Joe Donnelly is a Scottish journalist and writer who explores the complex intersection of video games and mental health. Through his writing for prominent publications like The Guardian and VICE, he investigates how the interactive nature of games uniquely positions them as tools for education and information. Donnelly's perspective is rooted in his belief in the distinctive potential of video games within this space. His work delves into sensitive topics, highlighting their significance in contemporary society.
In So Cal: Dispatches from the End of the World, Joe Donnelly's second collection of nonfiction, the title says a lot. The bulk of it is set in the lower third of the Golden State, and even when they're not they ooze a certain SoCal leaning. Reading through the pieces that follow, I was floored by his ability to breathe freshness into every scene and description --Jamie Brisick, from his Foreword.
Through a series of engaging profiles, the author reveals the humanity behind the myths of Hollywood's elite, capturing unique encounters with celebrities like Wes Anderson, Sean Penn, and Werner Herzog. These narratives delve into the personal stories and experiences that shape their public personas, showcasing a rarely seen perspective of Los Angeles' cultural landscape. The collection emphasizes the authentic connections and moments that transcend fame, offering insight into the lives of those who have left a significant mark on popular culture.
God of Sperm tells the remarkable story of Dr. Cappy Miles Rothman, the son of notorious gangster Norman "Roughhouse" Rothman, who went on to become a trailblazer in the field of reproductive medicine. Rothman started the California Cryobank, one of the world's largest repositories of reproductive genetic material and cord-blood stem cells. Among other achievements, Rothman also pioneered the use of microsurgery in urological procedures, postmortem sperm retrieval techniques, and was one of the first practitioners of andrology, a specialty dealing with male reproductive biology and medicine. How Cappy Rothman went from Mafia scion and man-about-town during the postwar Miami Beach--Havana era of gangster chic to one of the most consequential figures in modern medicine is an epic, only-in-America tale that is also a fine reminder of the broad horizons and wild possibilities life in the U.S. can offer.
Inspired by his own experience navigating depression following a tragic personal loss, Checkpoint reflects on the comforting and healing effect that entering into new digital worlds and narratives can have on mental health both personally and on a wider scale.
The town of Arden, in the west of Scotland, is old. Its history is lost in the mists of time. But history keeps repeating itself, and Arden has had a troubled history since ancient times.Nick Ryan returns to Arden to settle down in his childhood home. But Arden’s disturbing history is about to catch up with him. As he uncovers the truth about his home town, something has awoken under the dark rock that looms over the estuary. It is hungry. And angry.The ancient walls which kept it in check have been breached. It wants to be free. It will wreak its revenge.All that stands between it and Arden are Nick Ryan, a brain-damaged man, and the young daughter of a childhood friend.They stand alone as the nightmare begins.