PEPO: Tales of growing up, addiction and prison is a memoir based on more than 100 letters that John Papacosta wrote to his sister Donna. To preserve his sanity while incarcerated, John wrote stories of growing up in Astoria, Queens, discovering girls, going off to college in upstate New York and Miami, working in the hospitality industry, and much more. His many misadventures, both hilarious and harrowing, showcase his sense of humor, his lifelong friendships and his storytelling abilities. His tales also demonstrate the inhumanity of the penal system, and how it breeds recidivism. If not for a "bank withdrawal gone awry," John may never have shared his stories. His sister, who laughed and cried as she read each missive, has lovingly transcribed and edited his letters to share with the world. What early readers are saying Donna has distilled her brother's letters into something utterly magnetic. His voice is so strong and distinct, it feels as if he's sitting alongside, narrating with cinematic clarity. His introspection and unique personality are vivid on every page. It was absolutely engrossing; I literally could not put it down. -- Maggie Fox, digital marketer I was lucky enough to read these stories as his sister compiled them for publishing. John has a knack for storytelling and as I read the stories, I could see them play out as a movie in my mind. Let me be the first to say: "Soon to be a major motion picture!" -- Steve Garfield, photographer, author, SteveGarfield.com