San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2012 -- Stephen Gallup, author of the critically acclaimed memoir, What About the Boy?: A Father’s Pledge to His Disabled Son, has been named a finalist for the 2012 San Diego Book Awards, in the category of Published Biography & Memoir. The San Diego Book Awards Association (SDBAA) is a volunteer organization dedicated to enriching the large, diverse, and vibrant literary community of the greater San Diego area. Every year the SDBAA honors the best published books and unpublished manuscripts by authors residing in San Diego County.

“I am honored to be chosen as a finalist for the San Diego Book Award for my memoir, What About the Boy?,” says Stephen Gallup. What About the Boy? is a compelling true account that dramatizes an earlier campaign to find options for his developmentally disabled son, Joseph.

In What About the Boy?, Gallup and his wife sought medical help for their son and were told at first not to worry so much. Later, the professionals recommended counseling to help the parents accept the fact that nothing could help their son. Refusal to accept that advice launched an improbable journey that changed their lives forever.

“Even if I don’t win this year, I am humbled to have my memoir nominated and hope that all who read What About the Boy? feel moved and empowered by the experience,” says Gallup. This is Gallup’s first book and it has garnered a strong national following. Four years ago, the manuscript won the San Diego Book Award in the Unpublished Memoir category.

The San Diego Book Awards are considered the highest literary honor for authors in San Diego. Winning authors affirm that receiving a San Diego Book Award helps boost sales of their books. Numerous winners in the unpublished novel, memoir, and poetry chapbook competitions have reported that winning a San Diego Book Award played a key role in their later acquiring a publisher for their work.

Additional information on Stephen Gallup and What About the Boy? may be obtained at http://www.fatherspledge.com/.

Additional information on the San Diego Book Awards Association may be obtained at http://www.sdbookawards.com/.