The Domino Effect

I began reading The Domino Effect with fervent anticipation. I had read a sample before the book arrived, and I had a good feeling about it. One can often, but not always, tell a bad book from the first paragraph, but one can certainly tell a really, really good one that way.<br /><br />Case in point. When I read the sample, the author's voice, or more to the point, the voice of Danny "Domino" Rorro stood out as something I wanted more of. The ambiance was set, and I sensed I was in for a fantastic ride. I buckled up, as it were, and I held on.<br /><br />Even though I turned pages quickly on this book, it was not so that I could skim through and get to the end. It was because I thirsted for every next word. There was not a page, or paragraph, that I didn't enjoy.<br /><br />With my editor's hat on, this book did not disappoint. Being the self-appointed grammar police, I have no citations to write. This is no first draft thrown together for quick release, no, it is clearly evident that time, faith and patience ~ not to mention love ~ went into making this book a shining example of what to do.<br /><br />With my writer's hat on, I felt that exhilarating feeling a writer gets when reading a well-crafted amalgamation of words: Inspired. I do not know if this came easily and effortlessly to Andrew Cotto, or if he wrote and rewrote—it does not matter. What matters is that he did all of the right (write) stuff and somehow missed the blunders, and this inspires me, as a writer, to reach for the bar.<br /><br />Finally, and most importantly, with my reading glasses on (I do not wear a hat for this!), although it is an overused phrase, I could not put this book down. I mean, I did, because sometimes you need two hands for things, or because you realize that your toddler is going to wake up in four hours and you probably should sleep...but I didn't want to. While a good writer knows how to show, not tell, a great writer actually makes the reader feel as if they are in the story, part of the situations transpiring, not merely an interested observer. Andrew Cotto did this for me. The sensory details are brilliantly cultivated—I not only felt the feelings, I smelled the smells—good and bad—and I heard the sounds, both loud and quiet. I felt the warmth of the sunbeams, the snap of the winter air and the pain of life's ups and downs. I'm not too proud to admit, I kind of welled-up more than a few times, in a good way, though. I swear.<br /><br />The characters were diverse, yet not contrived to be so. They related to each other in a very real way, and in a way they felt real to me, too. Danny Rorro is the kind of stand-up guy I would want in my corner.<br /><br />I was captivated, enamored, surprised, delighted, entertained, and really, just happy to be reading it. There is an honesty and humor in these pages that doesn't come along every day, but when it does, it is something that should be acknowledged and paid forward. That is what I am doing. Read this book, as a favor to yourself, I can't see how you would regret it. I swear.<br /><br />*In the interest of full-disclosure, I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. My integrity however, is not based on quid pro quo; therefore, you have my personal guarantee that the glowing nature of this review is completely unbiased.

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br />While this is in the realm of YA, this is not the typical book that I read. That said, I really enjoyed The Domino Effect. This book focuses on the internal and external journey of Danny (Domino) as he goes through his turbulent teenage years. We travel with him through his rough childhood and growing up in his Italian family as well as going with him to boarding school where he juggles a beautiful girlfriend, wrestling bullies, and a nerdy roommate.<br /><br />The strength of this novel is in its characters. Danny himself is painfully unaware of the teachings of his father for most of the book-- like most teenagers, all he can think about is himself and his problems. I loved how he grew and developed throughout the book and finally learned how to care for others the hard way (which always seems to be the case in the teenage years!!!). I thought that Brenda Divine was a terrific character, and she got her moment of glory in the end, which I appreciated. <br /><br />The one thing that I was less enamored with was the conversations between Danny and the guys. It was harder to read because most of them had some type of lingo, and there were pages of just joshing around-- which while accurate, took away from the main storyline for me. That said, there was a wonderful moment between Danny and his roommate Sam, which I loved.<br /><br />Overall, this was a wonderful book, and I greatly enjoyed reading it.

I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 12/16/11<br />Almost been 6 weeks and still haven't received. :( 01/23/12<br />Received last night 2/2/12 and started today 2/3/12<br />Finished last night. 2/5/12<br /><br />Domino is growing up in New York in a predominantly Italian neighborhood. He has his group of friends that play ball. He is savagely attacked at the end of his freshman year due to the racist feelings of his former friends because his father has been accepting the new Hispanic residents in the neighborhood. His sophomore year, he is sent to a catholic school, where he endures life dealing with his rage at everyone especially his father, and struggling with the strict rules. Finally, the guidance counselor suggests his parents send him to boarding school. For his Junior and Senior year, he goes to Camden Academy. Here he meets the girl of his dreams and becomes friends with a few of the guys. Just when he thinks things are getting better, teenage tragedy strikes again. <br /><br />This is a book that I won on Goodreads Giveaways, but never received. But once I contacted Mr. Cotto, he sent me a copy straight away. <br /><br />I enjoyed this book. I have personally never seen the types of racism or hate that this book portrays, but it came across very realistic. I liked how the father was understanding yet firm in his rebuttal of the Domino's actions. The father saw the good in everyone, especially his son, and that isn't always the case with parents in books anymore. My only issue <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="dcd66749-b840-4c0e-8c0d-be11370c4619" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="dcd66749-b840-4c0e-8c0d-be11370c4619">I wanted the wrestlers to get some of what was coming to them. What Domino did at the end, wasn't near enough punishment for what they all deserved.</label><br />

