The Art of Finding Truth, One Man’s Journey Through Love, Life, Grief and Joy received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Darice Cairns.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The name of my book is, “The Art of Finding Truth, One Man’s Journey Through Love, Life, Grief and Joy.” It was published in November 2020.
What’s the book’s first line?
When I was a teenager, I believed I was invincible.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
‘The Art of Finding Truth…’ is a beautiful life story that weaves together a perfect blend of inner spiritual worth, history, love and life.
The book explores the riveting events of Behzad (known as Micco) Ghashghaee’s life and how he comes to reconcile with his truth and identity through war and peace, hardship and strength, injustice and love. The story starts with the harrowing events of how he escapes from Iran with his young family during the Iranian revolution. He later becomes a successful and flamboyant stylist, who accumulates hundreds of stories told to him by his colourful clients over the years.
The novel is broken up into three phases. During the first phase, readers follow Micco’s horrific 3-year journey out of Iran. The second phase highlights several stories from his hairstylist days that are told to him by his clients; these stories are humorous, shocking, and jolting. In the third phase, readers follow Ghashghaee into retirement as he looks back on a life of palpable heartbreak and great joy at all the blessings received, as well as all the dreams that never came true.
This is a truly extraordinary story with an enduring message that will linger long after the final page.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
My husband. This is his story.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
This novel reaches deeply into what makes us human and transcends the typical biographical, ‘self-help’ fray.
Readers will be moved by the depth and sheer horror of how one man’s escape from Iran can change a person’s life. Yet after settling in Canada, there is a healthy dose of uplifting anecdotes from Micco’s career as a stylist that weaves through his life to his eventual retirement. The stories presented here reveal profound truths and wisdom, with a good dose of humour. The lessons Micco learns and shares in this book are deeply reflective and humbling. The narrative writing style is personal, intimate and emotionally uplifting, and offers the reader profound inner wisdom.
The book is appropriately dedicated to anyone who is “on a journey to find the truth in their own lives”.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I started writing – with passion and rather seriously – in my journals and in school by the age of 10.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No. I wrote my memoir a few years ago and have since taken it out of circulation. I am currently rewriting it and letting it metamorphose into bold new territory.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m an international teacher and educational specialist.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Most of my free time is spent either writing or researching or thinking about the next topic to write about. I have a several novels in my head at any one time. I am often thinking about what I could write about next.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
If writing is your passion, then nothing should stop you from doing what you love. Even if life gets in the way – which it so often does – you must still make time for your passion. Do whatever you can to give yourself the time and space to do what you love. Give yourself that freedom and never stop.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
The only thing that motivates me to write is the sheer joy it gives me, as it offers an outlet for my sometimes wild and crazy thoughts, and if someone finds them interesting – bonus!
Which book do you wish you could have written?
‘Astonishing the Gods’ by Ben Okri.