A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 16, 2026

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Kelly Catharine Bradley

Featured Title: a gift
a gift

kelly catharine bradley is a mother and poet. she wrote “a gift” after the sudden death of her son, Baeley Aubrey Thackston. Created in the six months after Baeley died, “a gift” is an opus on grief that seeks a lost soul, and offers the glimmer of candlelight. “a gift” comes from a mother’s stunned grief and her effort to remain on earth while conjuring love and hope in and for another realm.

About Kelly Catharine Bradley

kelly c bradley is a mother, poet, grave tender and griever. Her first book of poetry, “love, loss and the enormity of it all” (FootHills Publishing), was followed by “a gift” (Baeley Atlas Co) and will be followed by “and then” later this year.

Instagram: @a__gift_