What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I found one series of these called Two by Two, but that's really difficult to Google because there's also a Nicholas Sparks book by that name, apparently. And I can't find plot summaries. The specific book that I remember is pretty hazy, but one of the characters (I think the boy) works in his family's Italian grocery store. Set in America in the 80s or 90s.

Gotta be this series, but I don't know the exact book.

https://www.goodreads.com/series/64861

Bizarrely enough, I think there were at least two series like this! I'm going to find a couple of the ones from this series, though, and see if they're what I remember. Thank you.

There's also a list for Double Sided Books!

Of course there is! I'll take a look.

There is an author called Mike Gayle who I think might have written a book like this, though I never read it. He used to be an agony uncle in a magazine before he wrote books I think.

I think it's Here to Stay by M.L. Kennedy.

Thanks, you guys! Here to Stay is my best bet at this point, but I can't find a single copy online, and none of the local libraries have it either (as you'd expect). I will try interlibrary loan and report back.

Well, the ILL department got back to me and they can't get the book. And it's not available anywhere on the internet, not even Bookfinder. Very strange.

I'd like to keep this thread open and keep looking for a copy of Here to Stay. And of course I'd love any other suggestions that come to mind!

Super strange! There should be cheapie copies of this series all over.

Tony certainly sounds like the name of a boy who would work in his family's Italian grocery store, but that's not proof positive.

The only thing I remember from the book was Tony thinking something like, "Here lies Tony...he sliced thin gorgonzola."

Heh, Ann. Rainbowheart, the name Tony does sound familiar, and it's the best lead I have....

bump

Just to confirm, this book is for teens?

Yep

I checked Bookfinder again and still not a single copy of this book anywhere. Bizarre.

With the caveat that I have no idea how safe or legal this site is (I never heard of it before), you may (or may not) be able to download Here to Stay or read it online here:

https://bookz.4reads.live/10593540/bo...

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/here-to...

I'm guessing the one person already on the waitlist is you? ;)

Also supposing you are aware that you can set up a "want" on Abebooks.com (or .co.uk), too?

SamSpayedPI wrote: "With the caveat that I have no idea how safe or legal this site is (I never heard of it before), you may (or may not) be able to download Here to Stay or read it online here:

https..."

Sam, thanks for mentioning that caveat.

Sam, thank you. I was willing to give one of my burner email addresses to that site, but when it asked for my credit-card info, I bailed.

Capn, that isn't me; I only have a hold on the book at paperbackswap. I'll add myself to the two vendors you mentioned.

The good news: I got an email from AbeBooks that a copy of this was available, and I ordered it! Thanks, Capn.

The bad news: It never showed up. When I contacted the seller, ThriftBooks, yesterday, they had a tracking number that was never sent to me showing it was delivered on 8/15. Alas, it wasn't, and I got a refund. but I REALLY want this book.

WELL, I tried another Amazon search since it was on my mind, and they had a copy for $10 and I ordered it. Let's hope it comes!

Daisy wrote: "The good news: I got an email from AbeBooks that a copy of this was available, and I ordered it! Thanks, Capn.

The bad news: It never showed up. When I contacted the seller, ThriftBooks, yesterday..."

Oh no!! What a let down!!! :(

I'm so glad you could find another copy - that's some luck! :) Fingers crossed!!!

Got the book today and that is it! Here to Stay. Ann, the quote you remember is when Tony is sick of his job and thinks, "When I die, they'll probably put two things on my tombstone: Tony Cassini Was a Good Boy. He Sliced Thin Salami."

Thanks, everybody!

Great! Glad you found your book series, Daisy. Thanks for the update. The first book in the Two By Two series is Cassie & Chris by Sara Casey.

Yay, glad it's solved! I just knew Tony was going to be the name of a guy who worked in an Italian grocery store, lol.

I know, right?! 80s teen books are so predictable...

Woo hoo! :D

Glad you found it, Daisy! Thanks for sharing the actual quote.