EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING
Hello from me!
Welcome to Gary's World
Close friends and colleagues describe me as “a funny British guy living in Canada.” I honed my quick-witted, dark humour while toiling as a child protection social worker, minister of religion, and police officer.
My writing inspiration comes from overcoming dyslexia and brain trauma caused by teenage meningitis—the gift that kept on giving. Although I am still rather sucky at calculus, I tend to use my right brain a hell of a lot more. The after-effects of the yummy disease enabled me to suddenly kick a football with both feet - something that I struggled to do before. Then, I discovered I could bat right or left-handed at cricket, baseball, and table tennis/ping pong—Whoop-de-doo. The biggest blessing was my sudden love of Indian, Thai, and Malaysian food. Weird, right?
Moreover, since the "blessing" of the brain bug (explained in the memoir), I think outside the box, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Go figure.
I’m genuinely amazed I’ve collected a couple of degrees. My varied careers have given me a wealth of human-interest stories, so I can’t complain.
I have constantly been told to write a book, as I have led a very colourful life. The memoir is my debut book and is due for release in 2024.
I am happily married to Shelley, the nicest person on the planet, apart from my four crazy assed daughters.
I'm an avid Brighton & Hove Albion supporter but confess to supporting West Ham United and Brighton during the "Doody" years mentioned in the memoir.
Now having dual citizenship, I love hockey and adore the Vancouver Canucks (and have a soft spot for Colorado Avalanche). I live on beautiful Vancouver Island, but I try to escape to the sun as soon as the white stuff starts-a-falling.
New Release August, 2024
"I had been marooned in this ugly, ruthless, harsh, and emotional wilderness, armed only with a dry sense of humour and eternal hope that things would get better."
Set against the backdrop of the ’60s and ’70s,
Gary’s school experience unfolded like a collision between Tom Brown’s Schooldays and The Inbetweeners.
He faces violence, bullying, abuse, and brutal initiation rituals. The Hate Game captivates and shocks with its powerful, humorous, and hopeful narrative.
The Hate Game is a bizarre coming-of-age story that could easily be mistaken for fiction.
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Available on KINDLE UNLIMITED
“The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence, a powerful and deep exploration of how strength can come from vulnerability.”
Bookviewreview.com
"A stunner."
Book View Review
"I learned something truly meaningful from the authors innate kindness."
David Cleaver, ex-Knoll pupil
"Wonderfully written." Oskar Leonard.
"I’m not sure whether I should be thanking him for the memories or chastising him for bringing back such trauma. I can vouch for the veracity of the stories in his book. 5 Stars"
"Angus" ex-Knoll pupil
"This book is particularly recommended for educators, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in memoirs that explore personal resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.”
Literary Titan ★★★★★
“The Hate Game is a poignant and timely true story - a recommended read for anyone in need of courage.”
Independent Book Review.