“A Chicago saloon in the 1940s. Baseball. World War Two. Tough guys. Politics. Mobsters. Beautiful dames. Chicago Cubs. A smart-ass kid named Eddy. What could possibly go wrong? Ernie’s Bleachers. Get it. Read it. Love it.” Steven Decker, author of Cambridge Street
“A novel that’s just perfect for anyone who’s a Cubs fan, or from Chicago, or who’s Italian-American...or had a childhood.” Pat LoBrutto, Award winning Editor
“This book brings alive the colorful family who once lived where my office is now located. History resonates in these pages depicting the lively neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field.” Beth Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bleachers
“Pareti’s novel seamlessly weaves a deeply textured cast of characters along with a detailed chronicle of the atmosphere surrounding Chicago’s Wrigley Field when Lakeview was a blending of ethnic enclaves to deliver a patchwork quilt of the dominant topics facing Chicago at that time, war, baseball and crime. Reading Ernie’ Bleachers is like time-traveling back to 1940s Chicago and becoming the precocious protagonist in a compelling coming-of-age story that’s full of heart, hope, fear and wonder. It’s well worth the trip.” Steve Parolini, Author of Stolen Things
“Pareti paints a story of the Wrigleyville well before the rooftops and the gentrification, capturing not only the neighborhood; people, conflicts, flavors and tastes; but also, what it was to be an Italian-American. It’s a heartfelt and genuine piece of writing.“ Brian Bernardoni, Wrigley Field historian
"A deep dive into an era, a storied neighborhood, and events that deserve a second look. Ernie's Bleachers bleeds with atmosphere. It takes the nation's pulse during a seminal moment in the history of baseball and all of sports, with the shadowy beginnings of the Chicago Outfit, the brutal politics of Chicago, and the final chapter of World War II as its backdrop. This story of an Italian-American family trying to make it in the City of Big Shoulders during a dangerous time has it all." Michael Just, author of The Dirt
"Reading this book brought me down memory lane when life was simple. There was no TV or air conditioning. The neighbors were friendly, and everybody knew everybody. We lived so close to Wrigley Field we knew when the Cubs hit a home run or when they lost." Florence (Pareti) DeBellis
Facebook Reviews
“I'm reading it now and enjoying it” Gary Oseransky
“Great read” Daniel Turner
“Fun book. I enjoyed it.” Ken Mosholder
“Reminded me of my youth. It is about baseball, life, family, friendship but most of all yourself.” Robert L Contreras
“Totally in on this one” Su Lynn Hanson
“Terrific book” Ed Drozdowski
“I enjoyed listening to the audible version and recommended it to a couple of friends” Cynthia Hollinger Braziel
“About two-thirds of the way through. Very enjoyable read; well written.
Updated: finished! One of the most enjoyable baseball novels I’ve read in a while.” Peter Cavalier
“I thoroughly enjoyed the book” Robert Gregory
“It’s a great book, loved it” Greg Hagley
“I enjoyed the book, it was a good read”. Lori Resinger Nally
“Just finished Ernie’s Bleachers. I loved it. I was was born in Chicago and a Chicago sports fan. Especially since my parents wanted to send me to military school but they never pulled the trigger on it. Anyway I’m going to forward the book to one of my fellow Cub fans. I think he’s been to Murphy’s Bleachers.” John Delessio
“A great book” Al Blades
“Just finished it ! Absolutely loved it!!” Deborah Anderson
“I'm from Montrose and Western. I love this book.” Don Delbert
“Good story” Robert Rosenthal
“Ernie’s Bleachers” is a fantastic work of historical fiction that kept me interested, intrigued, and excited to see what was going to happen next. I loved the history of Ernie’s, which is now Murphy’s, and the stories told about the happenings in and out of the bar as well as all the trouble Eddy caused, eventually winding him up in military school. Super fun book and any Cubs fan would enjoy and appreciate this book!” Ryan Wadley
“From the first page to the last I was enthralled by the shenanigans of the local legend, Eddy Pareti. As a youngster, he ran the streets near Wrigley Field as though he owned them. Every situation he got himself into, he managed to finagle his way out. Kudos to Tim Pareti (author) for developing the fantasy mind of a teenager. If you love baseball, you won’t be disappointed.” Frank Gaziano
“A coming of age story set in Chicago at the tail end of WWII serves up a compelling dose of baseball, Italian family drama, and colorful characters. Young Eddy Pareti--based on the author's father--can't wait to shake off the confines of his father's bar, Ernie's Bleachers, and the drudge jobs that come with it. From the trials of neighborhood men who hang out at the bar to Eddy's run-ins with the law, attempt to run away, and turn at military school, the story reveals a bygone era.” Carmen Amato
“Good little novel.Well researched ,really enjoyed it!” Mike Moslener
“Being a 3rd Generation Chicagoan and having been to that expect spot many time , it painted a vividly poignant picture of this time and place, the heart of a young man . I do not normally read much fiction and yet this was thoroughly enjoyable and quite memorable.” Ted Greenfield
“Really enjoyed reading this book.” Kip Bodine