click for a larger version "For her first book, Toni Rich took on a heavy subject and did it with panache. In this fictional account of two families through several generations, she shines a clarifying light on our deep seated prejudices as humans. The results are entertaining, humorous, troubling, and poignant. Jake Rosen is a Russian Jew who arrives in the U.S. in 1928 with high hopes and big dreams. Around the same time, an Italian Catholic Al Mareno begins his new life on American shores. For them, the American dream takes wings, becomes reality. Despite their different backgrounds and religious beliefs, Al and Jake become fast friends and business partners. Their wives Becky and Rita, and the children of both families are intertwined through shared goals, dreams, and friendship. They share each other's religious holidays, troubles, and joys. Until Gary Rosen and Tessa Mareno fall in love. What follows is a shattered friendship and a successful business dissolved while Tessa and Gary struggle to make their marriage work despite familial chaos and disapproval. As the years pass, the Rosens and Marenos experience more than simply religious prejudice. The younger generation grows up in the infancy of Black Power and the fight for equal rights. Infidelity and other troubling scenarios play a pivotal role, touching each generation to varying degrees. Every generation of Rosens and Marenos faces a different but equally difficult set of "taboos." The beauty of this story is in how they cope, come to grips with, and eventually overcome each trial. They Stay the Same is a family saga worth reading. The characters are human and believable and the story an American tale that captures time and place through each generation. The back cover blurb was right. I was not prepared for the ending." - (Not recommended for young or sensitive readers due to sexual situations.) Laurel Johnson Midwest Book Review "Toni Rich writes a riveting saga of an ordinary American family whose lives we are drawn into and enjoy sharing. A surprise ending is guaranteed to send readers scurrying through chapters to see how they were cleverly led astray." - Al Snyder, Author Warriors of Disinformation ‘They Stay The Same’ is a tremendously poignant and riveting novel by author, Toni Rich. The story begins with the introduction of two families, both with similar immigrant backgrounds and of different religions. Though different they have the same goals, prosperity and love for their families and friends. As years proceed a circumstance arises revealing negative human traits which they must acknowledge. As so often in real life amongst friends this circumstance generates a schism that splits the camaraderie of these two families. Toni Rich has written a beautiful story encompassing joy and tragedy and true to life human experiences which touched this reader evoking laughter and tears . The surprise ending hammers home why tolerance is so very vital in life.." - T Y Green, author This thought provoking, multigenerational saga involves the interrelationship of two families and their shared optimism of being able to provide a good life for their children. The Jewish Rosens and the Catholic Marenos believe themselves to be open-minded and tolerant, even to the point of celebrating religious observances with one another. The unraveling of their relationship begins with the romantic involvement of youngsters, Gary Rosen and Tessa Mareno. Suddenly, the two families discover the invisible wall that has always been in existence between them. ‘THEY STAY THE SAME’ is a fascinating study of the self-imposed walls that surround us all. Gary and Tessa, their parents and their descendants plunge us into a world of realistic conflict where bigotry is graphically revealed at its ugliest. Author, Toni Rich, leads us to contemplate how we would react if a son or daughter were to engage in a romantic interfaith or interracial relationship. Are our attitudes about this, be they positive or negative, as strong as we think they are? The vivid realism of the narrative and the ability of Ms. Rich to reach into our minds begs self-examination. We all want the best for our children, but dare we overprotect them or impose on them our own ideals about what is best? Gary counsels his daughter,... It´s natural to want to protect them from anything that hurts them, but sooner or later, they are going to have to learn to stand up for themselves... The tragic struggle between these two families is a haunting reflection of our contemporary world where it seems increasingly difficult for people to tolerate one another. ‘THEY STAY THE SAME’ demonstrates how those walls can be torn down, and in the process, it encourages us to tear down some of our own walls. - Dennis Royer, author of Stranger ‘They Stay the Same’ is a thought-provoking novel that I found to be both intriguing and enlightening. Although this is a fictional account, it could easily be a true story of life in America for two immigrants and their families. The story begins with Jake, a Russian Jew and his friend Al, an Italian Catholic. They have both immigrated to the United States and become business partners as well as close friends. Their families celebrate holidays of both religions together without a second thought to their differences in beliefs or cultural background. Life is good until their invisible blinders are removed. Al´s