From the first book to the last, each chapter reads like a short story in a serial magazine. There's a kind of structure to the books which is not at all evident on the surface but a skilled analyst might uncover, however you won't notice it simply by reading from cover-to-cover. What makes it a wonderful read is not a gripping narrative or building plot, but the happiness that comes from spending time with Gerry's quirky family and listening to his campfire-story retelling of their exploits.