Today was a remarkable testament to how many people Anthony's sweet spirit has touched over the years. Dozens of friends lined up in Schuler Books & Music on Alpine Avenue NW to get autographed copies of his book. The store sold out of more than 100 copies. Another batch will be printed ASAP to meet demand and shipped to stores by mid-week.
Many were current or former neighbors who held fond memories of Anthony. One was a young woman who met him when she worked as a school safety. Another was a childhood playmate. Another was a neighbor whose bottles and cans Anthony faithfully collects and redeems.
"This is his dream," said Marianne Mallekoote, who met him in a Bible study about 10 years ago. "He'd call us every day: 'I want my book published!' He's wonderful. We love him to pieces."
Some dabbed tears as they watched Anthony sign copy after copy in his careful, painstaking script.
"This has meant so much to him, and to all of us," said Linda Mroz, whose children once played with Anthony. "It's just been a joy."
So far more than 300 copies of "Anthony's Prayers" have been sold with very little publicity. A story on his book by Tom Rademacher is due out any day in The Grand Rapid Press, which should generate even more interest.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Book release gathers friends together
Long-cherished friends of Anthony came to his book-release party today, turning The Bitter End coffeehouse into a cozy scene of warmth and love. Anthony busily signed copies of "Anthony's Prayers" at a front table while far-flung friends and neighbors from the West Fulton business district chatted and took pictures. His de facto extended family, Dick and Helen Ter Maat of Grand Rapids and the DeVree family of Jenison, beamed to see Anthony's dream finally fulfilled.
"He's a blessing," said Belva De Vree, whose late husband, Ed, befriended Anthony 40 years ago when he offered him a mint in church.
Also there were Belva's son Mike and daughter Sue, her daughters Esther, Jacki and Jodie, and grandson Alden, who was fascinated by all the clicking cameras.
When someone congratulated Anthony on the book's release, he said, "That's better than what we hear on the news. We need happiness."
"He's a blessing," said Belva De Vree, whose late husband, Ed, befriended Anthony 40 years ago when he offered him a mint in church.
Also there were Belva's son Mike and daughter Sue, her daughters Esther, Jacki and Jodie, and grandson Alden, who was fascinated by all the clicking cameras.
When someone congratulated Anthony on the book's release, he said, "That's better than what we hear on the news. We need happiness."
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Anthony's Book Signing Dec. 3, 2011
Meet Author Anthony Torrone
Saturday, December 3, 2011
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids, MI 59544
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Anthony's Prayers bless West Side neighbors
Word got around fast among Anthony's West Side neighbors about his new book after its release this week. Frank's Market sold out of a dozen copies on the first day. Copies also sold out quickly at Carol's Hair, 853 W. Fulton, whose proprietors, Carol Sobieranski and Phyllis Wilson, and many of their customers have known Anthony for years. His friends at The Bitter End Coffeehouse and Nawara Brothers Appliance also set out copies, as did The Other Way Ministries.
One longtime neighbor, Alice Worth, bought three copies for herself and for her children, who played with Anthony growing up. Anthony still shovels her walk, takes out her garbage and does other chores for her.
"He is the angel in the neighborhood," Mrs. Worth said. "He brings joy and goodwill to everyone."
One longtime neighbor, Alice Worth, bought three copies for herself and for her children, who played with Anthony growing up. Anthony still shovels her walk, takes out her garbage and does other chores for her.
"He is the angel in the neighborhood," Mrs. Worth said. "He brings joy and goodwill to everyone."
Anthony's in the News
You can read the Mlive article here.
You can see more photos taken by Rex Larsen and others here.
We hope you can join us at Schuler Books and Music on Alpine Ave, Saturday, December 3 from noon to 1:00 pm. for Anthony's book signing.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Anthony's dream rolls off the press
Tuesday Anthony saw his longheld dream of a prayer book take shape before his eyes. He went to Color House Graphics in Grand Rapids to see the cover being printed. Press operator Craig Banning fired up the computer, and after a moment the iGenIV printer began spitting out copies. Anthony watched with a delighted and peaceful look on his face. Color House President Ken Postema put a copy in his hands. "I appreciate it," Anthony said.
Press columnist Tom Rademacher interviewed Anthony for an upcoming story in The Grand Rapids Press while photographer Rex Larsen snapped pictures. The words tumbled out of Anthony as he told of his long-ago difficult times, of the good care his late mother, Nellie, provided for him, and of seeing his prayer book finally come to life after years of hoping. "This is exciting," Anthony said. "It's better than what you see on the TV."
Later, he said he never doubted his prayers for publication would be answered. "God never breaks his promises," he said.
Press columnist Tom Rademacher interviewed Anthony for an upcoming story in The Grand Rapids Press while photographer Rex Larsen snapped pictures. The words tumbled out of Anthony as he told of his long-ago difficult times, of the good care his late mother, Nellie, provided for him, and of seeing his prayer book finally come to life after years of hoping. "This is exciting," Anthony said. "It's better than what you see on the TV."
Later, he said he never doubted his prayers for publication would be answered. "God never breaks his promises," he said.
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