Granite, Grit, and Grace

Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History as a title is perfectly apropos for the articles contained in this volume: they are as solid as the city's native bedrock; as resolute as the multicultural people who made up the fabric that is Fall River; and they are quintessentially graceful, in the genuine form once seen in the careworn faces of the shop girl, or waitress, or the immigrant laborer, or anonymous pedestrians going about their business on a busy Main Street. These stories are stoic, and proud, and enduring, much like the city itself. Bill Moniz possesses the rare ability to write just as he speaks, in a conversational tone and seemingly effortlessly; the voice of this Fall River boy, born and bred, is present in every one of these articles. He knows Fall River because he has lived it. Having been immersed in various aspects of city life since birth, Bill's saturation in local culture is reflected in a writing style peppered with various high and low notes-sometimes sweet, and sometimes pungent-that satiates the reader with the flavor of Fall River.