Author

In his book THE BLUE CASCADE: A Memoir of Life After War, author Mike Scotti gives what Kirkus Reviews calls “an unflinchingly honest account of an ex-Marine’s struggle to reacclimate to civilian life after returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom…in this unapologetic gut-wrencher of a book”

Mike learned that sometimes the hardest battle is the one after the war. As one of the Marines on the front lines in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he was taught that weakness is what gets you killed: no hesitation, focus your energies on your objective, and complete the mission. Upon returning from war, Mike approached his new life the same way. He ignored the creeping depression and numbness he called “The Blue Cascade” and charged ahead toward his goal to get an MBA, secure a high-paying finance job, and retire young and rich. But he was being eaten away inside, and scenes of drunken emotion and raging violence were becoming more and more frequent.

Years after returning from active combat, he eventually found himself contemplating suicide. Through a series of powerful events, Scotti was ultimately able to find a path to healing and begin his journey back to life, finally emerging with the following wisdom for fellow sufferers of post-traumatic stress: It’s ok if you are not ok.

Mike has also written Op/Eds for the New York Times and CNN.com. He is currently at work on his first novel.