Plain answers
Frequently asked questions
Short answers about the author, the books, and the questions people bring when a family relationship breaks.
Who is Christopher J. Bradley?
Christopher J. Bradley, J.D., is a Gulf War veteran, lawyer and author. He practiced law for 14 years. He writes and speaks about family estrangement, accountability, love and self-government, and about the constitutional principles behind a free society. He is the author of Zen and the Art of Citizenship and The First Republic.
What books has Christopher J. Bradley written?
Zen and the Art of Citizenship: An Inquiry into Principles is a memoir and manual in a Trade Edition and an Academic Edition. The First Republic: Self-Government When Family Breaks is a book on governing yourself with honesty, boundaries and accountability when a family relationship fractures. Common Sense: Family is Fundamental & Constitutionally Protected addresses parental alienation and family court reform. He has also written the Peaceful Pirate Adventures children's books.
What is The First Republic about?
The book argues that the family is the first republic, the first place most people meet power, duty, freedom and repair. When a family relationship fractures, it shows how to separate what you can know from what you are assuming, and how to act with integrity within the part of the situation that is actually yours to govern. It has three parts and ten chapters, with free reader tools on its book page.
What should I do when an adult child stops talking to me?
Start by separating what you actually know from the story your mind adds. Silence does not give you perfect knowledge of the other person's motives. Then choose conduct that does not depend on the other person responding: honesty, respect for any request for distance, specific accountability for your own part, support for yourself, and promises you can keep today. Do not use a reflection exercise as a reason to send an unwanted message.
What are the three questions?
The first is what happened: what do I actually know, without adding a motive. The second is what it means: what am I interpreting, and what story am I adding. The third is what now: what remains mine to do. The page has a private, printable version, and nothing you type is submitted or saved.
Is this legal advice or therapy?
No. Christopher J. Bradley is a lawyer, but his bar license is inactive and nothing on this site is legal advice, therapy or medical advice. The site offers education, reflection tools and books. For decisions about a court case, speak with a licensed lawyer in your state, and for emotional crisis or safety concerns, contact a qualified professional or local emergency services.
Can I read part of the books for free?
Yes. Chapter 2 of Zen and the Art of Citizenship is free to read on this site, and the book page for The First Republic includes a prologue excerpt and free reader field tools.
How do I contact Christopher J. Bradley or book him to speak?
Use the contact page on this site. Press and media resources are on the press page, and his videos are on the YouTube channel @christopherjosephbradley.