Description
Fish on Fridays: A Memoir of Bad Breaks, Hard Lessons, and Unexpected Strength
“Fish on Fridays is the kind of memoir that stays with you long after the final page. Greg P. Smith shares an honest and inspiring journey from a shy, introverted boy to a man who served his country for more than twenty years, survived cancer, overcame serious mobility challenges, and found strength through faith, family, and perseverance.
What makes this memoir memorable isn’t just the obstacles Smith faced, but the humility, warmth, and honesty with which he tells his story. Fish on Fridays is a moving reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest teachers.”
Roberta Morris
At ten years old, Greg Smith watched his father collapse and die on the staircase of their home. In a single moment, the foundation of his world disappeared. The loss left a wound that quietly shaped the rest of his life.
Determined to prove himself, Greg spent decades chasing achievement. He became an Eagle Scout, a U.S. Army officer, an international speaker, leadership consultant, and the author of multiple books. His career took him around the world, creating adventures he never could have imagined—from getting lost in Germany and navigating cultural surprises overseas to diving in shark-filled waters. Along the way, humor often became his most reliable traveling companion.
Then life delivered a challenge he couldn’t outwork.
A cancer diagnosis, grueling treatments, multiple surgeries, and devastating injuries to both legs stripped away the independence and identity he had spent a lifetime building. The man who once led others suddenly found himself dependent on the care of his wife and family and facing the difficult task of learning how to walk again.
In this honest, heartfelt, and often humorous memoir, Greg reflects on the lessons learned through adversity, leadership, faith, family, and resilience. More than a story about illness or recovery, Fish on Fridays is about discovering that true strength isn’t found in titles, accomplishments, or status—it is found in compassion, gratitude, and the people who stand beside us when life falls apart.
Fish on Fridays is the story of a boy searching for worth, a man driven to succeed, and the unexpected journey that finally taught him what truly matters.
“Looking back now, I can see that even the hardest moments were shaping the man I was meant to become.”
This book is for you if you’ve ever:
• Faced a sudden change you didn’t ask for
• Wondered who you are when everything familiar is stripped away
• Had to start over before you felt ready
• Needed hope that your best chapters may still be ahead
Gregory (verified owner) –
“Fish on Fridays will make you laugh, move you to tears, and leave you inspired. Greg P. Smith shares his remarkable journey with honesty and humility, offering a candid look at military life, family, faith, and resilience.
What stands out most is his unwavering commitment to service and the strength he drew from his values, even through life’s greatest challenges. Mostly, it’s important to understand the camaraderie he found despite all the obstacles and how he relied on his faith and values to get through it all. This is more than a memoir—it’s a powerful story of perseverance, camaraderie, and hope.”
Maria Lewytzkyj-Milligan
Gregory (verified owner) –
“Fish on Fridays is the kind of memoir that stays with you long after the final page. Greg P. Smith shares an honest and inspiring journey from a shy, introverted boy to a man who served his country for more than twenty years, survived cancer, overcame serious mobility challenges, and found strength through faith, family, and perseverance.
What makes this memoir memorable isn’t just the obstacles Smith faced, but the humility, warmth, and honesty with which he tells his story. Fish on Fridays is a moving reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest teachers.”
Roberta Morris
Gregory (verified owner) –
I have known Greg over 50 years and always have thought highly of him. But reading this book taught me things I did not know about him. It raises my appreciation of who he is. I am glad he could share this.
Ben L. Clark, NGC, Class of 1976
Gregory (verified owner) –
Greg has a remarkable talent for storytelling. He brings his personal experiences with adversity and life’s challenges to life in a way that is both engaging and inspiring. His honest, creative writing draws you in and keeps you turning the pages, eager to see what comes next. I found Fish on Fridays to be both inspiring and entertaining, and I look forward to reading more. Well done, Greg, and congratulations on your new book!
–Steve Mallin
Jim Soloman (verified owner) –
A must-read, especially for anyone who feels alone in life’s challenges. Beyond an autobiography, Greg P. Smith shares meaningful life lessons for both seasoned and emerging leaders. His story is marked by grit and determination, offering a powerful reminder of what it takes to persevere through hardship. In his authentic style, he evokes both joy and heartbreak. Let this serve as a guide for life, a source for reflection, and a reminder of things we should all know.