Brad Gobright lived his climbing life like a boy hangs out for a game of ball with his friends. He was a whirlwind when he entered a room and stormed up angry routes like they were puppy dogs. His energy was his mark. But there is much more to this climber’s story and Lucas Roman has given us an uplifting testament to his life.
 
The Greater Fool is a climbing biography done differently. It would not be a stretch to say it is a hagiography. The author writes about Brad like a Benedictine Monk prays to the Lord Jesus in hush tones with words spoken in vespers.  But that is OK here; Brad was unique, he drew people into his orbit not only by great feats on big climbs but through his common touch as he lived among climbing’s dirtbags. Jesus lived in the dirt too. Brad was a man who gave his all in search of self and in pursuit of life. He gave himself to his community and found meaning in climbing surrounded by others. 
 
Lucas uses subtle lines to assist the reader to understand Brad. Brad was a shy boy who had learning issues with ADHD impacting his mind’s ability to hold a thought and his heart to navigate love. These issues made a significant impact on his development, but the author digs into this, fleshing out how those beginnings fashioned the climber he was destined to become. Lucas emphasised this cleverly via linking the serendipitous moments of previous climbing greats and weaving their stories together. He explains that if these climbers didn’t have their issues they would not have ended up on that wall, in that moment, and on that summit. We are a people of moments. Brad’s moments from birth to death are well documented and reflected upon in the reading. 

​Brad was a young champion. His rise was like a tidal wave that drew his family, his friends, and his climbing community into his wash. In turn they just jumped onto the wave with him. Sure, the ride was broken here and there, but these times are recognised and acknowledged by Lucas. Whoa, what a wild ride it was - so beautiful.​

Brad Gobright united with those who have passed. Image created by Karmelo Onate (not part of the book "The Greater Fool")

This biography looks beyond the hero and finds the fool. Brad often stole to keep his carbs up to feed his machine, he managed love like a teenager shifts gears in their folk’s car. He could not find a way to follow, what to many, is the natural course of life; school, degree, job, family, stability. I don’t think he wanted it, but the emergence of a mature man with plans for his future does play out in the reading; Which, leads me to a key word that had my focus throughout: becoming.

​Brad’s becoming was provided by what he could do on rock but just as important to him, belonging to a community that made him feel valued, something as a kid he did not experience readily. Not by any fault of anyone, it was more his inability to think things through with logic and flat-land reason. Brad was more at home in moments, and these directed his flow. His climbing was made of some pretty large moments, and these are chronicled well in the text. Brad needed many moments to maintain his flow. The author dives into this side of Brad’s personality, and even the way he moved on stone is examined in poetic form. ​

Brad’s death in a rappelling accident at El Potrero Chico, Nuevo León, Mexico, is given both a forensic and ephemeral examination. The read needed this, as all of us have had a take on what happened. The truth is out there somewhere. Lucas respectfully retraces that day, but leaves you to arrive at your own conclusions. Brad’s mum’s words to the partner of her son soon after that day had me in tears. Which gets me to the final arch of this biography. Family. 
 
Family comes in many forms: nuclear, extended, even a group of dirt baggers. Brad’s family features thoroughly. Pam Gobright, her husband, and Brad's sister, shine in this testimony. Pam, like The Virgin Mary herself, saw her broken son after his fall and subsequently felt his presence afterwards. Mary was one of the first to see her son Jesus rise after his death and his Apostles were visited soon after. Brad’s family are similar to Mary and those Apostles. It is the same with Brad’s family and friends who feel Brad’s presence even today and feel his flow. 
 
Many of Brad’s other family, his climbing friends, are recognised. I won’t go through them other than Alex Honnold, who also introduces the novel. Alex offers heartfelt words, and he articulates the loss of his friend, but in turn the gains he made by having Brad as one. Lucas treats all of Brad’s friends delicately and with great respect. It just reads like one big loving family, only now, a chair is empty at the camp table. 

​Brad was an old timer in a new generation. His spirit lifted many to climbing harder and care more earnestly. He did not seek a fancy sponsorship or sell out to the man. He lived our life with us, his extended family, and he was better for it, and we are better for it. This loving climbing union between rock, partners, and community, all join by the conclusion of the read and therein lies Brad’s legacy. 
 
Thank you, Lucas, for investing your writing skill, your beating heart, and gathering voices throughout Brad’s nuclear and extended family. Thank you for giving of yourself, for reaching into your own grief at the loss of your friend, to tell Brad’s story. ​

Brad’s becoming is enshrined in climbing’s collective memory, but this book will perhaps allow others who are yet, to become the beta for their journey. I hope they find a kindred spirit to dance around a crag campfire with. This book had me thinking that way. 
 
Brad’s body may have departed us but his spirit lives on, shining bright in all who take the lamp of adventure and seek warmth in its light. May Brad’s memory bring life and fulfilment in the community of mountains which he called home. Some may call this foolish; I call it freedom. The Greater Fool - Brad Gobright and the Blinding Shine of Originality, is a must read for anyone who loves climbing and are open to its revelations. 

Pre-order a copy of the book: ​https://www.diangelopublications.com/books/the-greater-fool