Turtle Heaven
A novel
Josh thought he had his life figured out: a successful business, a loving wife, and three spirited daughters. But when he receives a text that his estranged father is dying, his world is upended. Compelled by duty and unresolved emotions, Josh drives his family to his father's side, leading to seven days of revelations and confrontations.
Where to find it
About the book
A poignant exploration of family, identity, and reconciliation. Turtle Heaven is a story about breaking barriers, understanding deep wounds, and the transformative journey of accepting those we love and, ultimately, ourselves.
As Josh reconnects with the man he spent decades trying to forget, the past refuses to stay buried. Each day at the bedside surfaces another room of his childhood — some he had locked, others he had simply never entered. By the end of the week, the question is no longer who his father was, but who Josh is willing to become.
Reception
Across Amazon, Goodreads, and Audible
“Josh is an EXCELLENT writer. His ability to expound and give the reader the understanding of the room or any other place he is describing is exceptional. He does an excellent job of writing about the extremely "hot" topic of gender and putting a face on the reality of pain and hurt in this world. I will read any other book that Josh publishes.”
— Steve Walsman · Goodreads · Oct 12, 2024
“What a great book! I really enjoyed how the story traveled through deep-subject reality, self reflection, daydreaming, journaling, and personal growth, all in one well put together story. Kudos to Joshua for chronicling his very unique and personal story. I look forward to more of his writings.”
— Wayne Ballew · Goodreads · Jun 1, 2025
“It's been a long time since I've read a book in one day. It's that good! Such a beautiful story about grief and healing.”
— Amazon reader · Amazon
“This book was raw and endearing. I found the grief of both regret for lost time, and impending mortality palpable. Josh Culley takes on the soul-crushing task of trying to make sense of a life that wasn't his own, yet in so many ways shaped his childhood and beyond.”
— Amazon reader · Amazon
“Joshua Culley provides powerful and intense dialogue as he goes about his journey towards reconciliation. An incredible wordsmith whose voice paints pictures clear as a movie.”
— Audible listener · Audible
“I don't have words to describe reading this and for the first time thinking, "someone else has been here too."”
— @tpdanowski · Twitter
“This is a well written, poignant, touching book! No spoiler here — but get some Kleenex.”
— Amazon reader · Amazon
“The journey through grief, acceptance, and loss was raw and emotional — it moved me to call my own father. A definite recommend for any empathetic reader.”
— Audible listener · Audible
“Indeed it is a beautiful story, great flow… I laughed and cried and my own ignorance was revealed.”
— @Altheia_01 · Twitter
More from this author
Joshua Culley
Joshua Culley is a writer and the founder of NEWPROTEST Publishing. He describes himself as "just a guy testifying about what I have seen" — a witness, not a teacher. His work sits at the edges of religion and personal experience: stories about family, grief, identity, and the quiet work of reconciliation. He lives in Olympia, Washington, where he writes…