Two Ventnor City residents Janet Robinson Bodoff and Leesa Toscano have compiled an anthology book called “Speaking Atlantic City Recollections and Memories”.
The anthology is filled with nostalgic stories, essays and poetry about Atlantic City through the decades. Writers from allover the world have contributed to the book.
Memories of Atlantic City’s past remained etched in the hearts of millions of visitors and locals alike who sought out the bright lights and sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore.
Floats festooned with blooming flowers paraded down the boardwalk carrying Miss America contestants during the annual pageant, drawing huge crowds for decades.
Streetcars ran the length of Atlantic Avenue until 1955, and the call of the motorman announcing each stop can still be heard in the dreams of past vacationers and residents.
The burgers and birch beer slung from the lunch counter of Hi-Hat Joe’s attracted thousands of teenagers from near and far in the 1950s and ’60s.
Mobsters, politicians and entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin frequented the bustling midcentury 500 Club.
“Speaking of Atlantic City Recollections and Memories will be in bookstores and online on October 3, 2022.
You can preorder your book today on Amazon.
About the Authors
Leesa Toscano is a writer, poet and Atlantic City native. She has been published in poetry anthologies and has published a children’s title called Eat Your Vegetables (Publish America in 2012). Leesa is the Winner of the Angel of the Arts award from the Martin S. Wilson Jr. Center for the Arts.
Janet Bodoff is a retired newspaper reporter and graphic designer from Atlantic City. Her work has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Bulletin, Philadelphia Journal, Rolling Stone, Concert Magazine and more. Her poetry has appeared in several poetry anthologies, including Pasta & Poetry and Tour of Poetry.
For interviews and speaking engagements:
Leesa Toscano at leesatoscano122@gmail.com
Janet Bodoff at janetbodoff@gmail.com