Birds From
the Thicket
By Gerry Bradley
Book Review
I met Gerry when we were both appearing as authors at a local book signing event. A tall man (I later learned he’s
6’3), he has an easy smile and a great laugh. When he laughs, which he does often, he does so with his entire body.
What I really like about him is he has no airs. He doesn’t think he’s all that and doesn’t give off that
impression as some authors do. He is the real deal—incredibly genuine, down to earth and downright likable. For that
reason alone, I felt compelled to buy and read his book, ‘Birds From the Thicket’.
It is my great pleasure to say Gerry’s book was incredibly interesting. Once I started reading, I couldn’t
put it down.
I especially like the writer’s
unique perspective. “Look through the window and you shall see” was a classic. I found myself looking in through
the window and walking down the street with him as he showed me the sights. With his descriptive narrative, it was easy to
visualize all the action.
Gerry has done so many things
in his young/old life, I could barely keep up with his accomplishments. I was going to list all his accomplishments here but
there were too many to list—literally
What made his accomplishments so amazing is, he has a lifelong disability known as bipolar disorder. I am very familiar
with this disease as a close family member of mine has the same ailment. Incredibly hard to control with even the best medication,
the sufferer may have severe high highs and low lows. Sometimes one can be ecstatic and then depressed all within the span
of thirty seconds or less. Another prominent symptom of the disease is the inability to concentrate for any length of time.
My family member has the attention span of about 60 seconds and that’s in a good day.
Gerry points out that the disease is so difficult to treat, it does carry a very high suicide rate. Some researchers
have speculated as much as 90% of the over two million sufferers eventually try suicide and sadly, too many succeed.
What made Gerry’s book so inspirational was not only did he learn to manage his disease, he ran with it. He didn’t
merely ‘function’ as most do; he excelled. That wasn’t easy. I grieved with him over his parents’ indifference
and his marriages ending which would have made the average person give up. Not Gerry. Despite all his personal and career
setbacks, his autobiographical book has a happy ending.
I was impressed with Gerry’s insight and honesty when it came to his writing. Very few writers allow the reader
to view inside of them; what they were thinking and feeling at the time. That's the mark of an excellent writer.
KUDOS on an outstanding book, Gerry!
The first in a series, I’m looking forward to reading your next adventures.
--Pam Phree
Betrayal, Murder and Greed: The True Story of a Bounty Hunter and
a Bail Bond Agent
