What others are saying about King of Doubt

King of Doubt is riveting, emotionally honest, and brilliantly written.  What at first seems like a charming, coming-of-age tale transforms into a sharing of personal anguish. Told with sophisticated, self-deprecating humor, the story spins toward tragedy before being pulled back by unexpected events.  For those who enjoy masterful writing and great story telling, I highly recommend [King of Doubt].

– Marilee Z.

Best memoir I have ever read: great story engagingly told with descriptions painting vivid scenes. I recommend this for a realistic and inspiring look at the stepping stones through depression and self-doubt as well as a handbook on how to write a great memoir.

– Mary G.

Just finished reading King of Doubt! Beautifully written, engaging and brave. … Gave words to so much emotion. Thanks, Peter.

– Connie C.

I loved [King of Doubt]! I was completely engaged with your life and storytelling. Your writing is compelling and delightful, sad and poignant, joyful and inspirational. … My favorite line, “Find your voice and ride it to glory”.  You did just that!!

– Cathy D.

“The book was incredible. Peter Gibb is so transparent, honest and forthcoming. I felt as though I was right with him every step of the way as he looked back upon his life and put the pieces together. What a gentle, caring man. Wow. And I’m so glad he put the ‘Discussion Questions’ at the end! I can’t imagine anyone not responding positively to this amazing book.”

S.H. Reader Review

King of Doubt is a testament to the power of memoir to illuminate the past, redeem its shadows, and find wisdom and strength in life’s mysteries. Beautifully written, suspenseful, and brave, Peter Gibb’s saga of self-discovery will brace you with its honesty and enrich you with its heart. Buy this book!

– Mark Matousek
Author of The Boy He Left Behind

King of Doubt is a story of adventuresome times, of intimate relationships, of inner determination. I was drawn in emotionally, riveted to every chapter. This book is beautifully written, a work of art, about growing up male, about taking on the world, about loving and not giving up on life. A tour de force!

– Susan Krieger, Stanford University
Author of Come,Let Me Guide You: A Life Shared with a Guide Dog and Things No Longer There: A Memoir of Losing Sight and Finding Vision.

Peter Gibb has experienced well but at a cost. His memoir takes the reader through the vicissitudes of a full life from a treacherous beginning in Scotland, through an undergraduate degree at Brown, to military service, and beyond. King of Doubt, a memoir of confession and triumph, deserves every reader’s attention. The story sweeps forward with compelling intensity, in language that is detailed, humorous, and graceful. Here is a man who’s taken the road less traveled and savored it fully.

– Kent Nelson
Author “The Spirit Bird” winner of Drew Heinz prize for literature

“King of Doubt is courageously written, an inspiring tribute to the human spirit. Highly recommended.”

– Brad Knickerbocker
The Christian Science Monitor

Feeling Doubtful? Meet the King of Doubt! Book review by Marcia Fine, Hidden Ones—A Veil of Memories

We meet Peter at the age of five in Scotland when he has won a race which he doesn’t think he deserves. The doubt envelops him and takes up residence for many years.I was rooting for Peter from the beginning in his efforts to escape the malaise that blanketed him for much of his life, until, of course, he found answers.

His descriptions of the “rat factory” in the psychology lab during college, his military service, an exploration of East Berlin during the Cold War, and the loves in his life reminded me of sitting with a favorite uncle who tells great stories. I looked forward to my reading time daily with a most entertaining friend.

Who should read this book? Anyone who has been challenged with depression, contemplated suicide (who hasn’t?), spent time in confusion questioning their motives and relished a bit of parental anger while plowing though life looking for love and companionship. This is a well-written memoir that takes you on an exploration of one person’s life and how he turned out. I loved the book so much I wanted to call the author to find out how he was doing. From the pleasant photo on the back I can tell he’s doing fine.

Peter was much more likable than he thought. King of Doubt is a triumph!

– Marcia Fine
Author of Hidden Ones – A Veil of Memories

What others are saying about Peter’s appearances:

Speeches & Talks

Thank you very much for your superb presentation to our Rotary Club. … You were inspiring, informative and entertaining.  The audience was very attentive and I have heard many complimentary remarks following the meeting.  I’ve no doubt that motivations to write our memoirs rose for many of us, and the value for those who do so will be greater for your guidance. … You masterfully adjusted to the timing available for our program (always variable).

