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Neighborhood Lines

A Novel By Michael Patrick Murphy

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    • Book Review: We are not defined by our race, or creed, but by the choices we make.
    • Book Review: “Neighborhood Lines” by John J. Kelly | Detroit Free Press
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Book Review: We are not defined by our race, or creed, but by the choices we make.

September 4, 2020 By Neighborhood Lines

Susan Keefe | Midwest Book Review
June 2020

We are not defined by our race, or creed, but by the choices we make.
It is a sad fact of life that racial prejudice is still with us, and comes in many forms. So many lives have been lost or ruined because of it, and the saddest thing of all is that it is so silly, we are all the same, no matter our race, color, or creed

The author, M. P. Murphy, has used his life experiences to write this extremely thought-provoking story in which he takes his readers back in time to Boston in the late 1980’s, and early 1990’s.

There are two protagonists, from totally different backgrounds, and we discover how the decisions they made during their formative years affected their future in ways they could never have imagined.

It begins with a radical plan being implemented at the Cathedral High School. What was radical about this program? Well, it was to take in one hundred black students from the surrounding area and enroll them into the ‘white’ school.

The Cathedral High School was a Catholic school situated in the ‘Irish’ South Boston area, and the Headmaster, Father Lydon, was very keen on the plan, however the existing students and parents at the school are unhappy about it. Patrick mother is one of them, she works hard, pays his tuition fees, and is very proud of her Irish heritage, drumming it into Patrick at every possibility.

It is quite sad really, because the Irish of Boston, when they arrived after fleeing the potato famine in Ireland had life very hard too. No one wanted to employ them, they were considered the lowest of the low. However despite this, through hard work they pulled themselves up, and subsequent generations built a prosperous community, were accepted, became pillars of society, and felt themselves entitled to a good life. However, just a few generations on, they themselves, are prejudice towards the ‘black’ people who live in Boston, on the other side of the Neighborhood Lines.

Enter Nate, he is black, like Patrick’s mother his mom works very hard, is loved and respected in the community and at church, and encourages Nate to be diligent in his studies and to keep out of trouble. He is one of the colored boys who are accepted into the Cathedral school.

On the first day of term, these two protagonists meet and slowly a friendship begins to form. Through his detailed writing of the lifestyles of both these boys, and their friends and families, the readers can clearly see how the two different, yet similar cultures exist alongside each other. However, throughout the book there is an undercurrent of the underworld, of gangs, violence, drug running and feuds, leading to twists of fate which will ultimately affect both boys and shape their destinies.

As one looks back over their life it is interesting to see the changes which occur, the lines which are set in place, can blur, and in time alter. Michael Patrick Murphy in this enlightening memoir has treated his readers to a fascinating insider’s glimpse of Boston during his formative years. Reading this brings home the fact that it is the decisions we make when we are young which can shape our futures, for the better, or worse… Highly recommended!

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5-Star Reviews

Amazon.com Reviews

Book Review: We are not defined by our race, or creed, but by the choices we make.

Susan Keefe | Midwest Book Review June 2020 We are not defined by our race, or creed, but by the … [Read More...] about Book Review: We are not defined by our race, or creed, but by the choices we make.

Book Review: Neighborhood Lines reviewed by John J. Kelly | Detroit Free Press

John J. Kelly | Detroit Free Press Reviewed June 15, 2020 Growing up the son of the Deputy … [Read More...] about Book Review: Neighborhood Lines reviewed by John J. Kelly | Detroit Free Press

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neighborhoodlines

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neighborhoodlines

neighborhoodlines

View

Jan 18

Open
“I just want to do #godswill “
:

“My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”

2nd Clip 

“He stood for #nonviolence and #peace for all man of all kind “
:
“ Carry out what he started “

MLK 🙏
:

Man I never imagined when I published NeighborhoodLlines
In 2018 ( A story of a #blackandwhite #teenfriendship from late #80’s early #90’s that we as people would ever experience #racial and #civil #unrest like 2020😳! 
:

Words without action are useless !
-What are you doing for others?

