Welcome

Dear Reader,

Let me introduce myself. I’m Nicholas D. Kokonis, Ph. D., psychologist, college professor, and novelist. 

You may be familiar with my award-winning debut novel Arcadia, My Arcadia. Hailed by the critics as a “classic piece of work in which lies the heart and soul of the whole country,” Arcadia, My Arcadia was for me a success beyond dreams. With a still growing cadre of admirers, the book received several awards and honors. The prestigious Academy of Athens awarded it a coveted “Special Honorary Prize” and the Ministry of Education, by a unanimous decision of its members, also approved its Greek edition for all of Greece’s school libraries. In addition to these humbling honors, the book earned a First Homer Prize and a Gold Medal from the International Society of Greek Writers, a “Special Recognition” from the Pan-Arcadian Federation of America, and a Commendation from the Cultural Center of Athens for "special labor and contribution to literature."

Out of Arcadia: The American Odyssey of Angelo Vlahos, the sequel to Arcadia, My Arcadia, has been released and is receiving early praise from readers and critics. 

Susan Harrison, author of Mother Earth Father Sky, wrote: “…an incredible piece of work…A book not to be missed!” 

Dr. William Graddy, Emeritus professor, Trinity International University, noted: “The author's psychological insights into his characters and situations are enviable...Among his finest achievements is that minor characters become major. Simo is simply brilliant. Dickens would have been proud to create her.”  

Dr. Rolf Weil, President Emeritus of Roosevelt University, commented: “A book to celebrate.”

Although Out of Arcadia can be fully enjoyed alone, it makes a complimentary set with Arcadia, My Arcadia. 

I feel a keen sense of gratitude to all of you readers for keeping the message of Arcadia alive. My heartfelt Thank you for your most gracious and thoughtful letters and emails, too many to answer individually. I treasure each one of them and hope you like Out of Arcadia at least as much as you did Arcadia, My Arcadia (and its Greek edition, Ellada Mou, Patrida Mou) and want to share it with your friends. Written from my heart's quiet center to address the single large concern that has always stirred me, how one achieves a personal identity and a place in the world, the books are my personal tribute to teachers and the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

I'd love to hear from you. E-mail me at NDKokonis@gmail.com. If you belong to a book club, you can tell me about it (and when and where you meet) and request a complimentary review copy of any of the three books by e-mailing me. This is a Limited Edition, so make clear your request if you wish for an autographed copy.

Enjoy the read!

Warmest Arcadian greetings,

Nicholas D. Kokonis, Ph.D.