Former police chief discusses novel at Derby Public Library

Andrew L. Cota Jr. speaks Monday at Derby Public Library.

DERBY - Laughter really can be the best medicine.

I haven't had a reason to laugh since losing my mother less than two weeks ago.

That all changed Monday night when I attended a presentation at Derby Public Library by former Derby Police Chief Andy Cota. He was there to discuss his new novel, Whitestone, and sign copies of it.

Cota has already spoken at Derby Neck Library and Ansonia Library, but I was unable to attend either of those presentations.
I'm glad my daughter, Allegra, and I were able to go to Monday's talk. It was an enjoyable program.

Cota said he "called upon vast life experiences" to write it, and to pen his first book, the non-fiction Through the Lens of an Old Man.
Both tomes focus on the interactions of the physical, spiritual, and psychological aspects of the human condition. 
Whitestone delves into "the possible realms of reality that exist," as it says on the back cover.  

It was Cota's delivery of several truth is stranger than fiction stories from his 34-year police career in Derby that made me laugh, and forget my sadness for a while.

I wouldn't attempt to relate them here, you'd have to hear them from Cota himself! 

I'm looking forward to reading Whitestone. It's more than 200 pages but I'm told by "reliable sources" that it's a quick read.