By MARYLOU MORANO

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

WESTFIELD – Dramatic, true

events in the life of Westfield resident

Bradley Booth are the inspiration for

his novel, “I Apologize,” which was

recently released for publication.

When Mr. Booth’s fiancée succumbed

to a rare form of cancer in

1994, he blamed himself for not doing

more to save her.

After many years of hiding from

the emotions resulting from her death,

he finally took the advice of a coworker,

who reminded him that suppressed

emotions have ways of manifesting

themselves.

“Fortunately, for me, [the experience]

rekindled my childhood dream

of becoming a writer,” said Mr. Booth.

“It took me seven months to write ‘I

Apologize,’ working at it every day

for about 15 hours.”

The manuscript was hidden away

in a box in a closet until Mr. Booth’s

wife found it, read it and urged him to

have it published.

“I Apologize” is the story of Tony

Richardson, who, like the author,

blames himself for his loss.

When Tony’s second chance at happiness

is threatened by a similar series

of events, he finds himself standing

at a crossroads where the present

intersects with the past.

“[There are] feelings of helplessness

as you watch the person you love slip

away from you, and there is nothing

you can do to stop it,” said Mr. Booth.

“I believe that anyone who has

gone through the agony of losing

someone dear to them can identify

with Tony. Regret becomes the greatest

tormentor. You keep thinking that

you should have done more,” he continued.

Like the author, Tony also realizes

that his fiancée lives on through him

in the life she once lived and the

dreams she once dreamed.

“I Apologize” is Mr. Booth’s first

novel. He is currently at work on a

second entitled, “I Always Love You,”

which should be available to readers

in 2010.

According to Mr. Booth, his second

novel is a story about a man who

kills his comatose wife. A pessimistic

young lawyer who defends his

case and, in the process, rediscovers

love for his own wife, also figures

prominently in the novel.

Prior to becoming a published author,

Mr. Booth worked as a retail

manager, a district manager and a

general manager for several businesses.

Born in Brooklyn, he enjoys living

in Westfield because it provides him

with “the best of both worlds.”

“Westfield [is a] progressive town

that still manages to retain its picturesque

charm,” he said.

“I am a train ride away from the

bustle of the city and yet can find

solace to write in this quiet and peaceful

town,” he said.

Mr. Booth will be at The Town

Bookstore on Saturday, October 24,

at 2 p.m. to meet readers and sign

copies of “I Apologize.” For more

information, contact (908) 233-3535.