Reviews of The Tempest

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Five generations. The sweep of this story is massive, which could be somewhat challenging — if not for the storytelling skill of the author.  I read the first book of the trilogy, and had to pause due to some health issues.  When I picked it up again, I chose to re-read it to make sure I didn’t miss any back-references.  Gerry is right: life is not linear, nor are all the scenes in any life equal in length.  So it is with this work.

The character development is detailed and captivating.  Any reader will recognize at least one friend, relative, or maybe even a villain from their own experience. There were scenes in the third part, Reflections, that caused me to shed a tear, and other parts where I found myself physically nodding in agreement with the character.

This is a tale of strong women and their dedication to ensuring the success of their families. Tempest puts as much, if not more, emphasis on family writ large as it does on individual members.  Through trials, successes, failures, loves, and losses, every character learns and internalizes the importance of family.

I have known Gerry for years, and I can see his personal philosophy embedded throughout. “If you realize you need to change, do it today.”  “I am what I am, and you are what you are. Let’s start there.” He has imbued each character with some experience from his own life (though it is hardly an autobiography). Reading this trilogy may convince you that you have met a renaissance man.

Stephen Wehrenberg, Ph.D.

Your book gripped me, and I found myself asking why. Perhaps it’s because I found parts of my story in it along with aspirations that I’ve held since a child. Seeing them, then reading them, held me page after page as I was moved from anxiousness to joy in a cycle of reflection.
 
In telling the story through the generations you’ve given us a canvas to witness the effects of our dysfunction, but not one without hope. There was the hope of each that their actions would result in goodness that was finally consummated in a hope made alive by love, while running in the shadows was the ever-present theme of faith: a faith in themselves that was exchanged for faith in God. Such a beautiful and powerful story.
 
Thank you for letting me read it. Yes, you were right, chapter three held some surprises. If I had been taken by your generosity in the Dedication, well, chapter three left me without words (not always an easy task). Such an honor to be considered by you and while I say “thank you” it doesn’t convey the depth of my gratitude nor the joy at your accomplishment.
 
It seems you’ve taken an interest in developmental psychology. I have too. When beginning the coaching practice it was accompanied by a dive into depth psychology (analytics) that led me to the authors you mentioned. That interest has me now exploring group relations and psychodynamics. In fact, each Monday evening of November I’ll be in a group study for group relations (Bion) as well as spending a weekend practicing its effects. 

Will Salyards, Ph.D.