The Constant Outsider - Tapa dura

The Constant Outsider chronicles the radical choices made by the author as part of an intense struggle to fit in and be accepted within the challenging and often violent environments of Dorchester, South Boston and beyond.This memoir is a true and exciting account of what it was like for the son of an Italian immigrant to grow up, live, and work in the predominantly Irish sections of Boston, Massachusetts during some of the most volatile and violent decades in their histories. For those who were not exposed first hand to the extreme criminal activity and violence which was Southie during the Whitey Bulger years, the events the author experienced and the people he encountered should prove riveting. Having to co-exist with killers, drug dealers and other assorted criminals, as well as the many fine and honest people that were part of the community, sometimes caused the author to walk a fine line between participating in or rejecting the lawlessness that surrounded him.

Tom wanted to illustrate the survival tactics that were part of every day life while in the city, and also cover the extreme dangers which were surprisingly easy to find in the suburbs as well. The chapters document how the choices he made in order to gain acceptance, actually molded the type of life that would define him. His hope is that others might pause and think before making similarly reckless and life altering decisions.
Often, the choices he made had very costly or near-fatal consequences.

Most notable is the period of time the author spent living and working in South Boston during its most tumultuous period in recent history. Three significant influences came into play during this era. The author was living directly across the street from South Boston High School during the protests and violence which were the result of court ordered "Forced Busing" and the desegregation of Boston´s school system. Secondly, Mob boss Whitey Bulger was increasingl

About the Author: Tom grew up in Boston's predominantly Irish working class neighborhoods. He operated an automotive service station on East Third Street, in South Boston, until 1987. Tom is a certified scuba diver, ultralite aircraft pilot, and motorcycle enthusiast. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife Diane and son Ken.