daughter and Jake´s son fall in love. They want to be married and find that the biggest obstacle is the prejudice of their parents. How can two sets of parents be so opposed to a marriage based solely on the fact that they worship in different ways? They had never exposed hostility toward each other while maintaining a friendship of many years? Could it be that when the situation became personal, they discovered that tolerance was a word used for situations occurring in someone else´s inner circle? Readers are easily brought into the lives of each character. First time author, Toni Rich, has done a remarkable job of creating characters that are real and believable. This novel takes you on a journey through three generations. Each generation has its set of issues to deal with. Whether it is prejudice against interfaith marriage, or interracial couples and their children; it is all covered in this story. The pain and the hardship of living in a society that does not accept differences can be a lonely road for those who have behaviors or beliefs not tolerated. Intolerance can rip families apart and cause irreparable damage. It can also bind families together in ways they never thought possible. I would highly recommend ‘They Stay the Same’ for readers looking for an absorbing story that not only brings you back a few generations but also makes you question whether we have really come very far since the 50´s. It is a heartwarming story of the average family going through typical pain and joy. There are social, moral, and racial issues woven together that makes one see members of their own family. It also makes one reflect on their own levels of tolerance. The creative, surprise ending was the icing on this cake. This is one book that should be on everybody´s must-read list. Compelling and powerful are two words that come to my mind! - Kathy Bosworth for Intriguing Authors and Their Books You've gotta read this one, December 19, 2003 I have just finished this wonderful book. I was enrapt by the story from the very first page to the last. Toni Rich described her characters and scenes so vividly that I became emotionally involved with them. Read it yourself, you'll be glad you did. - Faith F.Griffin (see more about me) from Las Vegas, Nv. USA Wonderful, Reminiscent Family Saga, March 23, 2004 Reviewer: William J. Hirsch from Wayne, PA United States "They Stay the Same" is a page turner. It is lively, even exciting, and draws credible pictures of inter-family relations. .... It's what people do! I loved it & recommend it to serious readers. ***************************************************** I just read your wonderful novel, They Stay The Same (in a single sitting!). I have recently read five of the top ten best sellers, and in terms of plot, writing, and insight into characters, yours belongs with them. T.L. retired teacher Atlantic City, New Jersey Public Schools ********************************************************************* Loved your book. It was great. Sylvia.Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ************************************************************* We loved your book. Could not put it down. Jay and Joan.Absecon, New Jersey **************************************************************** I really enjoyed your book. You did a great job! Alma.Florida Finished the book last night. It truly was a mind catcher and the ending was dramatic. Frank Sinatra, retired superintendent Perth Amboy Public Schools (New Jersey) ************************************************************************ Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed reading your book. The ending was a complete surprise and yes, I did go back in the book to see where I was misled.very clever. Nadine S., Linwood, New Jersey ******************************************************************* I have to say that I was really drawn into the saga of this little family and enjoyed watching the generations and lifestyles evolve. In fact, I was interested in them as people, which is to say that I forgot I was reading a novel and wanted to see how there folks could overcome all the tsouris life threw their way. You very deftly and sensitively handled all these lifestyle evolutions. Jimmy.Silver Springs, Maryland The ending, in itself, is worth the price of this book. Steve... Athens, Alabama **************************************************** They Stay the Same is a passionate family saga. After migrating to America, the Russian Jake Rosen and the Italian Al Mareno became business partners and steadfast friends. Their families celebrated all religious holidays together. It was a common sight for their children, especially the Jewish Gary and the Catholic Tessa, to be kneading dough for Challah, dyeing eggs for Easter, trimming Christmas trees and lighting the Hanukah Menorah. They had an ecumenical existence until the kids fell in love. The people who loved them were the most resistant to this relationship. How did things get so ugly? It wasn't only unfathomable to the kids but also to all who had watched the closeness of these families throughout the years. Was all of that just a farce? What becomes of this relationship? How does it overflow into subsequent generations? You won't be prepared for the ending... HOME About Toni | Family | Contact Designed By Dynamic Revolution LLC

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