Mr. Copacabana: An American History by Night

Mr. Copacabana is the outrageous life story of Monte Proser, creator and operator of the famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City in 1940. Monte's life story is a sweeping epic of the early 20th century through the eyes of one of the most colorful characters in American history. Because he was t......more

Mr. Copacabana is the outrageous life story of Monte Proser, creator and operator of the famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City in 1940. Monte's life story is a sweeping epic of the early 20th century through the eyes of one of the most colorful characters in American history. Because he was the involuntary partner of a series of the most powerful gangsters of the era, Monte's story is also a keyhole view of the struggle between crime and conscience in America. It is a history of America at night.(less)

I dropped out of high school, disdained college and paid no attention to the prominent connections my father had in the entertainment industry. I was determined to survive, or not, simply by my natural grit, work ethic, talent and luck. I failed a lot. I succeeded occasionally and I'm proud of those......more

I dropped out of high school, disdained college and paid no attention to the prominent connections my father had in the entertainment industry. I was determined to survive, or not, simply by my natural grit, work ethic, talent and luck. I failed a lot. I succeeded occasionally and I'm proud of those achievements. I do regret, at this late point in my life, that I always chose the hard way of the lone wolf. I realize now that I was an angry young man with something, or everything, to prove.

My regrets I hope will be the seeds of a greater understanding that I can convey to young people considering a similar path. Writing is the greatest job in the world but everybody doesn't have to start from zero like I did. The world will see your light,

I dropped out of high school, disdained college and paid no attention to the prominent connections my father had in the entertainment industry. I was determined to survive, or not, simply by my natural grit, work ethic, talent and luck. I failed a lot. I succeeded occasionally and I'm proud of those achievements. I do regret, at this late point in my life, that I always chose the hard way of the lone wolf. I realize now that I was an angry young man with something, or everything, to prove.

My regrets I hope will be the seeds of a greater understanding that I can convey to young people considering a similar path. Writing is the greatest job in the world but everybody doesn't have to start from zero like I did. The world will see your light, you just have to keep the flame inside you burning brightly. Be prepared to accept a life of failure without becoming resigned to it. You will succeed in small ways and occasionally in large ones if you're lucky. The work is the same. Be a writer. Temper the steel in your soul and keep your hand of friendship open to everyone, even friends you haven't earned. (less)