'The Sum of Me' is one man's journey of discovery, redemption

Mark Brundage Odom recently self-published his book “The Sum of Me.”

Odom spent more than 10 years as a K9 Officer of a bomb detection dog and a 20-year career with Homeland Security as an Inspector for Federal Protective Service before retiring in March.

Originally from Pittsburgh and having traversed the globe in his formative years, the U.S. Navy veteran enjoys flying airplanes, scuba diving, classic cars and riding motorcycles. He now lives in Prince Frederick with his wife Ariane.

The book is the story of how the 58-year-old Odom embarked on a profound journey to piece together the intricacies of his identity and trace his roots. He said penning the book was because of his “desire to help others is the overwhelming reason” but also “a way to document for my own family the heritage and mystery.”

The 160-page book retails for $15 and is available at www.barnesandnoble.com.

How long have you been writing, and how did you get started?

I have been writing a few years, I got started writing when I began my research to discovery my biological Father. I got started from documenting my research and journaling my feelings.

What inspires you to write?

My inspiration comes from a desire to use my story to help someone else.

Do you consider writing to be a career?

I recently retired from my career in federal law enforcement. Writing has been both therapeutic and a new hobby.

What kind of writing process do you use?

My process has been based on investigation, documentation and introspective feelings released on paper.

Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou express the African American experiences and stories that are so relatable to all people.

What are you working on now?

I just published The Sum of Me and will be working on promoting it.

What do you want readers to know about you?

I want readers to know their circumstances alone does not determine their destiny. I want them to be inspired and motivated to control their destiny.

Please include a brief description of your book.

According to a news release, the book is “the deeply personal story of his quest to uncover his biological father’s identity. Raised by his stepfather with little knowledge of his true paternal lineage, Odom’s curiosity about his origins grew over the years, fueled by his mother’s silence and subtle family dynamics.

In his fifties, Odom confronts the secrets of his family’s past, discovering the identity of his biological father. This revelation, while initially unsettling, leads to a journey of healing and newfound purpose. Through his struggles with conflicting emotions, Odom aims to shed light on his experiences, offering solace and guidance to others grappling with similar questions of identity and heritage.

“The Sum of Me” is a raw and honest exploration of the complexities of self-discovery, resonating with readers who have faced similar challenges. Odom’s memoir is a testament to resilience and the universal human desire for truth and belonging.