Community Celebrates Andrew Niblock’s New Book

Andrew Niblock wears many hats at GCDS—Director of Schoolwide Initiatives, “Consigliere” to the Head of School, proud parent, basketball coach, general troublemaker, hallway battering-ram, and most recently, author. On Sept. 28, Mr. Niblock took the stage to discuss his recently published book, The Art of Marrying Well, A Collection of Notes, Poetry, and a Little Something Extra, with the GCDS community.

How wonderful that tonight with this wonderful turnout, we are showing, as a community, how very much Andrew Niblock and his family matter to us,” said Sarah Overbay, who along with Ariella Feldman, co-chairs the Parents Association Speaker Series.

Mr. Niblock began his presentation explaining why he wrote a book. “It is a collection of poetry, essays, and notes that are meant to kindle conversations, spark questions, and get the reader wondering. It’s not a book about ALS, though I wrote every word with my eyes and my disease is a constant companion. It’s not a book about our school, though, the GCDS community is home. It is book about hope, gratitude, and family, mine and yours. I hope you find something in its pages that speaks to you.”

Mr. Niblock then asked two friends, Upper School English Teacher Lauren Waller and GCDS parent Catie Salyer, to read two of his poems, “Stained Glass Windows Should Open” and “Choose Joy,” respectively.

During his Q&A session with Head of School Adam Rohdie, Mr. Niblock explained why he writes poetry: “Poetry allows for the efficiency of less and the utility of structure. My acknowledgement of the power of poetry is my way of giving myself permission to write differently. To offer the reader more responsibility, more opportunity in my writing.”

Mr. Niblock also described his writing process, which is completely reliant on technology. “I gaze into a camera that follows my pupils, sends the selection to my tablet, which uses text-to-speech software to send my words through a speaker to you. All of it is pretty complicated. And if there is a glitch anywhere along the way, it doesn’t work. It can be enormously frustrating and mind-numbingly slow. It is also a game changer.”

As for the title of the book, “It is pretty self-explanatory. I married extraordinarily well. My wife, Eliza, is a remarkable person, a caring mother, and a generous friend. I won the lottery. This book is for her.”