"A bold debut, filled with unforgettable moments and characters." — Kirkus Reviews Top Medalist - Military - New Apple Book Awards Top Medalist - Psychological Suspense - New Apple e-Book Awards Finalist - IAN Book of the Year Awards. Once in a Blue Year begins during the first days of the Gulf War, with two navy barracks roommates remaining onshore as their submarine leaves without them. Unraveling through different points of view in both present action and flashbacks, the story follows Dan, who is conflicted about receiving a medical discharge, and Trevor, who is seething with anger over the incident that forced him to miss his deployment. With nowhere else to go, Dan moves into the home of his friends Nathan and Heather and their young son, James. Meanwhile, Trevor is furious with Nathan, who has managed to volunteer to go to battle in Trevor’s place. But Trevor’s hotheaded temperament has finally caught up to him, and regardless of his skill as a true naval warrior, he’s suddenly been ordered to “stay in.” In Nathan’s absence, Dan is charged with looking after Heather and James as he rebuilds his life, while Trevor struggles with his anger and intimacy issues in his relationship with girlfriend Tara. But before they can move forward, they must both come to terms with the fateful event at sea that changed their lives forever. "In this lyrical debut novel, the lives of two U.S. Navy men take dramatic turns after they’re cut from a submarine mission during the Gulf War… Debut author Durkota writes a remarkable narrative centered on the afflicted mindsets of his Navy men… And while Durkota’s work often feels like a thriller, it’s more of a psychological study in which the characters, like flashes of lightning, are wonderfully alive for a very short time." — Kirkus Reviews In this lyrical debut novel, the lives of two U.S. Navy men take dramatic turns after they're cut from a submarine mission during the Gulf War. Former submariner Dan has just been honorably discharged from the Navy after damaging his back. His friend, Nathan, wants Dan to stay at his home while he's in the Mediterranean Sea-during the Gulf War. Dan agrees because he has nowhere else to go, and he wants to help Nathan's wife, Heather, with their infant son. Meanwhile, Dan's former naval bunkmate, Trevor, has been cut from this same mission due to violent, erratic behavior. Attempting to find solace in their lives, Dan takes up photography; Trevor dates the beautiful Tara. Weeks pass, however, and both men have trouble adjusting. Heather, who resents Nathan for volunteering to leave so soon after returning from another mission, is drawn to Dan. Trevor, a brooding man, obsessed with physical perfection, struggles with the intimacy that Tara craves. As Heather counts the days of Nathan's absence on a chalkboard, Dan sets up a darkroom in the basement; he must also decide whether the stability he and Heather need is worth his friendship with Nathan. Debut author Durkota writes a remarkable narrative centered on the afflicted mindsets of his Navy men. With stark poignancy, we learn that Trevor "wished he could be as confident around [Tara] as he was on the ship." Elsewhere, Durkota's bracing prose conveys Dan's panic aboard the submarine: "All you can hear is your heart. Blood running scared through your arms and legs. Your mind a grenade." Thankfully, there are moments of levity, usually involving a sexually overconfident character named Jags. Through Jags, the story also poses some meditative koanlike questions, including, "If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?" And while Durkota's work often feels like a thriller, it's more of a psychological study in which the characters, like flashes of lightning, are wonderfully alive for a very short time. "Durkota's plot is inspired, and his writing is accomplished and vivid... Once in a Blue Year is most highly recommended." - Readers' Favorite "The story is well-written with a lyrical style that borders on poetry at times... Really anyone who appreciates excellent writing will enjoy this one." - Online Book Club Michael D. Durkota holds a master of fine arts degree in fiction from the University of Pittsburgh. His debut novel, Once in a Blue Year , follows two friends during the Gulf War as they struggle with their navy service, adulthood, and relationships. Durkota lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife.