Stuck in a medium-security prison with hardened criminals, Gantos turned to the one thing he knew he could count on to get him through–his writing. This sailing job sounded like just the ticket–for very little work, he’d have enough money to go to college and start his life as a writer…except the unbelievable happened–he got caught. He was tired of dead end jobs and just reading about other people’s exciting lives, he wanted to live his own adventure. Now, what if you found out there were drugs aboard? Still keen on deck duty? Reckless teenaged Jack Gantos decided that the risk was worth it. Croix to New York City? I’m willing to bet you’d probably say yes even if you never sailed before in your life. This year’s initiative, explored through Gantos’ book, is “Avoiding Unhealthy Substances.What would you say if someone offered you $10,000 just to help sail a ship from the island of St. Each year’s Community Read focuses on one of the Foundation’s four health initiatives.

The Read is supported by a grant from the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation. The goal of the 5H Community Read is to bring the 5 Healthy Towns together in a dialogue on the importance of wellness and staying active while exploring the magic of reading. Participants are invited to share their free copy with others in the community after reading. To get a free copy of Hole in My Life, you can stop by the Manchester District Library or click HERE to find other locations as well as more information about the program.

Click HERE to read more about the book including an excerpt. His story contains an important and inspiring message of not letting your mistakes define you or keep you from your goals. The book recounts a summer of the author’s life when, as an aspiring writer looking for money and adventure, he helped sail a yacht loaded with hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City, where he and his partners sold the drug until caught by federal agents. Over 2,000 free copies of Hole in My Life will be distributed throughout the five communities during this year’s Read. The Manchester District Library announced last week that the 2015 Community Read for the 5 Healthy Towns of Manchester, Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, and Stockbridge is Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos. If you happen to see people reading this book in waiting rooms, parks and libraries all over the area, don't be surprised.

Hole in my life by jack gantos