Set in St. Augustine and Dahlonega, Georgia, “Throwaway Boy,” author J.E. Mooney’s second book, explores the complicated yet beautiful relationship of Ricky Plyer and Christina Spear.
Inspired by actual events, Christina is heartbroken to hear that Ricky, her mentee and friend, has committed suicide. Just four years out of juvenile detention, it seemed that Ricky was getting his life together; he graduated high school, he had a girlfriend … so why would he kill himself? Christina is determined to discover the truth.
“’Throwaway Boy’ is accessible on multiple levels,” said Mooney, a St. Augustine-based author. “The protagonist is a strong every-woman recovering from her own loss. She wants to do some good in the world but gets swept up in circumstances she doesn't understand. Nevertheless, she relies on her instincts even as forces align against her. There are struggles at the heart of nearly all the relationships that people will recognize. This is a mystery that slowly unravels in both the past and the present.”
Released in October by Taylor and Seale Publishing, “Throwaway Boy” focuses on various themes that help the reader understand the richness and complexity of human relationships.
“The relationship between Ricky Plyer and Christina Spear is central to the plot and the characters,” said Mooney. “It's an example of how two people of completely different backgrounds can find more than common understanding. The theme is multi-tiered, addressing both the benefits of mentorship and the opportunities for life-changing experiences as we open ourselves to people unlike us.”
An official book launch will be held 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Casa de Vino 57, 57 Treasury St., St. Augustine. A “Meet the Author” event will be held 3-7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the 3rd Annual Holiday Market, St. Johns County Ocean Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine.
For more information, go to jemooneybooks.com and follow along on Facebook @jemooneybooks.