A man for all seasons

Joe Gillan signed his first novel Oct. 3, at Circle Books, on St. Armands Circle. His book, “Just Before the Dawn,” tells the story of a long-term love relationship.

The Siesta Key resident began his career as a sportswriter for Gannett newspapers, worked most of his life as a lobbyist, ran marathons for many years and has been a longtime advocate for special-needs people.

Circle Books, now the only independent bookseller in the greater Sarasota area, has sold more than 425 copies of Gillan’s book.

“We have made a commitment to try to give authors like Joe a voice,” said store co-owner Eric Lamboley.