Gus Busbi

GOLD WINNER OF THE 2023 ICBA

Young Adult Christian Fiction Category!  

— ICBA JUDGE PANEL

Gus Busbi is book two of the Father Tom Fitzpatrick Series, written by Jim Sano.  

Jim Sano brings forth two very opposite characters, Jamiel and Gus Busbi, and brings them together to create an unforgiveable story of forgiveness.  Jamiel is a young teen from the Boston Projects, and Gus Busbi is an old, cranky Italian man who is losing faith in life and everything in it.  When Gus rents out his house to Jamiel's mom, who moved to create a better life for Jamiel, life begins to change for both Gus and Jamiel.  

Jamiel needs help after being tempted by social pressure of local gangs and he turns to his school Headmaster (Fr. Tom).  Fr. Tom guides Jamiel to help around Gus' house.  Gus and Jamiel both learn valuable lessons in real-life topics like violence and bigotry as well as kindness, caring and mercy.   Although this is a fiction, the situations are realistic and are relatable by many people in today's society. 

Jim Sano took two completely different types of people and brought them together to teach lessons of life, love, forgiveness and God, without being preachy.  Very well written and so description it can be envisioned while reading. 

  STAFF PICK and Recommended by the ICBA Panel of Judges! 

— ICBA JUDGE PANEL