No Hand Me Down Life - Volume One

by Michael D. Dolce

Join Josh Megalos as a boy when he learns how different he is from the rest of his Catholic, conservative family after getting lost in Yosemite National Forest. Carry on with Josh through many naughty and intriguing escapades that occur in elementary, middle, and high school, involving his first brushes against the rules and traditions of society and lessons he must inevitably learn about mischief, love, religion, normalcy, and sex. Go to college with Josh as he learns to see the world from many points of view and discovers the activist within him, losing his religion in the process. Revel in how, after much philandering, Josh commits to a relationship that ends in such a manner as to make him fear monogamy forever. See him charm his way into many beds and through many of his courses, eventually coming to face the consequences for a lack of accountability. Slide with Josh down the razor blade of life when he struggles to find a career, ultimately becoming a teacher. Celebrate the joyous risks Josh takes, and witness the drama unfold as, ultimately, one of them causes incredible personal upheaval, forcing him to deeply reflect about his choices and to wonder how next to proceed in the adventure that is existence itself.

541 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2021

About the author

I am a poet, humorist, writer, orator, and retired educator. I began my study of the arts long before my formal education, supplementing a bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University and private training with practice along the way, writing my first poem at the age of ten. I have written screenplays for 48 Hour Film Festivals, received the honor of best screenplay for "All the Right Tools," and published my poetry in various venues. Many of my plays have been staged, and I have acted on stage and in film for 39 years. However, these accolades don't bring me the pride that wells up when I thing of my accomplishments in teaching and education, a craft I cultivated for over 22 years and from which I am now moved on. Look for me in the mountains hiking, in an ocean diving, on a road traveling, or delighting in life at home with my lovely wife beside me. It's truly a beautiful life.