Last Acts

Gun shop owner David Rizzo and his 30-year-old son Nick are a truly dysfunctional duo. Clumsily leaning on each other through drug overdoses, debt, and bad business decisions, they strive to better their relationship, scheme to improve their lives, and generally fail at both. At the heart of their plans and plots is the American dream of family and fortune. Over several years, they come to realize that maybe all they really need is each other. Sammartino makes a funny, fast-paced debut with this satirical literary novel about a flawed father and son and their big-fish, small-pond struggles. The narrative is both touching and topical, including gun violence and school shootings, drug addiction, and capitalism. Narrator Pete Simonelli captures the heartwarming and humorous relationships that fill this complex, character-driven story. His expressive performance enhances the listening experience of this thought-provoking tale.