Just A Nobody

by Donald Fatute, Matt Smith (Illustrator)

Most people live entire lives without ever being truly seen.

Just a Nobody is a raw, honest reflection on growing up, loving deeply, losing painfully, and carrying memories that never quite let go. It’s about the moments that shape us, the ones we laugh about, the ones we regret, and the ones we still think about late at night.

This isn’t a story about being famous.
It’s a story about being real.

Written with unfiltered honesty, Just a Nobody explores family, faith, mistakes, heartbreak, loyalty, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked…
If you’ve ever loved someone you never truly got over…
If you’ve ever wondered whether your story mattered…

This book was written for you.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Donald Fatute is the author of Just a Nobody, a character-driven story that blends humor with hard truths about growing up and finding your footing in the world.

Raised in the Midwest, Fatute draws from real experiences to explore themes of family, faith, loyalty, and the moments when endurance gives way to resolve. His writing reflects an understanding that humor often surfaces alongside hardship, especially in stories shaped by adversity.

Focused on emotional honesty rather than spectacle, his stories give voice to characters who feel overlooked or out of place…until they discover the courage to stand tall in their own way.

Just a Nobody is his first published book.

Reviews

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t believe it. After being a member of Goodreads for about 15 years, I FINALLY WON A GIVEAWAY E-Book FROM KINDLE, entitled “JUST A NOBODY.” I’ve enjoyed it quite a lot, as it has reminded me of my own friends, as well as buds we all had on TV. Personally, I was in Grade School and Junior High in the 60’s, and High School and College in the 70’s. Hard to believe I’ve been out that many years, but it is true.

This book just came out, so I haven’t had an opportunity to listen to the audio yet, but I just feel so treated to finally receive one just to me. Been trying for years!!! I may have received one about 15 years ago, but don’t even remember the title.

Growing up. Putting this book into perspective, I checked in on a couple reviews, and the movie “Sandlot” was mentioned. Perfect. So, if I was going to make a similar note, I would have included: “The Andy Griffith Show”, with Aunt Bea, Opie, Barnie and Sheriff Taylor. Then I could also include “Sandlot”, and third, was thinking a lot about “Happy Days.” These aren’t identical, but they brought back a lot of the feelings I had during this time of my life. It just occurred to me that Ron Howard played Opie and Richie Cunningham. Hmmm. That says a lot, at least to me.

“Just a Nobody” by Donald Fatute writes a book about our main protagonist Donald, one of three kids in this family, gets to be observed making memories from being young in school to the start of his growing up years. We have defining moments all through our lives, and Donald is no exception. I have enjoyed seeing him through process with his siblings, his parents, friends in school, and a special girl named Jamie.

I was a pitifully shy girl when young, but slowly developed into a fairly decent person, one that I can be proud of. Health issues have not been my best friend, but I’ve had to work through a lot of those problems with significant side effects even today.

This book is written from Donald Fatute’s own life experiences. Afterall, don’t we know ourselves the best. Early maturity is a time that ranges differently for every person male and female. Donald, our character, is finding his own way with his parents, school, students and realizing his own worth in our great big world. His friends were a lot of fun too.

Relationships suddenly become stronger and more committed. Jamie and Donald feel very strongly about each other and are amazed as they have been friends since grade school. Another girl, Kristy had been dating Damon, but she had interest in Donald (Don). Kristy says that she and Damon broke up, but he is in a fighting mood and is ready to tramp Don. He called his folks to pick him up from school and his dad is amazing, he explains in a very loving and trustworthy way about David and Goliath, one of my favorite stories, but the importance that David had the strength to overcome Goliath.

The words “You will die” were the words of mood at school the next day. Couldn’t escape this anymore. Don says, “I’m gonna do it” feeling steady and strong. His prayer to God very moving, “God, if you’re listening, keep me in one piece. Make the bruises small and the humiliation even smaller.” No turning back now. He knew Damon was an easy find: taller, bigger, broader, above all the kids in the hall.

Moving toward him he whacked him in the jaw. He surprised everyone, mostly Damon. Don hit him again before he could recover. Suddenly Damon’s cousin grabbed Don from behind, and he used the leverage to kick towards Damon’s face with everything he had.

For a bit, the craziness slowed. Pondering it through, relief was all I had. The fight was over. Known as the quiet kid, Don realized that had passed and was no more. The principal, teachers, and secretary gathered and organized the crazy place. Nothing but admiration for Don. Unharmed and victorious. What else could he ask for. Gratitude given to those who helped and encouraged.