:
#enoughisenough 
#unitedwestand 
#whatareyoureading 
#allschoolread

“I just want to do #godswill “
:

“My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”

2nd Clip

“He stood for #nonviolence and #peace for all man of all kind “
:
“ Carry out what he started “

MLK 🙏
:

Man I never imagined when I published NeighborhoodLlines
In 2018 ( A story of a #blackandwhite #teenfriendship from late #80’s early #90’s that we as people would ever experience #racial and #civil #unrest like 2020😳!
:

Words without action are useless !
-What are you doing for others?

:
#enoughisenough
#unitedwestand
#whatareyoureading
#allschoolread
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Jan 16

Open
I have worked in this City since 1990 in and out of  most of the Highrise buildings (crawled in the tunnels along rats and sat in meetings across #billionaires) I miss it and I love it with a passion ! The #strength , the #people , the #schools and #education , businesses and corporations , the #diversity, the #unions and the #sportsteams 
:

It still felt #eire this week as the streets and buildings remain fairly empty !
: 
But I see the light at the end of the tunnel !
#allthewayup 
:
#staypositive💯 
#lfg
#2021 
#onelife
#rebuildtheworld 
#bringitback 
#reincarnatethegovernment 
#bostonstrong 
#bostonbusiness 
#enoughisenough 
#stayhealthy

I have worked in this City since 1990 in and out of most of the Highrise buildings (crawled in the tunnels along rats and sat in meetings across #billionaires) I miss it and I love it with a passion ! The #strength , the #people , the #schools and #education , businesses and corporations , the #diversity, the #unions and the #sportsteams
:

It still felt #eire this week as the streets and buildings remain fairly empty !
:
But I see the light at the end of the tunnel !
#allthewayup
:
#staypositive💯
#lfg
#2021
#onelife
#rebuildtheworld
#bringitback
#reincarnatethegovernment
#bostonstrong
#bostonbusiness
#enoughisenough
#stayhealthy
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Jan 16

Open
These two #powerful #murals were in #southboston during the time frame Neighborhood Lines was originally written in 97’
I viewed them daily for a decade and I was intrigued for more information at every pass ! 
Check them out #ODB 👊@olddirtyboston 
:

I searched for months for these two specific pics that are in the Neighborhoodlines #novel, all over the internet , libraries etc. I asked an old friend who found these on a 20 year old hard drive 🙄! Thanks TK. . #loughgall #martyrs 
#gibraltar IRA that’s  how I spell Ireland 🇮🇪, that’s what Ireland means to me!
March 6, 1988 was the Date of Gibraltar, as I was freshman in high school, my brain couldn’t get enough of what was going on in the world 🌍and in this city! 
:
Imagine being a #freshman in #highschool this year 🤦‍♂️
:
Never thought life could get crazier than the 90’s 😳

These two #powerful #murals were in #southboston during the time frame Neighborhood Lines was originally written in 97’
I viewed them daily for a decade and I was intrigued for more information at every pass !
Check them out #ODB 👊@olddirtyboston
:

I searched for months for these two specific pics that are in the Neighborhoodlines #novel, all over the internet , libraries etc. I asked an old friend who found these on a 20 year old hard drive 🙄! Thanks TK. . #loughgall #martyrs
#gibraltar IRA that’s how I spell Ireland 🇮🇪, that’s what Ireland means to me!
March 6, 1988 was the Date of Gibraltar, as I was freshman in high school, my brain couldn’t get enough of what was going on in the world 🌍and in this city!
:
Imagine being a #freshman in #highschool this year 🤦‍♂️
:
Never thought life could get crazier than the 90’s 😳
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Jan 7

