The Potato Puff Surprise

By: Tom Flanagan

Narrated by: Tom Flanagan

The Potato Puff Surprise is a coming-of-age story about growing up, battling bullies, and dabbling in the dark art of home improvement.

Tom Flanagan was born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, home to the Industrial Revolution, the Pawtucket Red Sox, and the Division Street House of Pizza. He grew up with an eclectic bunch of characters and his friend’s dad, Joe Kelly, was the ringleader.

Joe Kelly was a rebel, a scoundrel, a bluesman, and a true legend. Joe died of cancer Labor Day weekend 2017. After delivering his eulogy, Tom set out to write a short story that captured a few of Joe’s more entertaining antics.

Little did Tom know that it would turn into a book that would transport him back in time. Back to the old neighborhood. Back to junior high school. And back to Rocky Point Park.

He hopes these stories unearth a few long-forgotten memories from your childhood.

©2019 Tom Flanagan (P)2022 Tom Flanagan

Bring on the nostalgia!

A fun, nostalgic romp through childhood memories. If you were a child of the 70s or 80s, this is sure to make you laugh. The story is narrated by the author, whose Rhode Island accent is a character itself and lends authenticity to the storytelling. I laughed out loud several times listening to the antics of his youth and remembering my own.

Fun, Nostalgic, Memorable

Full of surprising twists and turns this story resurrects, palpable memories of growing up. Not only does it bring back the not so logical logic of adolescence, but the music that enveloped those years. It’s hilarious, fast paced enough to keep you engaged, and also tender enough to wrap your heart in. Being narrated by the author adds a depth of authenticity that’s meaningful and memorable. Thanks for a great afternoon with this story, Tom Flanagan!

Relive your late 70s/80s childhood

Tom’s descriptive narrative transported me back to my youth. I enjoyed his story telling. A fun light read, highly recommend!