Region's history comes alive in Destinite's novel

Destinites might feel right at home in resident Donald Giadrosich’s latest novel.

The man also known as Destin Don is celebrating the release of his first fictional novel, First People of Back Bay: Bootleggers, Rum Runners, Shrimp Pirates, and Oyster Thieves.

“The book is based on the entire Gulf Coast,” said Giadrosich. “From Texas to Florida, the characters are based on my knowledge of growing up on the water.”

First People of Back Bay is told by a young boy, Billie Joe Jadovich, growing up in the commercial seafood industry on the Gulf of Mexico.

Beginning when Billie Joe is about five, First People of Back Bay highlights his journey in commercial fishing that continued until he was out of college.

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For an interactive list of local authors and their works, click here.

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The book is based on real-life people and situations that Giadrosich has experienced first and second hand through his years on the Gulf Coast. On top of showcasing a young life in the in the industry, the book also has bits of history spread throughout, to help you understand the origins of not only fishing in the area, but of the origins of people in the area. For example, its explains that Biloxi is an Indian word meaning “first people.”

Just like Giadrosich, Billie Joe was born in Ocean Springs, Miss. Much of the story centers around Biloxi, Pascagoula, Gulfport, Pass Christian, Bay Saint Louis, Waveland and other Mississippi coastal towns.

Giadrosich is a retired chief scientist who originally came to the area in 1967. After leaving for international work in 1975, he returned to Destin in 1981 and built a home on Choctawhatchee Bay, where he has lived for almost 30 years.

According to his biography at his Web site at destindon.com, “Destin Don” is a dedicated artist who is reliably unemployed.  He has always stopped at everything to get nothing. He got his first start by focusing his attention more and more on less and less until he knew absolutely everything about nothing. He then focused less and less on more and more until he knew nothing about everything.   Ultimately, knowing less and less about less and less, “Destin Don” reached his present state of knowing nothing about nothing. Although not institutionalized at this time, he is under close sympathetic care.”

When initially arriving at destindon.com, you are introduced to Giadrosich’s musical side, but if you click the

“Don’s Books” link, you can find a synopsis of each of his works, as well as information for ordering.

“I’ve really gotten a kick out it and it’s insight into the history of the Gulf Coast,” said Brandi Bradley. “I’m almost to the end and I’m trying to slow down. I don’t want it to end.”

First People of Back Bay is published through Publish America and can be purchased at www.PublishAmerica.com or call 301-695-1707. To hear Destin Don sing, see destindon.com