"Searching for Joy," a fictional book released last year by a University of NH professor that explores a man's journey as he deals with prostate cancer, is finding an audience.
Tim Barretto teaches writing, speaking and literature at UNH's Thompson School of Applied Science. He tried unsuccessfully to find a publisher for nearly three years for "Searching for Joy" and was about to give up when he called the NH Writers' Project to inquire about online publishing. Instead, the center referred him to Beech River Books in Center Ossipee. The publisher released the book last year.
A few hundred copies have sold and now the book is available on Amazon.com. Set in Portsmouth, the book is about a 60-year-old architect who discovers he has prostate cancer and is forced to examine his life and his relationships, especially those with his wife and son. The book is striking a chord with those dealing with prostate cancer, and Barretto has been invited to do readings for prostate cancer support groups, as well as Seacoast Hospice in Exeter. Barretto is making an annual contribution from the sale of the book to Seacoast Hospice. A percentage of sales are also benefiting the HUB Family Resource Center in Dover, where he is a board member. For more information, visit www.timbarretto.com.
Current Issue - May 2024