Falling Star

About the Book

In this collection of seven short stories and reminiscences, Joanna deBaroncelli writes of the humor, joy, and lurking tragedy of life.

In the title story, "Falling Star" gets a spectacular comeuppance that answers his mother's prayers in an unexpected way. A young girl copes with a potent and confusing loss by venturing into the forbidden world of "The Hollow." A young aviator, "Lulu," flies booze for the mob during Prohibition in a World War I Jenny and makes a happy and prosperous landing.

In "The Window of Truth," a young, idealistic king brings a wondrous gift to his people, a window that calms the furious powers of lust, resentment and delusion, but do they appreciate it?

Carefree hearts of college days meet death head-on in "Ohio University." A hard-strapped princess takes an unlikely companion as her savior in "The Last of Front Page Days." A symbol of endurance, "The Black Figurine" outlasts a life lived dangerously at times.

And "Eold" puts a new spin on the golden years.

About the Author

Joanna deBaroncelli retired as a child support investigator for the Los Angeles District Attorney. She has two sons: Denis, who has gone on ahead, and Edmund, plus granddaughters Michelle, Nicolle, and Maya. She is now an interviewer for the Los Angeles Times Poll and resides in Monrovia, California.