Mulligan

Two-time American Book Fest Finalist 2022 & 2023
SECOND EDITION: V-2 May 2022
Contains new material & story points. Clearer, fuller, sharper, better storytelling.
All 5 "novellas" in 1 complete set.
Book 2 ITW.

A cathartic journey...
Originally released as "The Journey of Dreams" (JoD).
MULLIGAN: JoD does not shy away from real tragedies affecting many in our community, such as suicide, sexual/physical abuse, abandonment, death and more. It's about perseverance through the most unimaginable struggles; sacrifices to find happiness and acceptance in a world that has ignored, discarded, discounted, and mistreated Christopher all his life; finding hope and love through the darkness of the long journey. Ultimately, it's a story of healing.

***

My name is Christopher, and this is my story of survival against unimaginable experiences. Loss of my family, abandonment, abuse, isolation, disallowed affection and a normal childhood, and much more. Somewhere along the way, I met Trey, a straight boy from my school. He became my lighthouse in a sea of endless anguish and protected me when I needed it most. If anyone could save me, it would be him. But could I save him?

This is my story, told from the haunting corridors of my Grand Hall of Memories. At the heart of it, it's about unlikely second chances and following my heart.

***

Fictionalized, roman à clef memoir. Life-altering traumatic experiences plague young Southern gay teen Christopher Anderson, but his unlikely encounter with straight schoolmate Trey Moretto may change everything.

A real, poetic, dirty, painful, gritty, inspiring, sexual, beautiful love story of loss beyond measure, heartache, abuse, survival against inconceivable odds, and perseverance into adulthood.

Heartbreaking, tender, erotic-with plenty of humor, wit, heart, sizzling love scenes, some military life, healing and all lead to a soul-soothing ending.

MULLIGAN tells the unconventional story of a tortured soul on his journey to find happiness, love, and acceptance, told during a time when this kind of clandestine love balanced on the cusp of sin and the brink of acceptance. This is an engaging, vulnerable, authentic coming of age story, dealing with abandonment trauma, repressed memories of abuse, heartbreak, sadness, sexuality-enough to soak your pants-joy, comfort, healing & love.

Dedicated to all those who have struggled to let their true colors shine.

EXCERPTS:
There was a day in my life when my heart stopped beating...
The words echoed in my dreams. But what did they mean?
***
Somewhere in the shadows of the night, I abdicated control of consciousness. I felt so completely at peace; I was resting my head on Trey's chest, being held in his arms, and feeling him rub his fingers through my hair. The last thing I remember that night, was Trey kissing my forehead again and whispering, almost so low that it was perhaps not intended for me to hear it, "I'll love you forever...and evermore." At that very moment, Trey permanently carved into my heart the words "Trey + Christopher".

***

REVIEW:
"The author is a gifted and eloquent writer, constructing Christopher's story like a beautiful mosaic, fitting together the many stages of his journey as he revisits his Grand Hall of Memories... Every stop on [his] itinerary invites the reader to explore the beauty and passion of his search..."

TW:
Specific scenes of physical/sexual abuse, self-harm & brief depictions of consensual teen sexual activity (delicately written, necessary for MC growth). My goal was to raise awareness & bring attention to these often-neglected issues.
NOT intended for young/sensitive audiences.

Follow the author: Linktr. ee/NathanaelKey
(Sans spaces)