Driver’s Ed attempt #3 commenced. After two previous tries and fights, was pulled out. It will be at Jamie’s school this time. They had a successful class…. then the plot takes a huge twist. Jamie has been expressing desire to Don that her parents would be gone that weekend, could he come and bring a condom. That made intentions clear, and both were very nervous about it. Apparently, all turned out well, and things moved on.

Time for summer work and they had a decent summer. Don’t want to be any more of a spoiler.
Thank you so much for my E-Book. It means the world to me. I recommend this book to help us remember our own pasts, our friends, family and life experiences. I think would be good for our youth as well. Enjoy!! Rated: 4.5 Stars!!

[Lynn Schlanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a quick, enjoyable read, I found myself laughing out loud almost immediately. It’s a very entertaining telling of a man’s life to his son.

[Anna Shimek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and heartfelt read. Just A Nobody is a book I found on Kindle Unlimited while I was looking for a bit of a shorter/quicker read, and, honestly, it's exactly what I needed. I liked this book because it's so real and true to what most people's experience in life will be. So much of life these days is seeing the best of everyone else's lives on social media, which can lead to constant comparison and feeling like your life is boring or doesn't measure up to those around you. Fatute does a wonderful job of showing what life beyond our screens is really like. It's not about highlighting all the financial success or fame one has garnered throughout life, but about showing the beauty in the mundane. The authenticity of Fatute's writing was apparent in every page and made it easy to connect to and care about the story of someone who would otherwise be Just A Nobody to me🙂

[Elizabeth henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

I had the privilege of knowing Don for a season in his life as well as his family as I was bffs with TT!! They are a great bunch of people and I feel blessed they came into my life! Knowing Don when I did you wouldn’t have guessed the struggles he experienced! I am so glad I read your first book and read the struggles you experienced. I look forward to reading your future stories!!!

[L's of Kauai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how I ended up with this particular book .... but I enjoyed it.
If you want to take a step back into childhood without the internet ...
this book follows the childhood of a boy trying to navigate from
boyhood to his 20's.
Recommend!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

A Goodreads Win! A coming-of-age story that will stick with me a long time. I laughed out loud, then sadness and then relief. A good story that will have you turning the pages. Highly recommend to those who love stories of growing up. (I won this on Goodreads and loved it)

[Ren Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came as a suggestion in one of my book recommendation emails. I read the blurb and thought I give it a try and I’m glad I did. I know this was a work of fiction but it felt so real. I grew up during the 80s and 90s so this story brought me back to simpler time. I loved the shenanigans the characters got into and I shed a tear in a couple places. I was bummed when it ended because I felt this could be a full on novel with more adventures of the characters.

[thomas rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and Inspirational

A very compelling and moving story. The first person narrative gave it a personal touch and enhanced the emotional impact of this book. The characters portrayed were extremely well described and brought to life by adding their individual quirks and actions. I hope to read more by this author.

[Ronnie Navarette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so hard at some of these stories I made myself sick. Great book!!!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting memories of growing up.

This story is tender, from a father who is willing to open up to his son. Life changes so much from generation to generation.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! highly recommended

[Theresa Sauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel all of the emotions and reflect on my own childhood and growing up. It also shows the difference in today’s world verses how a lot of us grew up during that time. Normally I read mostly mystery novels but this book immediately had me. From belly laughing, feeling the nostalgia, and feeling sad all in the same book. I highly recommend!

[Theresa Sauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel all of the emotions and reflect on my own childhood and growing up. It also shows the difference in today’s world verses how a lot of us grew up during that time. Normally I read mostly mystery novels but this book immediately had me. From belly laughing, feeling the nostalgia, and feeling sad all in the same book. I highly recommend!

[William Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick read, couldn't put it down. 10/10 recommend

[Matthew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Easy read full of nostalgia relatable for anyone who grew up in the 80's & 90's.

