Next Move: My Terrible, Wonderful, Bipolar Life

by Troy Roberts

Troy Roberts is the author of Next My Terrible, Wonderful, Bipolar Life , his first book. Raised in a Baltimore family with mob ties, he grew up in a tumultuous household, surrounded by crime, prostitution, violence and drugs, often escaping with his mother and sister to his grandparent's home near Savannah, Georgia. As an early teen, he fell under the thrall of the Jehovah's Witnesses, but by the time he was in his mid- teens he found another, far more powerful chess. Despite an almost crippling affliction of bipolar inherited from both sides of his family, he managed to rise from his circumstances and become a top-rated U.S. chess player, achieving the rank of Life Master. Professionally, he was the brains behind the rise of high-end designer hardware and plumbing fixtures in big box retailers such as Lowe's and Home Depot. He calls Baltimore home and lives in the area with his wife and daughter. He still plays and teaches chess.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Clare Berrang]

Wow! Hold onto your chair when you read this one! Overcoming a terrible childhood AND dealing with an undiagnosed bipolar disorder would be enough to topple most people. Troy Roberts had the ability to harness his energy, address his health and accomplish what every person wants in life: to love and be loved. The credit he gives his wife and his love for his daughter are beautiful and heartfelt. In addition to building a very strong family life, he is a Master chess player, a successful entrepreneur and business person and a poodle lover. I have known Troy for 30+ years and have so much respect for his story.

[Christine Davis Merriman]

Interesting use of chess as a metaphor for life, written by a Baltimore-based life master. A genuine, fascinating memoir about the roller coaster existence of a bipolar chess player.