Grown Men Don't Cry
As the popular jocks in the one-stoplight town of Bristol, New Hampshire, Ben Chase and Jimmy Keller are best friends whose unique creativity and bold personalities make for some hilarious-and heart-wrenching-stories. Laughter doesn't make up for pain inflicted by their dysfunctional families, but it certainly creates some unforgettable memories.
Growing up, Ben has viewed his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as nothing more than a nuisance. Then all hell breaks loose the day that he becomes a father and realizes there is a lot in the world that he can't control. Meanwhile, Jimmy is battling his own demons. Since his return from his third tour of duty in Iraq, he has suffered from a severe case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Declaring he's had enough, Jimmy makes the conscious choice to end his life.
While out enjoying what is supposed to be his last meal, Jimmy overhears a conversation about a former baseball standout that has just months to live, and discovers it's his old friend. Jimmy puts his suicide mission on hold to reconnect with Ben.
In their weakest moments, it's now shared pain which helps rekindle their unbreakable bond. Grown Men Don't Cry is the story of sacrifice, friendship, mortality and the will to persevere.
Author B.W. DeCaro grew up in New England, spending his teenage years in Bristol, New Hampshire. He attended the University of New Hampshire ('95), and soon after moved to Northern Virginia, where he now lives with his wife and two children.
A portion of all Grown Men Don't Cry book proceeds will be donated to causes supporting people who suffer from depression and other anxiety disorders, such as OCD and PTSD.
"Thought provoking read! This book really puts life into perspective. It will make readers both laugh and smile, but it also touches on truths people don't always like to confront. Read this--you'll come through as a better person and maybe look at life-choices differently."
--E.C. Stilson
"I started this book yesterday in the late morning and found myself flipping through the pages like a racehorse. I was hooked after the first chapter. I have never literally laughed so hard out loud while reading. It has a very "Stand by Me" vibe going on that I felt from the beginning."
--G.A.
"Hilarious & Heartwarming! This is a funny and heartwarming story about two best friends growing up together through the various phases of life with hilarious mishaps yet sharing serious connections. The reader becomes so invested in the characters that you don't want to put the book down. It was light reading that kept me laughing and was deeply touching. An amazing book for this first time author, looking forward to reading future books."
--K. Gizzi
"It is beautifully written with well-drawn characters and a fast-moving plot"
--M. Hadley
"I haven't read a book in ten years. I was very much impressed with the story, the characters and the information it relayed to the reader. It was fun, it made me laugh, and made me think about life in general. I would recommend this book to everyone."
--E. Bledsoe
"This is a great book from brand new break-out author B.W Decaro. a great story that had me laughing and crying all in the first 15 pages !!! Highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a story about friendship and the bonds we form from childhood to adulthood. It will warm your heart on these cold nights!"
--John M. "The story line is very interesting, insightful and you want to keep reading. I enjoyed following the progression of the characters from boys to grown men. I like the fact this author, although not yet known and famous, is giving proceeds from the sale of this book to charities. Check it out!"
--Jill