Official Review: The Sum of All the Pieces by Paul Bradford

Joan642 · Post by **Joan642** » 10 Dec 2020, 17:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Sum of All the Pieces" by Paul Bradford.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Sum of All the Pieces by Paul Bradford is an autobiography of a 73-year-old man, Paul, who survived many life challenges as he struggled to be a better person. Up until his father abandoned him, he had only known fear, abuse, and hard labor. So I saw reasons why he would choose moving from one foster home to another than staying with a drunk father who physically abuses him.

At 21, Paul dropped out of college and volunteered for a 3-year service in the army. Afterward, he went to war in Vietnam for 12 months. For years, life was going great. He had a well-paying job. Despite his secret gay life, he enjoyed 43 years of blissful marriage with two beautiful children. Then came the sad occurrence that changed his life forever: he was accused of sexually assaulting a male minor. Life in prison was very hard for him, but life after prison was torture; no one wanted to hire him; he was always afraid of being beaten up because everyone knew of his offense. He started realizing his true self, and with all the sex therapy classes he was attending with his therapist and psychiatrist, he started admitting his gayness, a part of himself that he had tried to hide for a long time.

I wonder where people that have passed through a lot of challenges find the courage to tell their story. Paul wasn’t perfect; he acknowledged his mistakes and tried so hard to live a better life after being sentenced to jail for 5 years with 10-years probation, a failed marriage, and a bad relationship with his children. Coupled with the many pictures in the book, he was very descriptive and honest about his life experiences and the emotions he felt, which makes this an absorbing narrative.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I honestly felt the author’s pain during his time in prison and his first five years of probation. Having read the probation rules and regulations he shared, I completely agree that probation was set to put an offender back in prison. I almost thought Paul would give up on life because it was full of regret and disappointment. I appreciate the author a lot for sharing his story; he is a true survivor. I know this book will go a long way in giving strength to people who have lost faith, people who can no longer carry on, as I believe everyone deserves a second chance.

Having read all eleven chapters of this book, including the epilogue and appendices, I would like to state that this book was professionally edited, and it deserves a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It contains some erotic content and a lot of sensitive topics, mostly on sexual abuse, domestic violence, bisexuality, and homosexuality. I strongly recommend this book to adults with mature minds, as there were also several instances of profanity.

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The Sum of All the Pieces
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jcorr · Post by **jcorr** » 12 Dec 2020, 13:39

Thank you for sharing your review! It seems like a very profound and difficult read, but also informative at the same time. I always find it very courageous when authors are able to write and talk about such brutal and intense experiences in their lives. It made me glad to hear that the author was eventually able to find some peace and acceptance in his own sexual identity. His perseverance, despite all the struggles he goes through, is highly admirable and inspiring to learn about!

Phelicia Gloria · Post by **Phelicia Gloria** » 12 Dec 2020, 14:50

Wow have enjoyed reading your review, Paul must have gone through a lot, it's usually painful when everyone in the society is ignoring you due to your wrong doing, and Indeed there are things that we do in secret that many does not know but eventually we come out with it due to circumstances. Great review

Eutoc · Post by **Eutoc** » 12 Dec 2020, 16:10

Paul had a rocky life that is worth sharing. I hope we all successfully find our pieces and complete our life puzzle.

Ericwahome · Post by **Ericwahome** » 13 Dec 2020, 00:30

I like who the authors are trying to express their feelings and it's teaching us something life about prison. It contains some erotic content about sexuality and homosexuality.

Chigo Nwagboso · Post by **Chigo Nwagboso** » 13 Dec 2020, 16:28

Life is just unfair, Paul's own seems worse from a growing child, even as an adult. I hope he finds peace and fulfilment. I must commend the fact that he shared his story. Great review!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 13 Dec 2020, 18:06

Paul had an interesting life, so I am sure that the book is very educative. Great job with the review!

Joan642 · Post by **Joan642** » 14 Dec 2020, 18:26

jcorr wrote: ↑12 Dec 2020, 13:39 Thank you for sharing your review! It seems like a very profound and difficult read, but also informative at the same time. I always find it very courageous when authors are able to write and talk about such brutal and intense experiences in their lives. It made me glad to hear that the author was eventually able to find some peace and acceptance in his own sexual identity. His perseverance, despite all the struggles he goes through, is highly admirable and inspiring to learn about!

Highly admirably indeed. Thanks for your comment.

Joan642 · Post by **Joan642** » 14 Dec 2020, 18:29

Phelicia Gloria wrote: ↑12 Dec 2020, 14:50 Wow have enjoyed reading your review, Paul must have gone through a lot, it's usually painful when everyone in the society is ignoring you due to your wrong doing, and Indeed there are things that we do in secret that many does not know but eventually we come out with it due to circumstances. Great review

Yes, it is very painful when everyone ignores you because of your wrong doings, especially when you are truly sorry and just looking for an opportunity to show that you are a changed person.

Fozia RYK · Post by **Fozia RYK** » 17 Dec 2020, 23:23

Paul's own experience of life appears to be more awful from a developing kid, even as a grown-up. I trust he discovers harmony and satisfaction. I should compliment the way that he shared his story.

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 20 Dec 2020, 21:08

Thanks for your great review. This book has exposed two of the most sensitive issues: the life of an ex-convict and the struggles of a closeted homosexual. I'm glad to know that the author was able to overcome these hardships.