BERKELEY – The title certainly makes you stop and think. What could the book “Men In Bras” be about?
“It’s ultimately a family saga,” author Terry Hyams said. “I’m a bra man. My Dad was a bra man and my brother is a bra man.”
He crafted a fictionalized version of how his father got into the industry of making bras, added some tension and some crime, to create a novel he recently self-published.
“Some of this actually happened and some of it didn’t,” he said. A small change is that he places the story in 1959 even though his father got into the business in 1954. A larger change is the connection with the mob.
The humorous historical drama follows Alvin “Al” Haas, an ambitious young designer, who dives into New York City’s garment industry. He finds a close friend in Caroline Jones, who becomes what they would consider back in the day a “fit model.” It’s about two determined dreamers whose courage, determination, and compassion reshape lives, challenge convention, and leave an unforgettable mark on everyone around them.
“I spent my entire career in this business. Over the years I realized there were incredible stories that had never been told. I wanted to write a novel that would make people laugh while introducing readers to an amazing industry,” Hyams said.
“This story is somewhat based on my father’s life,” he added.
In reality, his father worked in a warehouse, and he became known for doodling cartoons on the cardboard boxes. His boss took a liking to him, and seeing his artistic merit, promoted him to pattern maker. Thus, he joined the women’s underwear industry which was, at the time, largely dominated by men. It has since changed on that front.
The next generation also joined the apparel industry. Growing up, Hyams always had an artistic talent. A guidance counselor suggested attending the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences (which later merged with Thomas Jefferson University). He met his future wife there. In 1998, he and his brother became business partners in a company that primarily manufactures medical bras. Hyams is a Bayville entrepreneur, inventor, songwriter, and more than 40 years in the industry. For more information, or to buy online, visit MenInBrasBook.com
The post Local Author Tells The Story Of ‘Men In Bras’ appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
