Dr. Mario Macaluso was born in Italy in 1939 and he immigrated to the United States with his mother and sister when he was 18 years old. At that time, he didn't speak a word of English. After learning the language by watching television and other self-taught methods, Macaluso decided to continue his studies in the United States and attend school.

He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Niagara University, a master's in French language and literature from Hunter College, a PhD in French literature from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and a specialist diploma in school administration and supervision from Queens College.

He then moved to Plainview with his wife and they have lived there for over 30 years. During his professional career, Dr. Macaluso taught romance and classical languages and was also the department chairperson of foreign languages at Syosset High School for 30 years. He retired from Syosset High School in 1996. He also taught liberal arts courses at various colleges and taught and supervised the foreign language student-teaching program at the State University at Stony Brook.

Macaluso recalls his memories of teaching in Syosset High School and remembers having Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao in his classes. "She was a great student and was very quiet," said Macaluso.

Macaluso decided to write a book to document his mother's life. His first book is entitled My Mother: Memoir of a Sicilian Woman and was published in 1999.

Having enjoyed the writing experience, Macaluso decided to write his own memoir entitled Prickly Pears and Oleanders that is available for purchase now. It was published approximately one month ago.

According to Macaluso, the book is his own memoir that spans from the mountains of Sicily to the skyscrapers of New York and chronicles his intellectual and spiritual journey between the two continents. "I wrote the book to celebrate all of the significant people in my life and the people who made a difference in my career," he said.

There are many reasons why Macaluso wrote the book. "I wanted to share with the readers the fact that in my personal life I found the gift of fate as combined with my desire to teach languages and it made my life experience more complete. I wanted to share the laughter and tears of being an immigrant. Everything was new to me."

Macaluso realized through his years of teaching how important adults and teachers are in the lives of children. He credits his success in life to his teachers and the many people who influenced his life. "It is important for us as adults to help children go as far as they can in life," he said.

The 160-page book, which is published by www.1stBooks.com, is available on that website for $15.50. The book will eventually be available at bookstores, but at this time it is available from the website.