Local father-of-two and M&S store manager Joseph Ball is set to launch his debut novel Growing Pains at Waterstones in Dorchester, with an open invitation to the community to attend.
Growing Pains is a literary coming-of-age novel inspired by Joseph’s own upbringing in 1990s Essex.
The book tells the moving story of a boy growing up in a home where emotional abuse hides in plain sight, unseen, unspoken, but deeply felt.
Raw, heartfelt and timely, the novel explores masculinity, silence, and survival through the eyes of a sensitive young boy trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t always feel safe.
Now living in Dorset with his wife, children and two savvy cats, Joseph wrote Growing Pains in the hope of helping others who may have experienced similar childhoods. “
There are so many people who grow up smiling to keep the peace,” he says. “This story is for them, to show they’re not alone.”
Published by Chronos Publishing, Growing Pains is the first in a planned four-book series, and Joseph has pledged a percentage of all profits to child protection charities, including the NSPCC and YoungMinds.
The book launch event at Waterstones Dorchester will run from 6:30–8pm on Thursday, February 5, is free to attend.
Guests can enjoy a relaxed evening with tea, cupcakes, a Q&A session, and the opportunity to grab a signed copy of Growing Pains.
Joseph, who formerly managed the Lidl store in West Hendford before recently joining M&S, has long dreamed of becoming a full-time author and one day hopes to open his own bookshop.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph and celebrate a local debut author,” said the team at Waterstones Dorchester. “We welcome all ages to come along, meet Joseph, and enjoy an evening with us in-store."
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