevin experienced later in life. Some of the memories hurt slightly like Richie Berberian whom I played against in the Bartram /West wars and was a close friend. Great Book ----------Toby
Richard Tyler