In his second book, You Will Forever Be My Always, Dan McCrory ventures into deeply personal and emotional territory, delivering a story that is both poignant and raw. McCrory’s protagonist, Charlie Wise, is not your typical hero—he is, as McCrory bluntly puts it, an “asshole.” Charlie has left a trail of broken hearts and relationships behind him, having cheated on his wife for years, neglected friends, and damaged countless lives. When he reveals his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, no one seems to care. But the story doesn’t end there. It’s in the unraveling of Charlie’s life that McCrory manages to humanize a man who has been written off by nearly everyone around him. The novel takes readers on a journey across Thailand, Morocco, and the heart of Texas, as Charlie attempts to make amends and finish his long-awaited Great American Novel.
At the heart of You Will Forever Be My Always is the question: Can a man with such a flawed history ever find redemption? McCrory’s exploration of this theme, along with his humorous and often heartbreaking portrayal of Parkinson’s disease, provides readers with a narrative that is both a meditation on mortality and a reflection on the power of forgiveness.
A Writer’s Journey: From Journalism to Novelist
McCrory’s diverse career as a journalist, screenwriter, poet, and now novelist, has uniquely prepared him for tackling complex stories like You Will Forever Be My Always. Having previously written for telecommunications, served as a Hollywood publicist, and penned political propaganda, McCrory’s voice is one that is as sharp as it is varied.
Born in Los Angeles, McCrory began his writing journey at a young age. By age 12, he was already running a school newspaper, and by 15, he had moved to Colorado for greater educational opportunities, where his writing continued to flourish. Despite starting his professional career at AT&T, McCrory’s passion for writing remained at the forefront of his life. In 2019, he published his first book, Capitalism Killed the Middle Class: 25 Ways the System is Rigged Against You, which garnered international recognition, becoming a finalist in the UK’s Page Turner Awards. But McCrory’s true passion came to light with the release of You Will Forever Be My Always, a story inspired by his own battle with Parkinson’s.
The Inspiration Behind You Will Forever Be My Always
For McCrory, You Will Forever Be My Always is more than just a novel; it is a deeply personal exploration of his own experience with Parkinson’s. Diagnosed with the disease, McCrory was determined to raise awareness about the realities of living with a neurodegenerative condition while also exploring the broader themes of redemption and second chances. The book’s creation became both a form of therapy and a means to understand the disease’s long-term effects and prognosis.
In a recent interview, McCrory explained that researching Parkinson’s during the COVID-19 lockdown provided him with the drive to continue writing. “One of the ways I used that research was to determine if a particular symptom I was experiencing was typical, and if so, it went in the book,” McCrory said. His meticulous attention to the details of Parkinson’s disease, combined with his raw and unfiltered portrayal of Charlie’s journey, gives the book an authenticity that resonates with readers.
While the novel addresses the challenges of Parkinson’s, it is also laced with humor. McCrory’s ability to inject humor into even the most difficult moments of Charlie’s life sets the book apart from other illness-based narratives. His neurologist, who praised the book, even suggested it be required reading for her department, further highlighting its significance in understanding the human side of chronic illness.
The Redemption of Charlie Wise
Charlie Wise, the flawed protagonist, is a character who, at first glance, seems beyond redemption. His unapologetic lifestyle, filled with infidelity and neglect, makes it difficult for readers to sympathize with him initially. But as McCrory peels back the layers of Charlie’s past, we begin to understand the deep-seated pain that has driven him to make these poor choices. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s becomes a catalyst for self-reflection and change, forcing Charlie to confront his past and attempt to make amends with those he has hurt.
Through his travels to Thailand, Morocco, and eventually Texas, Charlie embarks on what McCrory calls an “apology tour.” It’s here that readers witness Charlie’s transformation, as he begins to seek forgiveness from those he wronged and, in doing so, finds a path toward his own redemption.
In Texas, the heart of Charlie’s past, the novel reaches its emotional climax. It’s a place filled with half-forgotten memories and relationships, but it’s also where Charlie begins to truly understand the depth of his mistakes. The journey is not easy, and McCrory doesn’t shy away from portraying the difficulty of seeking forgiveness, especially when the wounds run deep. However, it’s in this struggle that Charlie becomes more human, and readers can’t help but root for him.
A Realistic Depiction of Parkinson’s Disease
One of the standout aspects of You Will Forever Be My Always is McCrory’s portrayal of Parkinson’s disease. As a sufferer of the disease himself, McCrory brings an unparalleled level of detail and authenticity to the book. Charlie’s experience with Parkinson’s is not sugar-coated; it is raw and honest. From the physical challenges to the emotional toll, McCrory captures the reality of living with a chronic illness in a way that is both heartbreaking and enlightening.
While many books that deal with illness often focus solely on the tragedy of the situation, McCrory balances this with moments of humor and levity. Charlie’s sharp wit and sometimes cynical outlook provide comic relief, even in the face of adversity. This balance makes the book not only a story of struggle but also one of hope.
A New Direction in McCrory’s Career
With the success of You Will Forever Be My Always, McCrory has solidified his place as a novelist capable of tackling complex, emotional themes. But McCrory’s creative journey is far from over. He is currently working on his next novel, Worst Case Scenario: Election Night, a satirical political thriller that explores what could happen if a U.S. election were rigged. In this upcoming book, McCrory once again draws on real-life events to create a narrative that is both timely and thought-provoking.
McCrory’s ability to seamlessly shift between genres—from political commentary to personal narratives—highlights his versatility as a writer. And as he continues to explore new themes and ideas, one thing remains clear: McCrory’s writing will continue to challenge and inspire readers.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Those Seeking Redemption
You Will Forever Be My Always is more than just a novel about Parkinson’s disease—it is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change. Through Charlie Wise’s journey, readers are reminded that no one is beyond redemption, no matter how flawed they may seem. McCrory’s ability to portray this journey with humor, raw emotion, and unflinching honesty makes the book a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with their own past mistakes.
For McCrory, the book is also a personal triumph—a way to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and to prove that even in the face of illness, creativity and hope can thrive. Whether you are drawn to the book for its exploration of illness, its humor, or its message of redemption, You Will Forever Be My Always is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
For those seeking a thought-provoking read that balances humor with poignant moments, You Will Forever Be My Always is an essential addition to your bookshelf.
Dan McCrory’s latest book, Worst Case Scenario: Election Night, is now available, and he is actively promoting it. This includes a book signing event scheduled for October and a podcast appearance just before the election. Additionally, McCrory produces Working Voices, a program that airs on KPFK 90.7 FM.
To learn more about Dan McCrory and to purchase You Will Forever Be My Always, visit Amazon.
Also, visit and listen to his radio station at KPFK 90.7 FM.
Writing Credit : Dan McCrory
