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The story
If art imitates life, then “A Wasted Life” is a perfect example of that. Most all of us could probably say we have felt that we missed an opportunity at one point or another. Or maybe we have felt that we had followed the wrong path at a critical turning point. Maybe our eyes were closed to something wonderful right in front of us and once we realized it, it was too late. All these experiences are realized in "A Wasted Life."
Based on the true life experiences of a New York man who was, for all intense and purposes, on a fast-track to a successful career and family life, “A Wasted Life, “ tells the provocative fictional tale of how selfish pride, narcissism, poor judgment, addictions and bad habits can get in the way of your dreams and desires.
The title of the book is derived from a comment Robert DeNiro made in the 1993 movie “A Bronx Tale,” and sort of picks up where that theme left off by way of a very gangster-esque main character. This book is rich with animated and entertaining characters mixed with factual details of pop-culture and events that happened in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and into the new millennium. The story is told through two people’s eyes, Joey Martino and his daughter Nina and explores a very dysfunctional father-daughter relationship.
Nina starts off the story with a festive holiday celebration only to be interrupted by an unexpected phone call from an estranged Joey. With mixed and torn emotions, this forces her to recall many turbulent and violent memories about this once powerful air-traffic controller and union leader. Fast-forward to the current times where Joey picks up the narration when he finds out he has cancer. The story becomes a tormented person’s road to finding himself and forgiveness. An unlikely friendship ensues between Joey and a Jamaican nurse, illustrating how compassion can go a long way. Meanwhile, a mysterious reporter steps into Joey’s life to chronicle some of his past. The latter coupling takes on a life of its own, similar to a patient/ therapist relationship, giving Joey so much to hold on to during his fight to survive.
Hopefully you will come away with a new found enthusiasm for life, appreciation for loved ones, motivation to cultivate lost and new relationships, and passion to pursue your dreams and talents.
Based on the true life experiences of a New York man who was, for all intense and purposes, on a fast-track to a successful career and family life, “A Wasted Life, “ tells the provocative fictional tale of how selfish pride, narcissism, poor judgment, addictions and bad habits can get in the way of your dreams and desires.
The title of the book is derived from a comment Robert DeNiro made in the 1993 movie “A Bronx Tale,” and sort of picks up where that theme left off by way of a very gangster-esque main character. This book is rich with animated and entertaining characters mixed with factual details of pop-culture and events that happened in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and into the new millennium. The story is told through two people’s eyes, Joey Martino and his daughter Nina and explores a very dysfunctional father-daughter relationship.
Nina starts off the story with a festive holiday celebration only to be interrupted by an unexpected phone call from an estranged Joey. With mixed and torn emotions, this forces her to recall many turbulent and violent memories about this once powerful air-traffic controller and union leader. Fast-forward to the current times where Joey picks up the narration when he finds out he has cancer. The story becomes a tormented person’s road to finding himself and forgiveness. An unlikely friendship ensues between Joey and a Jamaican nurse, illustrating how compassion can go a long way. Meanwhile, a mysterious reporter steps into Joey’s life to chronicle some of his past. The latter coupling takes on a life of its own, similar to a patient/ therapist relationship, giving Joey so much to hold on to during his fight to survive.
Hopefully you will come away with a new found enthusiasm for life, appreciation for loved ones, motivation to cultivate lost and new relationships, and passion to pursue your dreams and talents.
How it Started...
Well about 10 years ago, when I lived with my roommate, we were both journalists and we had both always wanted to write a book. It was a goal for each of us, so we challenged each other and got started. Needless to say as time went on, work, love, marriage and kids got a hold of me, thank GOD for those things, but I let the book idea go. I guess you could say, life got a hold of me… Then after a series of tragic losses, I began to realize that life was too short to let dreams go by and let things just happen to me. After all I was someone who always set goals and conquered them. I was a marathon runner for goodness sake. An opportunity presented itself during a brief meeting with an acquaintance who is a life coach who wanted to get healthy and fit. Since I am a fitness professional, the wheels were set in motion. We were going to barter our services to each other and make our dreams happen. We set a start date, made each other accountable and gave each other a year to reach our goals.
That year was riddled with highs and lows for me as I was working, being mom to my two young children and trying not to let this “hobby” of writing a book interfere with day-to-day life. The biggest low came with the news that my grandmother, who was like a second mom to me and whom I affectionately called “nanny,” was very ill. Being there for her was never a question, but it was hard on everyone involved, day after day, caring for her and watching her suffer and seeing her pass on. I still miss her terribly. Through it all though, I still kept on writing the book, and oddly enough I felt like I had an angel on my shoulder telling me to keep going with my dreams and goals.
