An Ordinary Yorkshire Life That Was Anything but Ordinary
A funny, honest and deeply human memoir by David Michael Dooler, the tenth of fifteen children, whose life has been shaped by family, illness, faith, friendship and a refusal to stop laughing.
Born in New Crofton near Wakefield in 1955, David Michael Dooler grew up in a large working-class family where money was scarce but stories, humour and resilience were abundant.
In Never A Dull Moment, David reflects on childhood in 1950s and 60s Yorkshire, decades of serious illness, life-changing surgery, a difficult search for answers about vitamin B12 deficiency, and a spiritual journey that ultimately led him to Buddhism.
Warm, self-deprecating and unfiltered, this is the story of a man who believes ordinary lives deserve to be remembered.
David Michael Dooler: A Yorkshire Memoir, Family & Life Story
David Michael Dooler was born in New Crofton, near Wakefield, and raised as the tenth of fifteen children. His early life was shaped by close family bonds, limited means and the wit and resourcefulness of working-class Yorkshire.
His working life began in shoe repair before taking him into retail and management. Behind the everyday routine, David lived for years with serious ulcerative colitis, eventually undergoing life-changing surgery and adapting to life with a stoma.
Later health difficulties led him to research vitamin B12 deficiency and press for further medical attention. He writes about this experience openly as part of his wider story of perseverance and self-advocacy.
David’s search for meaning took him through several Christian traditions before he found a spiritual home in Buddhism. Today, he writes, sings and shares the belief that every life, famous or not, contains a story worth telling.
about the book
Never A Dull Moment: My Biography
Never A Dull Moment is a warm, candid and often very funny account of one man’s journey through family life, illness, faith, grief, friendship and unexpected adventure.
David takes readers from a crowded but loving childhood in a West Yorkshire pit village to adulthood, work, serious health challenges and a lifelong search for purpose. Along the way are childhood escapades, family mishaps, difficult diagnoses and the kind of humour that can only come from looking back honestly.
Part social history, part health memoir and part spiritual reflection, this is a celebration of resilience and the extraordinary value of an ordinary life.
Why Readers May Connect With It
- It captures Northern working-class life with warmth and authenticity
- It balances difficult experiences with genuine humour
- It offers a personal account of living with chronic illness
- It explores belief, identity and the search for meaning
- It reminds readers that every family carries stories worth preserving
“Why should it only be famous movie stars, sports people and politicians who are deemed to have interesting lives to read about?”
Why Read This Memoir?
Read it for the Yorkshire humour, the family memories and the honesty. Stay for the deeper story of a man learning to live with change, loss and uncertainty without losing his sense of gratitude.
The memoir will especially appeal to readers interested in Northern social history, large-family life, chronic illness, personal resilience and spiritual journeys.
FAQs
What is Never A Dull Moment about?
It is David Michael Dooler’s true-life memoir, covering his Yorkshire childhood, large family, health challenges, spiritual journey and the humour that carried him through difficult times.
Is Never A Dull Moment a true story?
Yes. The book is based on David’s own life and personal experiences.
Who will enjoy the book?
Readers of British memoir, Yorkshire social history, working-class family stories, health memoirs and inspirational true-life books.
Does the book discuss illness and vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes. David shares his personal experience of chronic illness, surgery and seeking answers about vitamin B12 deficiency. The book reflects his experience and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Does the book include religion and spirituality?
Yes. David writes about his journey through different faith traditions and his eventual connection with Buddhism.
Where can I buy the book?
Add direct links to Amazon, other retailers and any author-direct purchase option once confirmed.
Is David available for interviews or book-club events?
Use the contact page for media enquiries, reader messages, book clubs and speaking invitations.