Open
#uechiryu is a #karatestyle #martialart from Okinawa Japan. Formerly Pangainoon, meaning "half-hard, half-soft" — the idea of a hard outer shell of muscle, while breathing to remain soft on the inside.
Rated the best #selfdefense style of by @karatebyjesse 
See his YouTube clip👈 
:
This style was developed in the  #Shoalin temple in China by Kanbun Uechi .
It was first brought to the US right here in #Boston in 1958 at the Boston YMCA and then at the infamous Hancock Street dojo on Columbus Ave in 1962 by an American Army soldier 🇺🇸 George Mattson who had been accepted and taught by an Okinawan Uechi Master During the #vietnamwar ! So many cool stories 👊! 
: 
I Recently Returned to the #dojo since COVID start in March. Home
Dojo only in full effect !✊🥋
:
👈 2nd/3rd video I Performed these Katas with a mask on 😷😳 🤦‍♂️, as 
one #sensei is 68 and the other will be 84 next month. I certainly want to protect them from this nightmare 🙏! 
Performing these in front of them after such an emotional crazy year was a powerful experience ! 
:
I realized how much my
#Innerchi was being expressed through this style of art! 
:
#kata are forms—a choreographed routine of steps, turns, blocks, strikes, and kicks
 :
2 advanced katas :
Kanchin
Sanseiryu - 36 positions of attack and defense 
:
No Neg comments - I am aware of the finer details And imperfections/corrections,  tempo adjustments that are needed here but this was the stamp I left on the floor at this moment of time !  I will continue to create the fine tuning corrections and the journey of mastery my Entire life. 
:
This Shinkookai dojo 
has brought people
From around the world together in practice, knowledge sharing and friendship within this style and other styles, grateful to be a part of it . 
Owner John Tosches #rip passed in June! 

:

I encourage martial arts of any kind  Tai-chi - Muay thai - Kung fu as a practice, habit , movement therapy !
:
Just Think of all the #healthbenefits - #brainhealth - #mindbodyspirit 
#neuralnetworks #brainbodyconnection Thanks to @zendenmedical for no surgery and being able to move this way. 

#discipline
#self-actualization
#focus 
#neverstoptraining 
#humility 
#theway

#uechiryu is a #karatestyle #martialart from Okinawa Japan. Formerly Pangainoon, meaning "half-hard, half-soft" — the idea of a hard outer shell of muscle, while breathing to remain soft on the inside.
Rated the best #selfdefense style of by @karatebyjesse
See his YouTube clip👈
:
This style was developed in the #Shoalin temple in China by Kanbun Uechi .
It was first brought to the US right here in #Boston in 1958 at the Boston YMCA and then at the infamous Hancock Street dojo on Columbus Ave in 1962 by an American Army soldier 🇺🇸 George Mattson who had been accepted and taught by an Okinawan Uechi Master During the #vietnamwar ! So many cool stories 👊!
:
I Recently Returned to the #dojo since COVID start in March. Home
Dojo only in full effect !✊🥋
:
👈 2nd/3rd video I Performed these Katas with a mask on 😷😳 🤦‍♂️, as
one #sensei is 68 and the other will be 84 next month. I certainly want to protect them from this nightmare 🙏!
Performing these in front of them after such an emotional crazy year was a powerful experience !
:
I realized how much my
#Innerchi was being expressed through this style of art!
:
#kata are forms—a choreographed routine of steps, turns, blocks, strikes, and kicks
:
2 advanced katas :
Kanchin
Sanseiryu - 36 positions of attack and defense
:
No Neg comments - I am aware of the finer details And imperfections/corrections, tempo adjustments that are needed here but this was the stamp I left on the floor at this moment of time ! I will continue to create the fine tuning corrections and the journey of mastery my Entire life.
:
This Shinkookai dojo
has brought people
From around the world together in practice, knowledge sharing and friendship within this style and other styles, grateful to be a part of it .
Owner John Tosches #rip passed in June!

:

I encourage martial arts of any kind Tai-chi - Muay thai - Kung fu as a practice, habit , movement therapy !
:
Just Think of all the #healthbenefits - #brainhealth - #mindbodyspirit
#neuralnetworks #brainbodyconnection Thanks to @zendenmedical for no surgery and being able to move this way.

#discipline
#self-actualization
#focus
#neverstoptraining
#humility
#theway
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Dec 31

Open
Repost from @michael.patrick.murphy
•
Happy New Year 

2020 #rearview- before this year - I thought I had seen some serious shit in this lifetime.
But this year Def put me #ononeknee several times !! 
always #riseup and #comebackswingingandsmiling 
:
Chaos
Businesses handcuffed, SeveralDeaths-too many, masks, lockdowns , Civil Unrest , Political and Media corruption circus! 

