The US Review of Books (USRB) commended Gregory M. McLeod’s “The Apathetical Man” because the author “has lived through many remarkable events, sharing them here so others may learn to seek and find such a miraculous purpose for themselves”
“The Apathetical Man” by Gregory M. McLeod is highly praised by Barbara Bamberger Scott of the US Review of Books, and underscored that, “Those challenges were overcome by his gradual conversion to strong Christian belief. He had unusual experiences. For example, he once lost a very valuable chain of keys and, being urged by an inner voice to keep looking, drove out in the dead of night and found the keys shining in the moonlight alongside a highway miles from home. Such happenings deepened his faith and encouraged him to record his experiences for others.”
Gregory Martin McLeod, the author, was born on December 25, on Christmas Day. He was very shy when he was a young kid. Everyone would always tell him that he was special. He doesn’t remember many disciplines when he was a kid until later, around 10 or 14 years of age.
He’s getting discipline quite often, too. He was a full-blown alcoholic and drug user at 14. He didn’t like hanging around with kids his age. He liked hanging around older people because he felt protected, and his shyness seemed to disappear.
He was diagnosed with the disease (bipolar disorder). He was into drugs, alcohol, sex, and rock and roll music. Those things ruled his life. He was sent off to a psychiatric hospital when he was just 16. He met a girl, and they were married. She is his honey, sweet to his soul.
He believes that his wife has stuck by him all those horrible years. He’s sick, has started seeing a doctor in the city, and is taking all kinds of medications. At that time, he was working as an electrician for a manufacturing company.
He knew one thing: he had to quit the meds (for his job was dangerous). He ended up back at a drug rehab center. He had already spent six times at rehab centers with no luck. He eventually accepted his bipolar disorder and resumed his medication. This went on for many years until he finally knew what his problem really was.
He had a hole in his heart as big as a black hole in the universe. He had to fill it, and he did. He found some hope. He started going to church and was getting much better. He could handle his meds and work too, but that would soon stop.
After the 10th time in a rehab center, he had a doctor ask him two questions. The questions were these:
“What do you want us to do for you here?”
“What do you want to get out of your stay here?”
Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:
“McLeod states that his life changes came through choice, and offers lengthy, often highly perceptive, metaphors and fables to support that assertion, all relating to his Christian convictions. He writes with energy and a personable style that frequently includes the phrase “no kidding,” as though he and the reader were in a one-on-one conversation. His unique visions and communications with God have enlivened his duties as a part-time preacher and a powerful confessor among many congregations. The book contains many scriptural references vividly explored and explained. His work covers subjects such as the sins of idolatry, witchcraft, and emulations, and there are numerous comparisons to machinery that the author has encountered in his working life. This book focuses on hard-won faith and could provide engaging guidance for group discussion and personal seeking.”