Wounded Wings: One Man’s Secret Struggle by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson is a deeply personal and courageous memoir about Gilbert Johnson, whose remarkable life as a writer, martial artist, and falconer concealed a devastating history of childhood sexual abuse. Behind his public achievements, including editing Black Belt magazine and working on Bruce Lee’s Tao of Jeet Kune Do, was a painful private reality that affected his identity, relationships, and ability to pursue his dreams. This memoir not only tells Gilbert’s story with raw honesty but also offers guidance for survivors and those supporting them, including psychological insights through handwriting analysis. It is a powerful testimony to survival, resilience, and the urgent need to break the silence surrounding abuse.

Author team Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson have pooled their insight and intelligence to create something special, offering a brave, unflinching narrative that gives voice to the hidden pain that so many endure in silence. One of the key takeaways from this book for me was the stigma surrounding men admitting to a history of abuse, and the removal of any sense of shame or pity is palpable in the sensitive and respectful way that this book is written. The team expertly combines personal memoir with practical tools and psychological insight, foregoing any kind of sob story angle for something that feels active and empowering. It makes you want to do something about these struggles, whether that’s in a support role as an outsider or as a survivor who wants to move on. Gilbert’s life story is an inspiring example of resilience and the pursuit of healing despite overwhelming trauma. It shows there’s a possibility of rising above and achieving your dreams and happiness, which is very powerful indeed. Overall, Wounded Wings: One Man’s Secret Struggle is a necessary and impactful contribution to conversations around abuse, recovery, and personal empowerment, and I would highly recommend it for those who need it most.

Wounded Wings tells the deeply personal story of Gilbert Lee Johnson, a man whose life was shaped by childhood trauma and the hidden pain he carried into adulthood. Through the eyes of his sister, Jeanne Donovan and half-brother, Ronald I. Johnson, we follow Gilbert from his troubled early years through his attempts to build a meaningful life, despite the shadows of his past. The book moves through different periods of Gilbert’s life, including his time abroad during the Iranian Revolution, his relationships, and his final battle with AIDS in 1980s Los Angeles. Rather than just focusing on the hardships, the authors also show Gilbert’s resilience, his search for connection, and the impact he had on those who loved him. The story is honest and sometimes heartbreaking, but it also offers hope and understanding for families dealing with the long-term effects of trauma.

The writing in Wounded Wings is clear and compassionate, making it easy to connect with the people at the heart of this book. The narrative is thoughtfully structured, shifting smoothly between different perspectives and key moments in Gilbert’s life, which maintains a steady and engaging rhythm. Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson portray Gilbert’s experiences with honesty and empathy, presenting his challenges and resilience in a way that feels both respectful and personal. The themes of trauma, family relationships, and healing are explored with care, prompting meaningful reflection. What stood out most to me was the authors’ courage in confronting painful realities and their hope that sharing Gilbert’s journey might offer comfort and insight to others. Wounded Wings is a powerful and important read for anyone seeking to better understand the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the role of family in the healing process.

Wounded Wings: One Man’s Secret Struggle by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson is a well-researched and emotionally rich biographical account of Gilbert Johnson’s tumultuous life, marked by profound trauma, grit, and extraordinary inner strength. The narrative traces Gil’s journey from a childhood marred by sexual abuse and family instability, through his struggles with identity, addiction, and mental health, to his eventual mastery of martial arts and dedication to honoring Bruce Lee’s legacy. This book also sheds light on the devastating impact of childhood trauma, especially sexual abuse, and the importance of forgiveness and healing. The book delivers a genre-blending approach that combines heartfelt memoir with investigative family history and social commentary.

The vivid storytelling immersed me, and I was fascinated by the research elements like letters and scanned documentation, which provided authenticity while exploring Gil’s emotional and physical battles. Wounded Wings skillfully examines the enduring effects of childhood sexual trauma, the quest for self-acceptance, faith, and the transformative power of discipline and martial arts. The detailed recounting of Gil’s experiences with abuse and his subsequent spiritual and physical pursuits underlines his perseverance. Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson’s writing is both raw and compassionate, capturing the gritty reality of trauma while offering hope. This book is one of the best biographies I have read, and the psychological underpinnings are anchored in trauma and emotional pain. I enjoyed the clear and crisp writing and the manifold insights into healing from trauma and thriving.