:
Clarity
Internal Happiness , Physical and mental health is the most important component in life!
#thebestisyettocome 
#onwardandupward 

:

#Staypositive
#Stayhealthy 
#staywoke
#greatreset 
#PMA
#Backontrack 
#Newmindset
#LFG
#thecolorpurple
#seethepositives
#everydayisromperroom
#presentmoment 
#2020vision 
#newfocus
#higherpower 
#dontbeasheep

Repost from @michael.patrick.murphy
•
Happy New Year

2020 #rearview- before this year - I thought I had seen some serious shit in this lifetime.
But this year Def put me #ononeknee several times !!
always #riseup and #comebackswingingandsmiling
:
Chaos
Businesses handcuffed, SeveralDeaths-too many, masks, lockdowns , Civil Unrest , Political and Media corruption circus!

:
Clarity
Internal Happiness , Physical and mental health is the most important component in life!
#thebestisyettocome
#onwardandupward

:

#Staypositive
#Stayhealthy
#staywoke
#greatreset
#PMA
#Backontrack
#Newmindset
#LFG
#thecolorpurple
#seethepositives
#everydayisromperroom
#presentmoment
#2020vision
#newfocus
#higherpower
#dontbeasheep
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Dec 29

Open
#twoofakind 
:

What’s the conversation here?

:

That goose was delicious 
What’s next on the menu? 
#relationshipgoals❤️ 
#teamwork 
#doubletrouble

#twoofakind
:

What’s the conversation here?

:

That goose was delicious
What’s next on the menu?
#relationshipgoals❤️
#teamwork
#doubletrouble
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Dec 28

Open
Some may say I lack patience but this was just #divineintervention 🤷‍♂️
My old man had some amazing #wildlife photos he captured!
This morning I saw two bald 🦅 enjoying their breakfast, 
Then I doubted it, even though I had seen them with my own two eyes !!
This afternoon I had goosebumps when these #powerfuleyes stared right through me !!

“Caption this Photo” 

:

There were two many geese f***cking around so had to call in the Calvary !

:

#youtalkingtome

“It’s hard out here , this neighborhood is no joke”
:

I live and breathe this nature everyday”

:

No matter how much the 21st century battle field changes - #trueAmericans are watching and will take down the #deepstate political media propaganda scams and take back this country. 

:

Son Someday I will explain #survivalofthefittest to you
Although I know you already instinctively have full understanding 😂

:

Long live the #AmericanEagle
And the #AmericanDream 🙏🔥👊

#spiritanimal
#lionsnotsheep
#staywoke

Some may say I lack patience but this was just #divineintervention 🤷‍♂️
My old man had some amazing #wildlife photos he captured!
This morning I saw two bald 🦅 enjoying their breakfast,
Then I doubted it, even though I had seen them with my own two eyes !!
This afternoon I had goosebumps when these #powerfuleyes stared right through me !!

“Caption this Photo”

:

There were two many geese f***cking around so had to call in the Calvary !

:

#youtalkingtome

“It’s hard out here , this neighborhood is no joke”
:

I live and breathe this nature everyday”

:

No matter how much the 21st century battle field changes - #trueAmericans are watching and will take down the #deepstate political media propaganda scams and take back this country.

:

Son Someday I will explain #survivalofthefittest to you
Although I know you already instinctively have full understanding 😂

:

Long live the #AmericanEagle
And the #AmericanDream 🙏🔥👊

#spiritanimal
#lionsnotsheep
#staywoke
...

neighborhoodlines

View

Dec 24

Open
Merry Christmas and God bless to all.  Enjoy this very different time with your closest loved ones !
#timeisprecious 
#stayhealthymyfriends 
#2021vibes 
#familytime

Merry Christmas and God bless to all. Enjoy this very different time with your closest loved ones !
#timeisprecious
#stayhealthymyfriends
#2021vibes
#familytime
...

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