A Mass for the DeadIn A MASS FOR THE DEAD, he tells the story of his childhood years, of his mother and father and his extended family, and of how he grew to manhood. It makes out of death something of use. It is a voyage of exploration into the family past, where one learns about oneself and one's family in new ways. This is written in remembrance of Gibson's deceased parents and in honor of their lives. In reflecting on them he in turn makes it a tribute to parenthood