Wounded Wings by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson is one of the most moving stories I have ever read. It is about the life of Gilbert Lee Johnson, as written by his siblings, based on his diaries, prolific notes, and writings. The authors have written about Gil’s life in the most sensitive way, but the most profound writing is from Gil himself in the letters he sent to his father and various other family members. They show the struggle he was having with the fact that he was gay. But in discussions within the family, he was made to feel that he would lose his family's love, and he did not want to lose what little he had of their love. During the 1950s to the 1980s, homosexuality was still a very taboo and sensitive subject. It is like incest and child molestation; the public in general is aware of it, but they pretend it isn’t real. The authors take the reader on a journey through Gil’s life that will leave them hoping they will be better prepared to help someone they come across who has suffered like Gilbert Lee Johnson.

Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson wrote Wounded Wings to bring to light how families keep secrets over generations and the devastating effect it can have on the generation in which it rears its ugly head. This is a book that I feel every person dealing with the youth of today should read to realize how they cover up what is really happening in their lives, both good and bad. I found it a most inspiring book, and it brought closure to an incident that happened in my life during the late 1980s that I never understood. This book takes the blinders off incest, homosexuality, and families who experience these things in their lives. The end of the book is most important to the reader because it is a guide for any teacher or person who works with or comes in contact with the youth today. Nothing in this world is black and white, and never has been, but man himself has made it so because it is easier than having to face the fact that everyone is different. This is a book that I will definitely be reading again, as Gil’s writings are beautiful and so insightful. When you understand where he is coming from, you can hear his cry for help that people did not see because they didn’t want to. The reader will not be able to put the book down until the end. Keep this book handy; you never know when you might need it. Thank you for a most awe-inspiring read.

Wounded Wings by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson is about Gilbert Lee Johnson’s life and how it was impacted by instability, trauma, and a real desire for connection. Born in 1951 while his father served in the Navy, Gil grew up with family conflict, neglect, and abuse. His bond with his sister, who is also one of the authors, Jeanne, was deep as they moved between chaotic homes and unstable parenting. Gil relocated to Texas, joined the Marines after high school, and went all-in with martial arts. His sexuality and religious guilt led to even greater estrangement from family ties and mental health challenges. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1986, Gil was treated at Los Angeles County General Hospital, where he was mistreated, and his passing in 1988 left a legacy worth sharing with the world.

Wounded Wings: One Man's Secret Struggle is a beautiful, tragic work. It's one of those books where a reader desperately wants to reach back in time and tell Gil that he is not defined by what has happened, and that he has so many great attributes that others admire and love about him. I did not know Gil, but how the authors Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson describe him will make readers feel like they do. Gil lived so outside the box at the time that he went to great lengths, like moving to and exploring the Middle East, in an attempt to restrict his natural self. It's so sad that it was impossible for Gil to see that it was his coloring outside of those lines that made him Gil. Who can say they've tracked animals, know desert flora, followed the hunting behaviors of Saluki dogs, and planned to acquire a saker or peregrine falcon in Dhahran? Very few, but thanks to this biography, we can experience it vicariously.

Wounded Wings: One Man's Secret Struggle chronicles Gilbert Lee Johnson’s life from his birth in 1951 through his experiences in family upheaval, abuses, military service, and martial arts training. It details his editorial work on Bruce Lee’s Tao of Jeet Kune Do and collaboration on Filipino martial arts literature. The book covers his move to the Middle East for corporate employment and falconry, witnessing major events like the Iranian Revolution. It also describes his return to the U.S., struggles with mental health, relationships, and identity. The narrative includes detailed accounts of his AIDS diagnosis, treatment, and declining health. Family background, conflicts, relocations, and significant personal incidents such as abuse and family violence are documented. The book records his ongoing correspondence, cultural immersion, and efforts to reconcile his past alongside social and political turmoil.

Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson’s Wounded Wings: One Man's Secret Struggle presents a thoughtfully written account of Gil’s life, marked by contrasting cultures and personal experiences. The authors’ writing style is simple, clear, and straightforward, making the narration of Gil’s story feel conversational, accessible, and genuine. His trauma, as well as Jeanne's, is horrific, but it is countered in adulthood by his love and compassion for animals and enjoyment of falconry, the most interesting of which is time with Prince Mugrin, and many unique moments that shaped his worldview. Through journal entries and personal letters, Gil’s feelings of loneliness and his attempts to maintain relationships emerge honestly, alongside his efforts to address mental health issues. Ultimately, his lifestyle changes and choices in Los Angeles after returning from abroad round out this thoughtful portrayal of a man straddling various worlds and emotions with determination and vulnerability. Very highly recommended.

Wounded Wings: One Man’s Secret Struggle by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson is a deeply moving and meticulously detailed account of Gilbert Johnson’s life, marked by extraordinary achievements and personal challenges. The book chronicles Gilbert’s journey from a tumultuous childhood marred by sexual abuse to his pursuit of adventure, self-discovery, and creative expression. His story is one of contrasts; his professional accomplishments, such as editing Bruce Lee’s "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" and his mastery of karate, stand in stark opposition to the inner turmoil he faced due to the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. The narrative mixes personal stories, historical background, and psychological insights. Gilbert’s passion for falconry, his trips to Iran and Saudi Arabia, and his involvement in martial arts give readers an inside look at his passions and how he sought comfort and purpose in his life. At the same time, the book openly talks about the darker parts of his story, including his struggles with his sexual identity, the impact of his abuse, and his final fight with AIDS.

Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson’s writing is honest, capturing both the beauty and pain of Gilbert’s life. The inclusion of letters, journal entries, and personal reflections enhances the story. Although the subject matter is heavy, the book ultimately serves as a call to action, encouraging readers to recognize signs of abuse and support survivors in their healing journeys. Wounded Wings sheds light on the complexities of trauma, the enduring impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of compassion and understanding. It is a lasting tribute to Gilbert’s life and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the long-term effects of abuse and the paths to recovery.

On the surface, Gilbert Lee Johnson appeared to be a healthy, carefree child to his extended family and the public. His cheerful attitude and relaxed personality never raised any concerns among adults, even when he subtly showed signs of unease around certain relatives when they were alone. What they didn't realize was that the very person they trusted would betray that trust in ways that would have a lasting effect on Gilbert. Despite a successful career in journalism and martial arts, the trauma from his early days eventually led to Gilbert contracting HIV and dying from it because of his sexual preferences. His siblings, Jean Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson, watched as their brother struggled to cope with the challenges life had given him. In Wounded Wings: One Man's Secret Struggle, they honor their late brother while sharing a unique perspective on a misunderstood individual who fought to overcome his inner demons and become the best version of himself.

Words cannot express the horror Gilbert had to endure as a child. However, in tracing his family lineage, Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson attempt to connect the dots between the mindsets of the previous patriarchs of the family. Their description of Gilbert's grandfather's activities leaves little to the reader's imagination as they link his abuse to Gilbert's inability to establish relationships. Despite the memoir's predominantly dark tone, highlighted by Gilbert's emotional moments as he grappled with the dysfunctionality between his sexual preference and his religious upbringing, there are some light-hearted sections. In these, Jean Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson recount their brother's experiences in the Middle East, which occurred at a pivotal point in the region’s history, along with a guide on how to detect abuse in children. Gilbert’s ordeal should serve as a cautionary tale for parents about the people they allow around their children. Gilbert always wanted to write a book; I believe he would be proud of Donovan and Johnson’s effort with Wounded Wings.

