A random weirdo writes (His title not mine)

Hey Jonathan,

Here's a random message that's been encouraged as I've almost finished reading your book, Monster of the Mere. Excellent book and often hilarious, the line on page 145 "Preferring the advice of people who had the requisitive number of chromosomes...." still holds a smile on my face.

For almost 10 years I have supported adults with learning disabilities. The constant jargon and (in my case elusive ) daily indoctrinate of political correctness makes the above quote a refreshing change. Plus, for the last 9 weeks I've been on a Council sponsored sabbatical ( or sick leave ) and I'm facing the daunting task of returning to the madhouse tomorrow.

Well, this last 9 weeks have been spent various books written by Nick Redfern and yourself (and travelling the country). I first read The Owlman and Others several years ago, along with The Mothman Prophecies, they were perhaps the only 2 cryptozoology books I have read. My reading material tends towards the margins of the paranormal, the classics and also modern authors. Of whom I have far more respect for than the faux pas "celebrities" that the media seems to dictate that we should hold in reverence.

Anyway, I'm aware that I'm now rambling, that could be the result of the diazepam I took about an hour ago. Let me get to the point, whilst I have been on my sabbatical I also read A Can of Madness by Jason Pegler. This is an account of somebody afflicted with manic depression, I don't know if you have ever read it. If you haven't then save yourself the time, I found it to be totally crass depiction of mental illness.

Which brings me to my point, namely how you are very open in Monster of the Mere with regards to your own manic depression (or are we bi polar now? The medical profession keeps us on our toes with what label we have attached to ourselves now). I'm now 37 and live with this affliction myself. Reading Monster of the Mere has helped me more than reading Jason Pegler's book. Your book had shown that you don't need to write a book about how a mental illness has to define you. What you have done is write a book on a subject that does define you and how you function with the illness. That I admire, I feel that this is how I try and live my life ( plus I'm exploring coping mechanism's with my counsellor as I've been up and down more this last 6 months than in the last 6 years. I have to confess that sometimes I feel like a masochist for keep returning to the counselling sessions, they do leave me quite raw ).

Well, unknown weirdo's rant is almost over. I'm now going to finish your book and say thank you. I will then read The Island of Paradise. I was hoping to make it to the Weird (?) Weekend this year, however I've just booked a tour around Mexico in October (looking forward to the Day of the Dead festivities). As I live in Manchester (not by choice) I think the weekend may be now out of my budget. I've also recently received the Animals & Men magazine after joining the CFZ. Fantastic magazine. If ever I can offer any assistance then just let me know.

I'd better press "send" before I change my mind about this e-mail. So, thanks again and I hope you are well.

Gary.