[Adventure Animates · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, amazing

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Violence and fear, with sex

Caveat - I received this Kindle book as a Gooddreads Giveaway.
This was a quick, easy read, about 2 days.
My first disappointment was with the three of Christianity that doesn't actually seem to impact the characters' behavior or sucks. Good if there to ask for protection and for good luck in fights, but there's nothing required from them. There's constant dodging responsibility for violence, and no consideration when there opportunity for getting drunk or laid. So, don't preach about how vital your faith is or was.
The book also demonstrates what has been wrong with our social and school structures that invite and almost demand the chest thumping vapid machismo on display here. I'm about 10 years older than the author, but the scene was much the same. A society built on punishment leads to this. Whoopings didn't fix behavior patterns, they just get passed along to younger and weaker. As they say, shit rolls down hill.
I'm also stuck on the missing details of a major plot point. What happened at the party at the end that left 2 teens dead? There's never explanation, no investigation, no charges filled. Don apparently beat Tommy to death, from what I can tell, but there's no after-effect, no questioning, nothing. What killed Jamie? Nothing. This is a major flaw in the story telling.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really love this book and could easily see it adapted into a screenplay. The story of the main character could easily carry the book alone, but the rich personalities of all of the supporting characters sends it way over the top. It made me laugh out loud so many times, brought back memories of new love, choked me up a time or two and always had me rooting for the underdog. Anyone can relate to the experiences of the characters in this book but none more than those who grew up in a small town before technology brought kids inside to their computer games and robbed them of such wonderful experience built on the unincumbered imaginations of young children and teenagers. New books come out every day, but a book like this is truly a rare gem and I wholeheartedly recommend it as your next read. You'll be so glad that you did!

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is all recollections of the narrator’s youth from his childhood up to when he was a young adult. So we hear of playing on the street with his pals from the block, getting into fights, his first crush, etc. I nearly gave up early on, but we gratefully moved on to high school, where bullying becomes the main issue. There is a lot of fighting, and the apparent take-away message is that if you are a good fighter, you will be popular. I most appreciated the poignant aspect of the story, when the author experiences a major loss. Note that there is a Christian element to the story. Overall a fast read, but it just wasn’t for me.
This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for the giveaway opportunity that enabled me to win this book.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Fatute echos a nostalgic heartbeat into this novella. A love story that’s a callback into some of life’s most awe inspiring moments to life’s greatest trials and tribulations and a testament to rising above them. Just a nobody is an outstanding read from the first to the last. I recommend anyone who wants a good laugh, a good cry, or even just a read that inspired a sense of childhood nostalgia, just a nobody invokes all of these feelings and more. I can’t wait to see what more the author comes out with, as someone who supports novice authors as they debut their first work, Donald shows that not only is his work one that’ll be remembered but it is my belief that it’ll blow up given the right momentum. Check this title out!

[Roberto Otero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a Nobody reminds me of the 90’s movie The Sandlot. The book does a great job capturing what it felt like growing up in the late 80’s and early 90’s, before electronics and social media became such a big part of everyday life. The story reflects on childhood memories from grade school through high school and into adulthood, with summers spent with friends and the ups and downs of growing up. It touches on forming friendships, finding love, and learning important life lessons along the way. Throughout the book, the message is clear. The choices we make have consequences, but they also play a major role in shaping who we eventually become.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

Rounding stars up to recognize the author's courage in telling his life story publicly.

As an honest review, however, I can't quite see why this is a book. There's a lot of gross boy stuff that might be relatable to other readers who are or used to be gross boys. The author experienced incredible tragedy at a young age, and I applaud him for sharing those episodes. For the most part, however, this felt to me like a long-playing recap of a typical childhood. Its low page count should have made it a quick read, but I struggled to keep going.

[Nick Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relatable to me as a guy who grew up during this time.
Before social media and all of the technology this was how life was growing up!!! Back when Society was free to think for themselves. Don Fatute did a fine job portraying life as a kid growing up in the 80s and 90s. Easy to read! Highly recommend!!!

[Wendy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

​A deeply moving and incredibly raw reflection on life. Donald Fatute has a way of capturing those quiet, personal moments that we all carry but rarely talk about. It’s a story about faith, heartbreak, and the strength it takes to keep going when things don’t go as planned. If you’ve ever felt like your story didn't matter, this book will prove you wrong. Highly recommend!

[Tyler Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone looking for an easy to read coming of age tale. Ive never been a big reader, but this book had everything to keep me turning the pages; lots of laughs, some tears, and lots nostalgia.

[Amber Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A NEED TO READ! I have to say when first reading it didnt grab my attention but as I continued the book captivated me. I just couldn't put it down. I loved all the antics and fun the friends had. What a book to read for nostalgic purposes too. I would definitely recommend to anyone.

[Austin Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book written by and even greater man. I’ve had the honor of meeting Don and he’s such an honorable person full of wisdom. You can feel it written on each page. Will be recommending to family and friends.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Very entertaining.

[Dwight Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book a lot!!!! Would definitely recommend this book to others!!!!

[Shane Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book a great read.