Woodhaven native’s novel addresses modern-day mental health issues
BY TAMMY SCILEPPI
Seems a lot of guys are feeling
lost these days.
Most women today are feeling
happier and becoming
even more empowered. But
troubling evidence is emerging
which suggests that more
than ever before, younger men
have been struggling with low
self-esteem, depression, loneliness,
and in some cases, opioid
addiction. Sadly, male suicide
rates have increased nationwide,
according to reports.
Queens native Thomas
Duffy has tapped into this
modern-day crisis with his
seventh fiction novel – just
released on Amazon – titled
“Social Work.” He has written
about a wide range of topics,
including romance and existentialism,
and even working
in retail.
“A little over two years
ago, I lost a friend to suicide,”
Duffy recalled. “I never knew
he was suffering from depression
so intensely and having
dealt with depression myself, I
felt if I had known that, I could
have tried to help him.”
The author, who was raised
in Woodhaven and currently
lives in Glen Oaks, felt that
he needed to tell a story that
addressed the complex issues
surrounding suicide – through
the eyes of a young man who is
trying to deal with his mental
health issues.
“I wanted to show that it is
possible to overcome mental
illness through treatment.
There are parts of the main
character Marc that parallel
certain situations I’ve found
myself in,” he explained.
When you read “Social
Work,” you’ll understand why
the special bond between Marc
and his social worker Lauren,
is so strong.
“At first, they don’t like
each other much, but as the
story progresses, they tend to
sort of cherish their sessions
together,” Duffy said. “For
Marc, because he gets to talk
about his problems, and for
Lauren, because she gets to
help him with advice. I feel
the reader can relate to both
characters, which is so very
important.”
Comparing this story to
the film “Silver Linings Playbook,”
he explains that hope is
the central theme of his book.
The author’s other novels
on Amazon include: “Stockboy,”
“Off the Line,” “One
Love,” “Heartbreaker,” and
“To Never Know.”
He recently talked about
“Social Work” and his previous
novel, “The Separation” (his
“most daring book yet”), on a
show called “Between the Covers
- Celebrating Books,” which
was aired live before a studio
audience on Strong Island Television
from Paradise Studios
on Long Island.
So, what is the common
theme connecting all seven
stories?
“Trying to find purpose
and meaning in life; I think all
the books convey this idea,”
Duffy said.
In fact, most have some
elements of his life woven
throughout.
Duffy, who says he enjoys
bouncing around different
Queens neighborhoods, graduated
from PS 66 in Richmond
Hill (where he earned a Creative
Writing award), JHS 210
(Ozone Park), and Christ the
King HS (Middle Village). He
“Social Work” is Thomas Duffy’s seventh book. Set in New York
City, it’s a moving story about the special bond between a troubled
young man named Marc and his social worker Lauren, after his suicide
attempt.
got his BA from Pace University.
In his spare time, the author
reviews movies on social
media, and credits his parents
(both huge film buffs) for instilling
in him his love for the
silver screen. He said he has
interviewed several celebrities,
including Minnie Driver
and Richard Dreyfuss.
After reading “Social
Work,” folks should come away
with a better understanding
of the challenges that people
struggling with mental issues
face, because those who suffer
are oftentimes, our family
members, friends and neighbors,
Duffy said.
“If anything, I hope this
book helps fight the stigma
associated with mentally illness.”
Tues. & Wed. $1895
1 1/4 lb. Lobster, Clams, and Mussels
Served with Corn on the Cob
and Baked Potato
with Purchase of 2 Cocktails,
2 Wines or 2 Beers
56 TIMESLEDGER, OCT. 11-17, 2019 BT QNS.COM
/QNS.COM
