One From Two

One From Two is a “rebuilding” novel. It is about the rebuilding of a life faced with unexpected challenges, and about the rebuilding of a dispirited city. The book describes the intersection of two American families, who face distinct struggles. One deals with the aftermath of a sudden tragedy, while the other, with a prolonged and unyielding psychiatric illness. The author weaves together the story of the construction, collapse and revitalization of the World Trade Center with the personal crises faced by the principal characters.

Key Derry was living a charmed life until one fateful day blindsided him. He was rendered a quadriplegic. Olan Donoghue scraped against life’s thorns from an early age. Although he was raised in a safe and stable home, he was burdened with complex inner workings.

Key lived through corporeal abandonment. He became of mind only. Olan had an able body, but suffered through severe emotional upheavals. They meet during Key’s encampment at the Harborside Rehabilitation Center as each man tries to piece his life together.

To honor those lost on September 11, 2001, all of the author’s profits from book sales will be donated to assist those harmed by a tragedy of chance. The proceeds will be given to the Macklis Laboratory at Harvard University.