First-time author Claude Gooch of the Cheraw community in Marion County holds his novel, "Carlos."
By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher
Anxiety and depression are roadblocks for some, but for first-time author Claude Gooch of the Cheraw community in Marion County, those ailments were a source of inspiration.
Gooch’s self-published book, “Carlos,” is about a man who battles depression and anxiety after he is laid off from his job. The power of prayer, family and medication help the protagonist get through the tough times.
Gooch was inspired to write the book by his own struggles with anxiety and depression and hopes the novel will lead others who are facing similar troubles to seek help. Many times people suffering from emotional disorders are reluctant to seek help through counseling or medication in fear of being stigmatized, Gooch said. There is nothing to be ashamed of when seeking help for depression and anxiety, Gooch said, adding that he takes mediation and receives therapy.
Gooch said he wrote the book because, “I had a lot to tell about my problems and feel I can help someone else.”
People battling depression and anxiety need to seek help before it’s too late, he said, noting that much of the book is inspired by his life, but names have been changed.
In the book, Carlos tries to get work at the local sawmill but is repeatedly turned down due to his high blood pressure, and his unemployment check is not enough to provide for his son. The stress of the situation begins causing Carlos to hear voices that encourage him to act violently.
The sawmill job may be somewhat autobiographical since Gooch worked at Georgia Pacific in Goss for 17 years prior to becoming disabled about six years ago with knee problems.
The situation begins to improve as the family prays and Carlos begins responding well to medication, but then things take a turn for the worst again when his son Dennis gets in trouble over drugs. Carlos commits himself to trying to save his son, and the story is about how a family sticks together through the tough times.
Gooch said his only hobby is writing, and he is working on a new book that is due out this winter tentatively titled “The Evil Husband.” The book is about a man who is abusive to his wife and child when he drinks.
Gooch, 50 , is a graduate of West Marion High School and attended Jackson State University. He is married with three children and enjoys reading books about the Methodist denomination. It feels good to have written a book of his own: “I feel like I accomplished something I set out to do,” he said.
The 142-page book was published by AuthorHouse and can be purchased at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or authorhouse.com.
Kudos to Mr. Gooch. Thank you for your work and insight. Looking forward to reading the book.
Mr. Claude, you should contact the local library to see if they could schedule a book signing for your debut novel. Hats off to you! Your novel sounds like it would speak to many people around this area.
What an inspiring story! This is a wonderful thing for Mr. Gooch; I offer my congratulations, and wish him well with his next book.
I am so happy to to read this good news. I think the idea of a book signing is a great idea. I do indeed intend to purchase this book in support of you. look forward to meeting you soon. Congrats!!!! Praise God.
A truly remarkable, uplifting story!
Thanks for your story Mr Gooch it tells the story for so many keep up the good work.
Congrats:) I am sure that many people can relate to this local story. I can not wait to purchase the book and read it for myself. I wish Mr. Gooch much success with his novel!
Thanks for telling your story, it helped me…I plan to purchase your book. Good Luck Mr. Gooch!
It makes me very happy to see authors from marion county getting noticed! For the most part, I have bittersweet feelings about this place. It is home, but it is also a hell hole of drugs, small town drama, and poverty, that people slide further and further into the longer they stay. However, there is also an abundance of amazing talent here and I’m proud to see one of mississippi’s biggest exports (writers, musicians, art) is still alive, and thriving right here in marion county.
Great story, very good reading.
Will look for your new book.
i got the book today and must say that so far i can’t put it down
I snuck a peek at the first few pages on Amazon–it seems like he’s a natural at writing. Writing a book is no small notion, and it’s amazing he remained committed to the story to the point of publication. I plan to read it and if it seems something my colleagues would be interested in, I will consider introducing it to my book club and inviting him to our meeting to help with our discussion.