<b>domino effect</b> - the consequence of one event setting off a chain of similar events (like a falling domino causing a whole row of upended dominos to fall)<br /><br />This is the story of Danny Rorro. A kid from Queens, who has been raised to accept people for who they are and to always do the right thing. Until there is an event that occurs which will change Danny and the way that he views things. A decision is made to send Danny off to boarding school where Danny's roommate is Terence, the only black student in the whole of Hamden Academy. It's also here that he meets and falls in love with the girl of his dreams, Brenda Divine.<br /><br />Andrew Cotto is great at telling a story. His characters and the situations they find themselves in are completely believable. There were times that I felt such sympathy and compassion for Danny and then at times when he was being impulsive and hatching plans (and boy, he comes up with some schemes) where I was begging him to just stop and think!!<br /><br />For me, this wasn't an action packed, fast paced story, but a story about life and the complexities of it. It's a story that deals with some pretty hard hitting subjects, but it's also a story that could quite easily be about somebody that we know. It's a story that show's us that one decision, whether wrong or right can impact on not just us, but all of those around us and put in place a whole chain of events.<br /><br />A really well written story that I have no trouble recommending! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review it!

This is a wonderfully told coming-of-age story about the shortcomings, dreams and desires of Danny Rorro. He is always trying to forget his past, but his present-day adventures and fighting with the school wrestlers leads to love, loss of the girl he desires force him to face up to the things he tries so hard to ignore. A great story that left me wanting more as the final chapter came to a close.

The Domino Effect by Andrew Cotto. Thanks to the author for the gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️<br /><br />After experiences in his previous neighborhood leave Danny scarred and disillusioned, he begins boarding school at the elite Hamden Academy. <br /><br />I just love a good coming of age story, and this was my favorite type. An adolescent boy, boarding school, pranks, a wise and kind-hearted but unappreciated father... this book has the best of the coming of age genre. Danny learns as he goes along, often times making the wrong decisions along the way but growing from his experiences. The book is a steady pace throughout and is pretty reflective of a typical adolescent. There really isn’t any huge climax or bang of excitement, but that is what I appreciated about the book. We watch Danny grow as we may any teenage boy in America, but we are privy to his inner thoughts, doubts, and embarrassments. We also have a pretty lovable cast around him; a nerdy sidekick, jock bullies, a wise Atticus Finch type father, and a well-intentioned (but often missing the mark) school supervisor. On top of all this, it takes place in the 90’s and we watch Danny friends fall in love with the emerging grunge scene. While Danny has many flaws, his most obvious may be his dislike of Pearl Jam and other grunge rockers!<br /><br />“We all have stories, Daniel, and you are certainly in the midst of a very compelling one.”

Some time in the early 1990s Danny Rorro – Domino to his old friends – goes to a rural boarding school to get away from the trouble that keeps finding him at home in Queens. Not bad enough to be wild and too hot-headed to stay out of trouble, Danny makes the best of things at his new school, until he doesn’t.<br />.<br />I picked up The Domino Effect after I heard Andrew Cotto read an extract from his crime book at Virtual Noir at the Bar (VNATB), and because I couldn’t get hold of that book at the time. I’ve listened to dozens of writers during last year’s sessions, but Cotto is one of the ones that really stood out. And I wasn’t disappointed.<br />.<br />For all I couldn’t quite put my finger on what this book was, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the elegant writing. Part coming of age novella, part YA fiction, The Domino Effect is intriguing. For all there are a dozen characters, it’s really all about the type of person Danny is, no matter where he is, and how that can get you in trouble when you’re a kid. From the way he chats up a girl with a practiced routine, to the wink that diffuses a volatile situation at school I could absolutely see this character. I could see the boy from my school who was most like him, and it made me wonder what he’s up to now… <br />.<br />At times I was a bit confused as Domino’s moral compass seems to swing to fit his mood. In one chapter he’s was the pillar of respectability and in the next he does something unbelievably stupid. But maybe I’m just too far removed from that teenage mentality to appreciate the thought process (or lack thereof). And actually, now that I think about it, maybe that makes the story even more authentic. As does his slightly out-of-time obsession with Bruce Springsteen while his friends are moving on to grunge music.<br />.<br />The Domino Effect definitely reminded me of the type of story – be it book or film – I devoured as a teenager. And it was nice to go back there.

