What makes this book so compelling is that Gibson, as much he is willing to follow the momentum of his rage for long periods of time, has a keen enough mind to ultimately be conscious of the problems of living in anger. His interviews of the people familiar with the murder case may be motivated by obsessiveness but they are also learning experiences for him - and for the reader.

Gibson's writing is mellifluous and poetic, a rare example of non-fiction literature. His structure is remarkable in that it is unconventional, starting and stopping at different places, the whole while remaining seamless. I wish I could mention an aspect of the book that failed - if only to appear more objective - but none comes across that doesn't seem nit-picky or forced.

Gibson's exquisite candor- his ability to bare the painful truths of his sometimes nearly insane state of mind - is not alienating at all, rather, it helps to fully realize Gibson as a character and make it even easier to give the reader a chance to fully occupy his shoes. Gibson's love for his son, his anger, his sense of wit, his insanity, his catharsis, is, at least for a while, ours. His book is almost altruistic in that we benefit so much from his profound searching without having to suffer such a huge loss. I personally cannot even comprehend losing someone the way Gibson has but that did not prevent me from huge emotional upheaval and acquiring significant wisdom while reading this book. Which leads me to believe that it would be almost impossible for family survivors of gun violence - of which, unfortunately, there have recently been many - not to find anything in this book that might assist them in their own grieving process.

How does one deal with the juggernaut of feelings of injustice, rage, grief, loss, love, nausea, cynicism, and depression that ultimately follow senseless killings? Incredibly, this book seems to provide many answers.


Thoughtfuly, eloquent, wise   November 25, 1999
 10 out of 14 found this review helpful

One of the best books I have ever read. The author has a quiet courage and wisdom he earned the hard way and couples it with artful prose. I read this book straight through in one sitting yesterday and it still haunts me. Covers a lot of different subjects -- family life, gun control, what passes for "higher education" in America today, immigration, the criminal and civil justice systems. The author has learned much from his encounter with all of these facets of American society and is able to pass his wisdom on.

I have children but have never lost one. The story of how one man bore this unimaginable burden is riveting. The author is a man of courage to step up and tell this story without ever falling into mawkishness -- this is the antithesis of Oprah and Jenny Jones, where trivial problems are bloated up into allegedly meaningful crises. This book is worth a dozen 12-step programs and a hundred self-help feel-good manuals.

Even though I disagree with the author on some points (the Second Amendment's background and purposes, for example) I was very impressed with his willingness to listen and learn -- he is a true liberal in the classical sense of thoughtful analysis and tolerance for others' points of view.

Even if you think the subject of this book is irrelevant to your life or interests, buy it and read it. You will learn a lot and will not be able to put it down.

Galen Gibson was lucky to have the author for his father during his short life, and is lucky to have him as his chronicler after his death.


Beautiful and complex, . . .   November 9, 1999
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Gibson writes poignantly about how he processes the death of his son. The book (thankfully) doesn't purport to offer answers. It does raise questions. About random violence, about life's over-arching plan and our place in it. On the whole, although Gibson unquestionably describes his own emotions, including anger, I found the book itself remarkably un-preachy and un-angry. I attended Simon's Rock, but many years before these tragic events, and the book should certainly transcend any particular readership. It's about a safe place. Any place, whether it's a town, or a school, or a secure place inside of you that you never imagine will be shaken. It's about what happens when without reason or warning you discover that the place is not inviolable. A timely and thought-provoking read.


Must reading.   October 13, 1999
 8 out of 10 found this review helpful

The shooting at Simon's Rock College was the first of what has unfortunately become a decade of shootings. The case has been cited as a "template" for the series of recent shootings across the nation. In Greg Gibson's courageous GONE BOY, he puts into words what may have left others confused, angry or simply speechless. He offers a deconstruction and reconstruction of a school shooting that sheds new light and perspective on these terrible tragedies. This important and powerful boook is a classic for our time. It helps us to not only better understand youth violence in our world today but ourselves as well. Gibson has succeeded in delivering a beautiful, eloquent and engaging book sure to raise awareness and serve as a reminder that one person can make a difference.