From the canals of Long Beach to the waters of Venice, and on to the British Virgin Islands—one man sets out to build something no one else believes in.
One Pakistani fishing boat. Two broke kids. The birth of gondola culture in America.
The American Gondolier
Long Beach, California, 1982. Two friends. One impossible idea.
When Mike O'Reilly spots a waterlogged Pakistani fishing boat rotting in a neighbor's rose garden, most people see junk. He sees the beginning of something. David Orlando—Mike's oldest friend—sees every flaw in the hull and every reason it won't work. He says yes anyway. What follows is the story of how two young men with no investors, no permits, no experience with Italian anything, and more belief than sense built a gondola business on the canals of Naples, California—and then kept going to Austin and Nashville and on to the BVI.
The American Gondolier is a novel inspired by true events: a story about friendship and the stubborn kind of optimism that refuses to quit. It's about the people who show up—the crew that sands and hammers and stays for the beer, the attorney who doesn't lose, the neighbor who gives you her boat for free and just asks for a ride when it's done. It's about what happens when a small idea refuses to stay small, and two men discover that the question was never whether it would work—it was how far they were willing to take it.
Fun read! The American Gondolier is a great story of what you can accomplish with grit, friendship, and family. And a dream you refuse to give up on. Loved the blend of real historical events with a little fantasy mixed in.— Elizabeth M.
Great read. Interesting and engaging.— Katherine M. Knudsen
This book was a cover to cover read in one sitting for me. … A perfect example of the trials and struggles that all who venture will encounter. “The American Gondolier” is a fine example of the success that can be had in America when you trust your instincts, are tenacious and just persevere.— KB
What a perfect summer beach read! This book is not only a delightful story about the famous gondolas of Long Beach, but also a colorful account of the many people whose vision, hard work, and dedication contributed to the creation and ultimate success of this wonderful company. Engaging and enjoyable, it offers a fascinating glimpse into both the history of the gondolas and the community that helped make them such a cherished part of Long Beach.— Noelle Q. P.
Media inquiries and review copies: use the contact form below.
The story continues. Chat with an AI companion that knows the whole world of the book—the canals, the people, the journey, and everything in between.
Ask questions about the story, the gondolas, the people, and the places. Whether you're curious about Naples Island, the journey to Venice, or what it really took to build something from nothing—it's all there waiting for you.
Scan the QR code with your phone camera, or click the button to chat right now. Available anytime, anywhere.
Whether you're a reader, journalist, event organizer, or just curious about the story—David welcomes your message.
Get the Book