Struggle has been a recurring theme in Wellington author Vincent J. Guastella’s life. He struggled to achieve recognition, struggled against the status quo and struggled against overwhelming odds.
In his new book, The Loose Ends of My Life: The Misadventures and High Jinks of 1960s Weirdos, Misfits and Malcontents, published by Xlibris, he offers a glimpse into his journey and a slice of life of the “Swinging Sixties.”
Webster’s Dictionary defines malcontent as “one who bears a grudge from a sense of grievance or thwarted ambition. One who is in active opposition to an established order or government.” To Guastella, malcontent became a name he came to be identified with in his group of free-wheeling, fun-loving and sometimes dangerous friends and acquaintances.
Guastella definitely lived up to this name as his constant struggle for love, recognition and success makes up the never-ending saga of his life’s journey. The Loose Ends of My Life describes his story in intimate detail while giving voice to his generation.
“My story will appeal, certainly, to the baby boomers, who experienced these times, but, also, the 18 to 50 age group, who have heard and seen many depictions of the 1960s but not in such an offbeat and personal way,” he said.
Guastella was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1946, a baby boomer born into an Italian-American family of hardworking blue-collar people. His current pursuit is to feel love, peace, happiness and, most of all, hope for forgiveness and salvation.
The Loose Ends of My Life is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as www.xlibris.com.
