Local author and Associate Professor of English Steve Parlato celebrated the publication of his latest young adult novel, The Precious Dreadful Tuesday with an NVCC-hosted panel discussion including NVCC students, faculty, and staff. Four of Parlato’s advanced readers, professors Patti Pallis, Julia Petitfrere, Kate Pelletier, and Center for Academic Planning & Student Success Director Bonnie Goulet read excerpts from his book and led a discussion on elements of the novel such as characterization, plot, themes, and artistic inspiration.

“The event really illuminated the depth of Steve’s work; issues of class, race, trauma, and tenuous family dynamics are all at play, yet perfectly balanced into one moving story, that belonging to the protagonist, Teddi Alder. Teddi is the girl you root for, befriend, and admire. She is a courageous truth-seeker, even when it means moving into the painful mystery that is her past,” said reader Kate Pelletier.

“I was honored to be one of the early readers of The Precious Dreadful and to be on the panel celebrating Steve's most recent work. Steve and I often have lengthy conversations about various social justice issues and to see some of that thinking and rethinking (out loud) play such a key part in his writings, to witness Steve being (as Teddi's friend Petra called it) 'page-courageous,'  I am honored also to be counted among his friend,” said reader Julie Petitfrere.

Reader Patti Pallis said, “At its core, Steve Parlato’s second novel is a powerfully haunting tale that speaks to the nature of complicated relationships and enduring memories.  It is, however, the language that I want to highlight: ‘Dentures castanet-clack as the elders slurp hot coffee and gossip-swap,”—one of the lines that made me laugh out loud. Steve has such felicity with words that the story is a joy to read. The Precious Dreadful is a lovely, sad, powerful, gripping, joyous coming-of-age tale that kept me both rooting for and worried about Teddi Alder, as she seeks to understand what haunts her. “

Parlato’s sophomore novel follows teen protagonist Teddi Alder and unveils the romantic and dramatic consequences that unfold as a result of her decision to join a library literary group, “SUMMERTEENS.” The writing that Adler produces for the group prompts some haunting memories of a childhood friend and these memories become inescapable as the summer goes on.

Parlato was grateful to celebrate the book among his colleagues and students. In February, he had a meet and greet and book signing at the Barnes and Noble located at 235 Union Street in Waterbury and participated in a local reading and book signing a few days later at Wesleyan’s RJ Julia bookstore in Middletown which served as the official launch event. He was also part of the annual Teen Bookfest by the Bay, a day-long event formed by a group of Corpus Christi Bay-area librarians that brings writers, illustrators, readers, and educators together to spend a day focused on discussing writing and publishing.

“I am bursting with pride and gratitude as I consider Steve's talent, his generosity of spirit, and the mentoring he provides to so many of our students. He is a fine role model for his students and for all of us,” said NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.