TOO YOUNG TO RETIRE…MAN WRITES TRUE CRIME MOB BOOK. 200 REJECTIONS DIDNT DETER PITTSBURGH AUTHOR. LEFT FOR DEAD, LEAVING THE SHELVES AT BRISK PACE

First time local author, SAL GRECO, introduces ‘GOODFELLA, JOE BELLANTE, who went from mobster to minister.

(PRWEB) December 18, 2003 --
Great book. LEFT FOR DEAD is like a funny Sopranos."

From the trunk of his car, at meetings with local civic organizations, library presentations, book signings and the shelves of local book stores - Sal Greco's first book, LEFT FOR DEAD, sold out the first printing in three months and is in its second printing. According to Greco, "Ive set up in many different places to sell books…from a coffee house in Pittsburgh to a beach in
Naples, Florida."

After being rejected by agents and publishing houses, Greco became an independent publisher. "I knew the story was fascinating, with the characters and the right doses of drama and humor. People who read the early drafts couldn't put the story down. Im pleased that local sales have gone so well and I plan to reach out through book tours to a larger, national audience."

LEFT FOR DEAD is the true story of Joe Bellante who was an enforcer for organized crime in Pittsburgh. His job description at the time in his own words: "I do things to people." In 1972, at 32, with a wife and five kids, Joe lay in a Pittsburgh hospital fighting for his life after taking gunshots to the face from a fellow mobster and being "left for dead".
                                            
Greco offers a rare inside glimpse of life in organized crime, as it really exists, not the glamorous view from the top, but a grittier view from the underbelly. LEFT FOR DEAD, a true story, is sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, but always real.

Greco was inspired to write the book after meeting Joe Bellante on the TV show, HIS PLACE, where Greco is an actor. Greco told his wife Terri, Joe fascinated me and had a ton of intriguing stories. He was a good-bad guy with a moral conscience even though he was involved in organized crime."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Sal Greco lives in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. His corporate experience was in computer sales followed by a professional speaking career. He is an actor on the TV show HIS PLACE on Cornerstone Television. He has been a short story writer, columnist and publisher of EXPRESSIONS magazine and SCENE newspaper. He has had numerous articles published in Dynamic Business, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh City Paper, In Pittsburgh Magazine and The North Hills News Record. He is a graduate of Duquesne University.

Acclaim for LEFT FOR DEAD

"Next stop…Oprah! Yours should be a book club selection. Your style and wit are just wonderful to watch! Your program could not have been more enjoyable. It was evident that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed you and your fascinating stories. I consider your presentation to be our most successful adult program to date! I hope that you can return to speak to us again sometime in the future. "

Rachel M. Corbett, Head of Reference Services, Bethel Park Public Library

"There have been a lot of books written about organized crime but never one like this. It is a tale of one man's journey from rebellion to ruin to restoration of his soul. Having known Joe for over 40 years, I can assure the readers that the author has captured the raw energy of Joes incredible life."

Reid Carpenter - CEO, Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation

"Even when he was on the street, Joe never wanted to hurt anybody--unless they really deserved it. These days, hell fight for your soul with the same strength that he flexed in the bad old days. Hes an American classic--the tough guy with a heart of gold who found redemption."

Joseph Sabino Mistick,    Law Professor, Duquesne University

We live in a fast-paced, visual society with micro-second attention spans. Joe Bellante comes from an era before that - when things went unspoken and cameras didnt tag along - but his larger-than-life story is more colorful than anything ‘reality TV could possibly come up with. No staging, no hypocrisy, just the action of one mans incredible life laid bare."

Scott Kerschbaumer – Executive Producer - Chapel Films.

Humor – tragedy – what a read!"

Carol Kennedy - Writer

Sopranos meets Get Shorty. Normally, I wouldnt read anything like this, but after I read a few chapters I couldnt put the book down. I pictured these guys as regular people. Its easy to get caught up in this funny, light read."

Carol Silvis – Teacher, Author

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