By Patrick Resetar
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About the book
Growing up in a coal country valley of northeastern Pennsylvania, Patrick Resetar wanted nothing more than a way out of the town that he lived in. As a child, he witnessed, and often experienced, the people in his town battle a multitude of demons, usually in the shape of addiction and abuse. Directly affected by these struggles, he turned to religion to help him find a path forward. But instead of hymns and Hail Marys, Patrick’s faith demanded touchdowns and tackles. His devotion was football and his savior was a little brown piece of pigskin.
Some people participate in traditional religions like Catholicism or Judaism, while others choose those that are less conventional, such as horse racing or music. But what these faiths all have in common are that people are willing to sacrifice for them, and that they require a monthly tithing of one form or another to participate.
Fist-fighting, Catholicism, and Sunday family meals were a few of the ways Patrick and his family practiced their beliefs. While churchgoers donned their best clothes and visited their houses of worship, Patrick and his family sat down for an early meal, skipping the mass and going straight to the pasta. This was their service and their opportunity to repent.
Infused with humor, pathos, and hope, this deeply moving memoir chronicles the challenges of what life is like living in a working-class town filled with addiction, abuse, an indestructible connection to its past, and an equally unbreakable hope for the future.
Evocative and incisive, They Have Jesus, We Have Lasagna examines what it means to believe in something and what it takes to be saved, whether salvation comes in the form of football, Jesus, or a hot plate of lasagna.
Read the first few pages
Read the first few pages of They Have Jesus, We Have Lasagna: A Memoir HERE.
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What people are saying about They Have Jesus, We Have Lasagna
“The entertaining book’s prevailing impression is that of chaos recalled with warm affection. … This combination of drama and pathos turns the work into an effective modern family story. A vivid and enjoyable account about growing up in Pennsylvania.” – Kirkus Reviews
"Resetar is a gifted storyteller and it is a well written book. His stories made me laugh out loud in some parts and brought me to tears in others." - Donna on Goodreads
"The ability of Patrick Resetar to tell a story was unreal and loved every second of the parts that mentioned his mom. The book is definitely about the average man and average stories but above average story telling and satirical remarks." – Caroline on Goodreads
"It was gorgeously written and unapologetically raw. Reading about this family and their dysfunction was hard at times but I think people with a similar upbringing, would find this book to be very relatable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the wide range of emotions that it evoked. Definitely recommend." - Cortney on Goodreads
"This was a great read. There were lots of laughs, and I was refreshed by Patrick's honesty and his boldness in exploring heavier subject material. It doesn't matter what has happened in their life, reading about strangers is only entertaining when they're also decent writers, and Patrick Resetar certainly has an exceptional writing voice." - Jackson on Bookstagram
“If you enjoyed “The Glass Castle” or “Hillbilly Elegy” and learning about the intimate lives of those struggling to find hope in a world filled with predisposed chaos, this is for you. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and honest is how I would describe this read.” - Paige on Goodreads
Book Details
Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
Pages: 231 pages
Format: Paperback
Publication: October 2020
ISBN: 978-1-952113-02-4
Meet the Author
Patrick Resetar grew up among the mounds of anthracite in Coal Country Pennsylvania. After graduating from La Salle University in Philadelphia, he commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the Army and served in Afghanistan. After the military, Patrick moved to New York City and met his wife. They live in Los Angeles with their two dogs and two cats.
Follow Patrick:
Twitter: @PatrickResetar
Instagram: @ItsPatrickResetar
Facebook: /PatrickResetar