It goes without saying that finding happiness is the great preoccupation of nearly all of us. And yes, as any first year psychology student will tell us, we all externalize that desire and seek happiness in things outside ourselves. Is that the answer? We all know that it is not.
Google 'finding happiness' and you'll see that hundreds of thousands of opinions of every type and style are offered us regarding 'how to find happiness'. Everything we might imagine, covered from every conceivable angle. Everything from finding happiness in relationships or finding joy in your job, to overcoming boredom, apathy, monotony or mediocrity. Some would have us believe that the key is to just wake up happy or perhaps to force a smile or a cheerful attitude. See only the good. Think only happy thoughts. Just BE happy. Is it that easy? We all know that it is not.
Most people cannot define or even verbalize what it means to be happy. We only know when we are happy, and when we are not. We don't REALLY know why. Only one thing can be said with certainty - happiness is not a goal - it is a state. Happiness is not a place - it is a journey.
Author Grace Mattioli's realistic fiction novel, 'Discovery Of An Eagle' gives us a penetrating look inside one fictional character's journey to that state.
After his job lays him off, Cosmo Greco takes his sister, Silvia, up on her offer to drive to Portland. At the beginning of the trip, a Mack truck wipes them off the road, nearly killing them. This near-death experience is a wake-up call for Cosmo, and he begins to question the life he’s been leading. He realizes that he’s not happy with his current life and wants to make a change. A number of encounters along the way reinforce this desire, but he’s afraid to leave the familiarity of his humdrum existence for the unknown. His journey is set against the backdrop of the American road with vivid, soulful descriptions and a cast of colorful characters. This book is the sequel to 'Olive Branches Don’t Grow On Trees' and the second book in the Greco Family Trilogy, although it can be read as a stand-alone. Reviewers such as Kirkus Reviews and Midwest Book Review have called this a poignant and well-drawn soaring story that opens readers eyes to new perspectives.
"I wanted to write a story about what it takes to be truly happy," Mattioli stated. "Through his travels from east to west, Cosmo realizes that he has been bored and unhappy and he wants to break free of his dull existence. He is a pragmatist who is afraid to leave that which is familiar for the unknown. Through his inner struggle and through facing his fears, he evolves and discovers the eagle within. Readers will be able to relate to Cosmo and his inner struggle and they will be very inspired by his discoveries. As one reviewer wrote, “(This) book isn’t just about Cosmo’s journey. It takes a hard look at the lives we live, the monotony we assume is a part of adulthood and the mediocrity we’re content to settle for. Through Cosmo’s shoes, the reader’s perspectives are quietly opened to new possibilities.”
In her contemporary fiction books, Mattioli paints pictures with words. Her works are filled with vivid descriptions and her characters are extremely dimensional and unforgettable. While her realistic fiction books center around serious issues such as family relations, death and addiction, they are very humorous and fun; readers will be entertained as they gain valuable insights that they can take with them long after they have finished the last page.
Grace Mattioli is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at grace@gracemattioli.com. Mattioli's contemporary fiction books are available at Powell’s, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and iTunes. More information on all her work is available at her website at http://www.gracemattioli.com.
About Grace Mattioli:
Grace Mattioli is the author of Olive Branches Don’t Grow On Trees (2012) and Discovery of an Eagle (2014). She has worked as a librarian for over 19 years and has been writing creatively since she was a child.
Contact:
Grace Mattioli
grace@gracemattioli.com
http://www.gracemattioli.com
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