Wounded Wings: One Man's Secret Struggle by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson is a heartbreaking and inspiring biography that tells the story of Gilbert Johnson and how a long period of sexual abuse during his childhood shaped his entire life. It follows the journey from his childhood when he experienced sexual abuse to his eventual death at the young age of 38 due to AIDS. After his parents' divorce, Gilbert lived with his mother, where he was abused by his grandfather. He turns to martial arts for defense, gets a career editing Bruce Lee's memoir "Tao of Jeet Kune Do," and later becomes a freelance journalist in Iran. The book shows his struggle with sexual identity, trust, intimacy, and sense of belonging, and how this led to a self-destructive lifestyle that he battled till the end. This is not just a personal story; it is a guide on how to identify and prevent child sexual abuse.

This book is very moving and insightful. It painted a clear picture of how childhood trauma can echo throughout a person's life, shape their life choices, and cause deep emotional struggle. I was impressed by the way Jeanne and Ronald told their brother's story; it was very detailed, raw, and honest. It takes courage and love for humanity for a person to reflect on old family wounds and use them to inspire the public and prevent similar issues from happening in the future. There are chapters where the authors took time to discuss abuse warning signs, types of sex offenders, and how we can protect our kids from this abuse—it gave the book a solid ground, more credibility, and made it not just a story but a great resource. Wounded Wings: One Man's Secret Struggle by Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson covers themes of sexual abuse, identity, acceptance, healing, and redemption. I recommend it to parents and caregivers who want to understand the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse and how to prevent it.

Gilbert ‘Gil’ Johnson is the man behind the most famous karate book ever published, the editor of Bruce Lee’s memoir Tao Jeet Kune Do. Despite this feat, his ultimate dream was to become a novelist someday. Never one to shy away from adventure, he was not only a black belt in karate and a falconer, but he also travelled widely. However, at the heart of his existence was a dark secret that complicated and threatened his life and aspirations. Gil was a victim of a decade of child sexual abuse, an unfortunate experience that may have shaped his sexual orientation and future life. In the biography Wounded Wings: One Man’s Secret Struggle, Gil’s siblings, Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson, provide an account of their brother’s life, shedding light on their tumultuous and hectic journey from childhood into adulthood.

Jeanne Donovan and Ronald I. Johnson’s Wounded Wings is a must-read for victims and survivors of childhood sexual abuse, families and friends of the latter, support groups, mental health professionals, and lovers of memoirs. Using anecdotes, diary entries, letters, and an authentic, raw tone, the authors bring memories to life with nostalgia and sharp, vivid clarity. Alongside the historical context woven into the details, it felt as though I was back in the 1950s to 80s, experiencing significant historical moments, notably including the Iranian Revolution and the AIDS Crisis, among many others. The book also offered insight into the socioeconomic dynamics of the time, giving me a deeper appreciation of the unique situations faced by people. Their pain, hurt, and innocence brought me to tears. There is helpful information on identifying potential pedophiles, warning signs of abuse, and other child sexual abuse prevention-related resources in the book.

In 2020 Jeanne Donovan asked me to analyze the handwriting of Gilbert Johnson in the story that she and Ronald Johnson were writing. As a certified handwriting analyst, I welcomed the challenge knowing Jeanne and Ron would be able to give me accurate feedback on my analysis. At the time I didn’t know much about Gilbert, other than he died a tragic death and once aspired to be a ballet dancer. Jeanne and her brother Ron were pleased with the accuracy of my analysis and incorporated it in Chapter 12 of their book, Wounded Wings: One Man’s Secret Struggle, along with an analysis of her mother Elsye Purtha.

When doing an in depth analysis of a handwriting, an analyst gains insight into a person’s character and personality. After reading Wounded Wings, I was amazed at what a superb job Jeanne and Ron did in capturing the complexity of such a talented but tortured soul. Their story brings out into the light the lasting psychological damage of generational sexual abuse. The helpful resources it offers at the end make this a book psychologists, social workers and educators should read and keep as a reference.