No Walk in the Park tells the story of a young writer stumbling up the ladder of newspapers as a functional alcoholic. Growing up in the 1960s and '70s, there was no faith or religion.

Work on a Colorado mountain town weekly found success, including multiple awards. Personal life was another story as the first marriage collapsed. Drinking increased, up to and including a DUI, resulting in a short period of sobriety.

A second marriage and a move to daily newspapers followed the same pattern, ending with another divorce. A third wife and a move to California helped for a while, then didn't. The fourth wife was there when 9/11 hit, with an aftermath of a party and another arrest. A jail miracle takes away the compulsion to drink and the basis of faith.

The rest of the story chronicles growing faith and recovery, the rise and fall of a community newspaper, the newspaper industry and a life of service.

Told with searing honesty and self-deprecating humor, the book is a compelling page-turner.