Glorious Days on the Dirt Road: Reflections Along the Way — book cover by Tony Ventimiglio

Books / Book Two

Glorious Days on the Dirt Road

Reflections Along the Way

More miles, more people, more lessons picked up along the road — written for anyone still walking their own.

The e-version is a digital edition — read it anywhere, right away.

U.S. shipping on printed books: $5.99 flat-rate USPS Media Mail per order, U.S. only, approximately 4–10 business days. Save with the two-book bundle.

Who It's For

Written for anyone in a fight.

Readers who enjoyed It's A Glorious Day, anyone facing a hard season, and anyone who grew up with — or still carries — a little Pittsburgh in them. Book Two mixes childhood comedy and family stories with faith, work, and an honest account of a third fight with cancer.

After disappointing early book sales, Tony decides to write a second book anyway because the work may help people who are scared, struggling, or looking for hope.

Behind the Book

Why Tony wrote it

“I know people need to read it. There are folks out there who are scared, doubting themselves, facing real tragedies, and not sure where to turn or whether there’s any hope left. I can’t tell anyone what the right decision is for their life — but I can offer hope.”

From Tony’s newsletter, June 2026, on deciding to write a second book

“Why “the Dirt Road,” you may ask? Sometimes I think I’ve chosen the less-traveled paths in life, and that’s probably made things harder than they needed to be. Over 30 years ago, I heard a song by Sawyer Brown called “The Dirt Road,” and it stuck with me. It’s helped me embrace change, stop fearing what’s different, and find the lessons along the way.”

From Tony’s newsletter, June 2026

Inside the Book

A few of the stories

Short, true reflections — each one ends with the lesson Tony took from it, sometimes years later.

  • The Lawnmower

    A humorous childhood memory of Tony’s injured father trying to finish mowing the lawn even while on crutches, illustrating stubbornness, work ethic, and family character.

  • The Honda Trail 70

    A birthday dirt-bike story in which Tony’s father loses control of a Honda Trail 70, turning a long-awaited gift into a lasting family comedy.

  • Eight Days

    The emotional contrast between Pittsburgh’s Immaculate Reception and Roberto Clemente’s death eight days later, seen through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old Pittsburgh kid.

  • The Hospital Stay

    A vivid and humorous memory of Tony’s father refusing hospital rules after heart attacks, complete with cigarettes, contraband Pittsburgh food, and nurses who learned to let him be himself.

  • The Night at Pinello's

    After Tony’s mother’s funeral, a local bar owner quietly closes early and sits with Tony and his grieving father, showing how friendship can help carry grief without speeches.

  • Shelter in Place

    A firsthand account of the 2020 Paso Robles manhunt, wounded law-enforcement officers, community fear, and a call to pray for those protecting the community.

  • The Cost of Our Actions

    Tony examines the personal cost of relentless goals and corporate pressure, using his early executive career and the BAH(S) system to argue for checkpoints, balance, and perspective.

  • Thankful Thursday

    A convenience-store conversation with a woman whose husband is starting chemotherapy becomes an unexpected prayer and a lesson in gratitude, kindness, and noticing others.

  • Broken

    A candid account of reaching an emotional low during prolonged cancer treatment and recognizing that strength sometimes includes admitting when you are struggling.

  • It's Not Over Until I Quit!

    After hitting a physical and emotional wall during radiation and cancer medication, Tony reaffirms his refusal to quit and encourages readers facing their own challenges.

  • Stop, Think, Do Something

    After finishing another treatment cycle, Tony argues for interrupting fear and frustration by stopping, assessing the situation, and taking one practical next action.

  • Today I Decided

    After disappointing early book sales, Tony decides to write a second book anyway because the work may help people who are scared, struggling, or looking for hope.

Best Value

Get both books

Make Every Day a Glorious Day — 2 Book Paperback Bundle

Make Every Day a Glorious Day

2 Book Paperback Bundle

Both books, paperback — It's A Glorious Day and Glorious Days on the Dirt Road, together, at a lower price than buying separately.

Get the Bundle — $16.99
Make Every Day a Glorious Day — 2 Book Hardcover Bundle

Make Every Day a Glorious Day

2 Book Hardcover Bundle

Both books, hardcover — It's A Glorious Day and Glorious Days on the Dirt Road, together, at a lower price than buying separately.

Get the Bundle — $32.29

U.S. shipping on printed books: $5.99 flat-rate USPS Media Mail per order, U.S. only, approximately 4–10 business days.