Publisher's Synopsis
Gert's Book of Knowledge is a journey into insanity, pop religion and a woman's quest for truth. Professor Gertrude Principe loses her marbles, receives shock treatment, and is never quite the same. She writes a book of knowledge that gains a cult following. In her travels promoting her book, Gert is asked to be Head of the Starlight Church, a collection of feel-good ideologies brought together by a group of luminous cats. Narrated by her scribe and admirer, Johnny, Gert's Book of Knowledge is a wild ride through the turbulent waters of pop religion, psychiatry and rock'n'roll. It is written with great warmth and humor as we take a wild ride in Gert's leaky vessel.P.J. Thomas' writing had been compared to Camille Paglia, Ken Kesey, Ram Dass, William S. Burroughs and Graham Greene. Gert's Book of Knowledge is P.J. Thomas' second novel. Her first book, Almost Up and Down, was taught at the University of Calgary. The Peterborough Examiner wrote of Amost Up and Down that "It's The Bell Jar with teeth, and lots of them." Ian McLachlan, winner of the Amazon Best First Novel Award writes: "Gert's Book is elegant, funny and wise - which makes it an irresistible mix for any reader." Ursula Pflug, editor, and author of After the Fires writes, "P.J.'s new book is a rollicking 21st century romp, alternately reminiscent of Ken Kesey, Camille Paglia and Ram Dass. The world needs Gert and her enlightened cats!" ForeWord Clarion Review writes of Gert's Book of Knowledge: "For those who like a manic, funky read, this will satisfy."P.J. Thomas has been published since she was twelve years old. She was editor of her university newspaper and then went on to edit several local publications. Through her 30s she spent a decade in and out of "some of the finest" mental institutions. She has been writing short, black comedy for the last decade.
