Across 7th Street

Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, with it's busy stores, bus stops and walkways is the hub of the neighborhood. But, there is an invisible line at the intersection of 7th Street. It is the cultural divide between the Italian-Americans and Orthodox Jews who live there. ACROSS 7th STREET is a story of romance and coming of age, during 'the last era of innocence' in the early 1960's, just before world events erupted into turbulent times. The story is told by Vincent, a 20-year-old streetwise kid who grows into a man before our very eyes. Vincent and his father Angelo an Italian stone-mason, work for many of the Jewish families in the neighborhood. During a job for Mr. Levy, Vincent meets his daughter Rachel. Their attraction to each other is undeniable but very complicated, because even though they live a few blocks from each other - they are divided by 7th Street. Rachel, 20 years old, is a smart and pretty young woman who is still controlled by her stern father. Vincent begins to show her a world that is much bigger and more exciting than the smothering and rigid adult life that has already been planned for her by Mr. Levy. ACROSS 7th STREET connects us to both the joy of new love and the pain of loss. Vincent's friends and family add humor and compassion as they watch Vincent fall in love with a young woman whose life couldn't be any more different than his. This is truly an unforgettable story about the power of destiny and the surprising paths our lives can take. Vincent and Rachel's plans, unforeseen circumstances and emotions, take readers on a ride that seems familiar, but changes course at the worst possible time. ACROSS 7th STREET is a heart-warming view of the NY Jewish and Italian-American cultures in the 1960's and will spark nostalgic memories for many.