God is Watching the Apples

God is Watching the Apples is a memoir written by John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli. It captures the history of Tops Marketplace in Plantsville, Connecticut. This history is divided into four parts. Through these parts—John, Betsy, Tops, and The Fire—it traces the store’s 1951 founding by George and Julia Tops, John’s path from ice cream truck driver to owner, and Betsy’s rise from teenage waitress to co-owner.

The narrative intertwines their personal stories—marked by grit, grief, and faith—with the store’s role as a community anchor. From John’s devastating loss of his wife Nancylee to a drunk driver to the 2019 fire that leveled Tops, the book illustrates resilience, culminating in a community-driven rebuild.

While registration is appreciated, it is not required and drop-in guests are welcome. Copies of God is Watching the Apples will be available for sale and signing following the talk.

You may also like the following events from Southington Public Library:

• Next Monday, 15th December, 06:00 pm, The Pride & Prejudice of Fashion: Clothing of the Austen Era in Southington
• Next Thursday, 18th December, 10:00 am, Books & Bagels in Southington
• Next Friday, 19th December, 10:00 am, Historical Fiction Book Club in Southington