I am happy to say, nanny (grandmother) helped me finish the book ! We did it lady!
It was a long year but a very interesting and cathartic journey. Even if I shared it with nobody else I was elated with what I had done. A few close friends and family members read the book and it drove them to fits of laughter and tears. They urged me to let people know about it. It has the power to touch so many people for so many different reasons. I believe we can all relate or recognize ourselves in some of these characters. So here it is… and I’ve got lots more stories where this came from.
That year was riddled with highs and lows for me as I was working, being mom to my two young children and trying not to let this “hobby” of writing a book interfere with day-to-day life. The biggest low came with the news that my grandmother, who was like a second mom to me and whom I affectionately called “nanny,” was very ill. Being there for her was never a question, but it was hard on everyone involved, day after day, caring for her and watching her suffer and seeing her pass on. I still miss her terribly. Through it all though, I still kept on writing the book, and oddly enough I felt like I had an angel on my shoulder telling me to keep going with my dreams and goals.
I am happy to say, nanny (grandmother) helped me finish the book ! We did it lady!
It was a long year but a very interesting and cathartic journey. Even if I shared it with nobody else I was elated with what I had done. A few close friends and family members read the book and it drove them to fits of laughter and tears. They urged me to let people know about it. It has the power to touch so many people for so many different reasons. I believe we can all relate or recognize ourselves in some of these characters. So here it is… and I’ve got lots more stories where this came from.
Jocelyn Greenky Herz just gave me a raving review on Wasted talent. Greenky Herz is the author of The Big Sister's Guide to the World of Work.
ReplyDeleteMarlo. . . you are always doing something terrific with your life. Keep it up. Paola
ReplyDeleteI felt so many emotions while reading the book. Laughed many times and went back to some parts to read and laugh again. I couldn't help but feel for Joey and wonder what his life could have been like if he knew what was ahead.
ReplyDeleteFinally finished the main editing and it feels so exhuberant to be done. I am ready to trek forward and get this in publication already! The cover art by Luis Panchame is shaping up to be a real eye-catcher. Now I am hoping for a summer release.
ReplyDeleteBuying the book today. Amazon??? Where at...
ReplyDeleteCongrats. Marlo. I wish you good luck.
ReplyDeleteIvett Jackson/Author
Marlo, I'm so happy and proud of you..keep it up my friend..best of luck and keep us informed as to when it will finally be out for purchase.
ReplyDeleteMarlo:
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you. I knew you could and would do this. You always accomplish what you set out to do and you are a true inspiration to all. You are a loving mom, wife, daughter and friend. I wish you the best with everything and the book. I know good things are coming because this book is very entertaining. I read alot of books and I could not put this one down. Wishing you the best. Amy Tencher
Marlo,
ReplyDeleteWords can't express how proud of you I am. You are an inspiration in so many ways. Congratulations on obtaining such a tremendous life goal, and you did this with two little ones! Love you & best of luck on your next book!!! Can't wait to read this.
You have no idea how proud i am,that you are my daughter DAD
ReplyDeleteMarlo
ReplyDeleteAS I said as I finished the book-WOW, I couldnt put it down. .We are all so proud of you. Still dont know where you found the time with your full days and nights and entertaining in between!
Congradulations and we are proud and happy for you. Dont forget us when you get to the top. A.Elsie
Marlo you are an amazing person and I am looking forward to getting a copy of this book. It amazes me how you had the time to get married, have kids and write this book. Trully inspirational!
ReplyDeleteHi Marlo...just found your blog...it was so nice to see you last week at Whole Foods...wow, I can't wait to read your book.
ReplyDeleteI feel priveliged to have met you and trained with you...and look forward to your continued rise to "stardom". Wishing you the best of everything.
Judi Hannes
Marlo, I am in awe. You never seize to amaze me. You have so many wonderful talents. I'm so happy for you. I can't wait to read your book.
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend...what a joy to read this story. Just when I thought I knew you so well, I have learned much much more about you. I am so happy for you for accomplishing this dream of yours. I stand by you and am proud to call you my true friend. What ever you need, I am here. All my love and wishes for much success!!!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read it already! Lots of good luck!! I'd like to know, where in the world do you find the time??? You're unbelievable, Marlo. Always the best...XO!
ReplyDeleteMarlo....How wonderful!! I am so happy for you. I wish you the very best. You are an amazing person. Ryan gives you the thumbs up! We are both excited to read it. Please let me know when it comes out.
ReplyDelete