“This is a story that will make you think about your own actions in your everyday life. I think readers can get more from this book than just the pleasure of reading it. It’s about a young boy’s memorable journey growing up. I'm definitely amazed. Well done.” – Ara of <a href="http://www.mybookandmycoffee.com" rel="nofollow noopener">My Book and My Coffee</a><br /><br />Indeed, The Domino Effect is a fast-paced and powerful story. And I mean, totally. You would think that a coming-of-age novel will be dragging and boring for most parts but not for this one. It is a journey that I think everyone should know or read about. It’s one of those stories that will surely make you think about your own life, what you did, why you chose a certain path. It will make you think about things – things that actually matter and the ones that will have an impact (good or bad and the awkward in-between).<br /><br />The main character here is a teenage boy named Danny ‘Domino’ Rorro. I like him. I mean, he’s not perfect. He’s flawed but that’s normal. I liked how the author created him to be like that. A normal kid, one that has experienced a lot during the start of his teenage years but still was able to make a difference.<br /><br />Brenda Divine – cool name, huh? I think so, too! She is Danny’s love interest. She’s a sensitive girl and she has a secret. :) Seriously, I am impressed on how she carried herself with a secret like that. Can’t reveal what the secret was though. But I just want to comment that it must be really hard for her to have experienced such. Thinking about it now, it must be so traumatic for her. I mean, at that age, everything is supposed to be sacred (or at least, that’s how I see it), but this happens in real life no doubt. Anyway, you have to read the book to find out. :)<br /><br />The rest of the characters are all fine. It makes sense that they are included in the story. I didn’t like the wrestlers though. They are mean (being a wrestler doesn't necessarily give you the right to be mean :) ) and regarded themselves as people of importance. Right there… I got carried away again. This just shows how effective the characters are in this book.<br /><br />I loved how the story ended. It’s not at all perfect but it’s close to it. It’s realistic and I’m sure, you’ll agree with me once you've finished reading the book yourself.<br /><br />To sum it up, The Domino Effect is a really fantastic read. For a coming-of-age novel, this one will not disappoint. You’ll see the transformation that needs to be delivered. I love that the characters the author created are effective and that the storytelling was entertaining. To all my readers, friends and visitors, you have to check this one out!

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2zUQZEQXdw/TvKFF-HC9dI/AAAAAAAABLg/ngyTWkisG-w/s1600/domino_effect.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380363846i/715372.jpg" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br>This book was sent to me by the author. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read your work. Great book!<br><br>On the back cover:<br>"The Domino Effect is the story of Danny Rorro, a charismatic kid from Queens poisoned by the past. A series of painful defeats have left him scarred and isolated from his neighborhood, his parents, and, most significantly, the benevolent ways of his childhood when he was known as "Domino." With great insight, imagery and wit, Danny recalls his past in Queens and his coming-of-age at Hamden Academy. This fast-paced and powerful story is rich with conflict, humor, tenderness and music- just like life, especially when coming-of-age."<br><br>Jennifer's Review:<br>I liked this book. The story was a page turner, I had to know what would happen next. I would have finished in a few days except that we are coming up on Christmas. Danny is very believable and I found myself rooting for him through the whole book...almost. There is one moment where his mistake was a bit too disgusting but he figured that one out, too. (He pooped in the wrestler's shoes.)<br><br>Neat story from beginning to end. Now, for the reason I can't give this book five stars. The language and sexual content. I understand that teenage boys can have naughty mouths but I don't want to read about them. Plus, all of the content about what boys may do or think in private was too much. I have to take away a star and a half for this. Otherwise, a great book.<br><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cngq6eKktIQ/TvKH2jHfZiI/AAAAAAAABLs/Znp8jbP9GVU/s1600/3.5_starsw.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380363846i/715373.jpg" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

Every once and a while a young adult book comes along that surprises me. The Domino Effect falls into this category, both thoughtful-- yet humorous, moralistic-- yet light-hearted. Cotto's coming-of-age story left me invigorated, and thinking to myself, “Now, that's how you tell a story.”<br /><br />Though The Domino Effect has not seen the rampant readership like current fantasy and sci-fi novels, it should. The story chronicles the high school career, particularly the senior year, of Danny “Domino” Rorro. After a violent attack at his old school, Danny's parents enroll him in Hamden Academy, a prestigious boarding school far different than life at home. Danny manages to maintain his comical out-look on life in this new setting, though he carries scars from the past. Things begin to change for Danny when he is assigned a roommate, Terance King, the only African American at Hamden Academy. This event propels both boys into a conflict of race that tests them to the core and changes them forever. <br /><br />Though the novel takes a while to warm up, the depth of Danny's character will draw you in and keep you captive. Danny's wise-cracking, street-wise Italian voice will keep you chuckling. Cotto is a master at the adolescent banter and the descriptions of Hamden, told through Danny, were pitch perfect. The tender romance between Danny and Brenda Devine is touching and heartfelt. My one complaint would be that Cotto opens with pages of exposition on the previous three years, much of which could have been dealt out later or cut completely. I fear that readers may get bogged down in the first few pages and miss the gold lurking beyond. <br /><br />Overall, The Domino Effect, does not disappoint. You'll find yourself cheering for Danny through the end. But more importantly, you'll find yourself reflecting on deep issues, something that is often lacking in teen literature of today. <br /><br />If you liked this review, you can find more at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.undergroundbookreviews.com">www.undergroundbookreviews.com</a>