– Elisabeth Zinser
Rotary President-elect, Former Southern Oregon University President

Our experience hosting Peter Gibb for a Sunday talk and workshop was very positive. Peter is a professional and a kind and respectful teacher, was attentive to the needs and desires of our spiritual center in terms of his presentation, and came well-prepared. Our congregants responded favorably to him, and his workshop was excellent–providing many practical and useful guidelines for inspiring memoirists. Based on our enjoyable Sunday with Peter, I recommend him; if he lived closer to us, I would have investigated having him do an ongoing class for our interested congregants!

– Rev. Maggie Oman Shannon
Minister, Unity Spiritual Center of San Francisco

 

Readings

Peter Gibb gave us a one-hour presentation that combined humor, wit, and a marvelous excerpt reading from his memoir, King of Doubt. (Plus a kilt!!)  Our residents were absolutely delighted, asked many questions, and are still buzzing about it today. Several are reading his book. We’ve chosen to use his presentation to launch a bi-monthly class on autobiographical/memoir writing, and Peter’s entertaining and thought-provoking presentation has been an excellent catalyst to generate interest and enthusiasm.  42 thumbs up!!

– Tamara Marston
Resident Programs Director, Brookdale Senior Living CommunityAshland, Oregon

Your devotion, enthusiasm, costume(!), and grace with words came shining through at Bloomsbury [book store] … I appreciate how encouraging you are for others to dive deeply into the stories of their lives. You … have come into your writing/teaching stride — such a perfect outlet for your genuine wholeheartedness toward life :-)

– Dia P.

What do we all want? Simply to be seen. In King of Doubt the author not only addresses that elusive search but also provides insight into how none of us is truly alone after all.I had the extremely fortunate privilege to be able to hear in person that five year old boy [Chapter 1, King of Doubt] brought to life in Peter’s own rich Scottish brogue. If you are ever so lucky to hear him read you are in for a captivating experience. Our shared experience is one of the ways we find peace. This book is a treasure. We see you Peter Gibb. And we are all better for it.

– Kathy B.

Classes & Workshops

Peter Gibb’s Mindful Conversation workshop was insightful and thought provoking. I found applications in both my personal and professional life for the lessons of mindfulness Peter imparted. His gentle approach led me to self-examination and to strengthen my relationships by listening attentively to my colleagues, my students, and my family. It was a valuable experience and I would encourage anyone with a desire to improve their relationships to take advantage of Peter’s sage guidance.

– Jamie Hirsh
High School Teacher

I wish all authors were as easy and fun to work with as Peter Gibb. He has written a fascinating memoir and he knows how to present it in a way that deeply engages and connects with his readers and fans.  More than a reading he adds performance to his events, which are invariably inspiring, memorable and moving. His memoir and mindfulness workshop filled up so quickly we had to close registration. Attendees were highly enthusiastic about the three hours spent learning from him. I strongly recommend his talks, readings and workshops for any library or adult community.

– Amy Blossom
Ashland Public Library, Branch Manager

We were so very privileged to have Peter Gibb as our instructor for the memoir class. I cannot imagine the highest level college professor or editor providing better information, guidance, critiquing and class facilitating than Peter. He set the tone for our class in being compassionate, non-judgmental and honest. We all benefited greatly from his incisive critiques and through his guidance, developed more powerful storytelling skills.

 – Carol M.

Peter is a compassionate, skilled and insightful instructor who combines a deep understanding of memoir and creative writing with a pragmatic approach to each individual’s need for developing their story in their own way, in their own time.

– David W.

I have been so pleased to attend a King of Doubt public book reading, a book group in which Peter  was our guest presenter, and a 3-hour workshop on the “Introduction to Memoir and Mindfulness”.  Peter Gibb’s talks about his book, King of Doubt, offer valuable insight and instruction into memoir writing and telling our own personal stories.  He skillfully leads would-be-writers through constructive steps that help them focus, organize, and begin their own writing.  His entertaining and easy-to-understand presentation is interspersed with enjoyable exercises that encourage everyone to write, then and there!  I was inspired at all three of his talks and left the workshop overflowing with ideas and even some stories in hand!

– Lynn R.

Book Clubs

Thank you for one of our best book club sessions—Peter kept us all so focused.  It was a beautiful sharing time, all around…a truly lovely, and inspiring evening for me. 

– Lynn R.

Kudos!  I can’t remember a more enthusiastic response to a book club gathering!  It was a special evening, on so many levels.  Many, many thanks for giving us the gift of your presence, Peter.  

– Penny N.

“We had [already] enjoyed reading King of Doubt and using the questions at the end of the book. … When Peter arrived our discussion became more focused on … his personal journey to self-discovery … truly finding himself. Having the author sit with us, share details, and answer questions made King of Doubt come even more alive. Thank you, Peter

– Gerry S.
ACBC Book Club