Surprise!

Today as I was viewing blogs, I got a very pleasant surprise!  I came across a review of my book, "My Funny Dad, Harry," by Renee' Morris at Cheaper By the Half Dozen.  Click the link here to see what she wrote:   http://designerfrog.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-funny-dad-harry-karen-arlettaz-zemek.html.

A Delightful, Inspiring Story of Familial Love and Faith

By Charlene S. Rubush, "author and book lover"

(Donalsonville, Georgia) - See all my reviews June 11, 2008

My Funny Dad, Harry by Karen Arlettaz Zemek

If only everyone were lucky enough to have a devoted father and true family man like Harry! Zemek's love, respect, and gratitude for her dad shines through in this sweet book. Harry, a product of the Depression, had quirky habits that will have you chuckling.

Anyone's who's had a parent who lived through the Depression, should be able to relate to Harry's thrifty ways. From saving junk mail to make notepads, to keeping orange juice cartons to convert into drawers, Harry wasted nothing.

Zemek's use of photos throughout the book, gives the reader an up-close look at Harry's ingenuity, plus provides a feeling of familiarity with Harry, his wife, Lenore, his daughter, son-in-law, foster-children, and his many beloved cats.

As Harry grew old, he stubbornly refused his daughter's offer of moving in with she and her husband, preferring to stay in his own home, taking care of his numerous beloved cats, right up until his death. We can feel Karen's anguish and concern, as she comes to terms with his inevitable decline.

As I read Zemek's book, there were many ah-ha moments where I'd get a lump in my throat, as I saw flickers of my own mom and dad, now deceased. But Zemek always manages to bring out the bright side of life. By the time I closed the book, I'd come to love Harry and his family. They are a fine example of those "salt-of-the-earth" caring, Christian people who hold this country together. I applaud Karen for taking the time to write this book. It's a fun, touching read. Harry would be so proud.

This is an excerpt of the review--for full review, please look under the cutomer reviews on Amazon.com

Filled With Emotion by Sofia Steryo-Bartmus

 (West Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews on Amazon

 

FILLED WITH EMOTION....is exactly what "My Funny Dad, Harry is made of. Karen has done an excellent job in honoring her dad by telling his story in an easy to read, short journal-like fashion. Each chapter will make you laugh or cry, or do both at the same time. This was a very comforting book for me and I would recommend it to anyone who has ever been a caregiver for a loved one, is dealing with that responsibility now or will be in the future.

One of the things that stand out for me was when Karen was showing her dad how to use the computer (at age 88!) and she was "surprised" to discover that he had so many things wrong with him. She writes: "I didn't realize he had so many problems, because he never complained and kept his sense of humor and positive attitude"! You see, we remember our parents as being young and strong instead of what they have become; old, weak and fragile. Our duty is just to love them, care for them and be patient with them.

This book not only teaches us to endure some challenging moments with our aging parents, but also how to live our lives like Harry; Obey God, love your family and serve others.

Heartwarming, Emotional, Humorous by Richard Blake

A Heartwarming, Emotional, Humorous Reading Experience, March 18, 2008 by <u>Richard R. Blake</u> (San Leandro, CA)

Karen Arlettaz Zemek has written a tribute to her father Harry Arlettaz in her book "My Funny Dad, Harry." The book is filled with short funny stories about life with Harry, his family, and his cats. Harry was recognized as a man of integrity, discipline, a wonderful craftsman, and his dedication to serving the Lord by serving others.

Cat lovers will enjoy the tenderness, care, and concern of a generous man willing to sacrifice for a needy animal. Karen gives detailed descriptions and the antics of Harry's cats: Blackie, Bootsie, and Diamond Jim, Razzle "Frazzle Dazzle, Fluff, Puff, Timi, Striper, Softie, and Sweet Thing to name only a few. Harry built a "Kitty Motel" for the stray cats in the neighborhood. He included windows and a swinging door for the cat's convenience.

As Harry grew older he maintained a spirit of independence. Even as he recognized his limitations he never complained but downplayed his own physical inabilities rather than allowing himself to impose on others.

Karen has captured the reality of the physical impairments of growing old. She has communicated a sense of the humorous even in the hard situations.

I appreciated Karen's dedication to her father and her devotion and sacrifice in caring for him. Throughout the telling of Harry's story Karen was never "preachy" but wove a tapestry ribbon of God's love and grace throughout the narrative. In an appendix she has included a clear cut invitation to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as savior.

I smiled as I read of Harry's years of accumulation of tools, magazines, and every conceivable collectible. I was challenged to take a look at the clutter in my life, the unfinished projects, sentimental "stuff", and begin sorting out my own priorities.

"My Funny Dad, Harry" is a delightful memoir of a tender hearted man dedicated to serving others. Well written, humorous, and heartwarming.

Very Highly Recommended by Liana Metal

Heart Warming by Jacqueline Carr

My Funny Dad, Harry is a heart warming book about
Karen Arlettaz Zemek's struggles of being a caregiver
to her father, while dealing with the pressures of
juggling duties as a wife and working woman.

Detail accounts in the book include the struggle of
taking care of Harry until his death and the
pressures of dealing with her father's death.

Anyone who has ever been a caregiver or soon to be
caregiver, need to read this book!  They would
appreciate this book, My Funny Dad, Harry.  I give the
book four stars.

Jacqueline Carr

Charming!

Karen Arlettaz Zemek expresses her lifetime remembrances of her father "Harry" through this charming little journal. Harry was a unique character, loving father, cat lover, and an excessive "pack rat" (like many of us). Through her book, Karen shows us all how journaling and a strong faith in God can help us work through our grief after the death of a loved one.

-Carol Denbow, 3-time author and editor <u>A Book Inside</u> online

Kitten Krazy Review

My Funny Dad, Harry, November 10, 2007

As the Founder and President of Kitten Krazy, a nonprofit kitten shelter, I found the myriad of stories about the cats in Harry's life entertaining. At times, Karen takes you on an emotional trip of glad to sad when one doesn't make it. Anyone who has owned a pet knows just how hard that is to go through. An entertaining read and a must for everyone who has elderly parents who are "quirky!"

This was posted on Amazon.com where the book is available. 

Whose Dad Is This?

(This review of "My Funny Dad, Harry" by Karen Arlettaz Zemek was posted to Amazon.com where the book is available.)

Whose Dad Is This?, January 15, 2008

I had flashbacks of my grandfather when reading Karen's book about her father. Those idiosyncrasies that characterize a man raised in the early 1900s reminded me of the fun times I had with my grandfather. He was such a quiet person. One never knew what he was thinking. I decided after reading My Funny Dad, Harry that I am not supposed to understand all the crazy things he did; I only need to accept them as part of who he was. I envision Harry and my grandfather somewhere in the afterlife having a conversation about the good old days.

Busy with his hands, ever creating something from whatever material was available, seems to be Harry's way of passing time. Whether in the woodworking shop, or trying his hand at being a locksmith, Harry always managed to provide a descent living for his family. His family included foster children that were raised alongside his own children. He was so unconcerned about what others thought of him, he didn't even wear a tuxedo to his own daughter's wedding. Well, that's just the way Harry was.

Harry was always busy, so it was no surprise that he had to have his hands into the derby race when his daughter participated in AWANAs. And, the man loved cats. This was way before anyone thought of having pets spayed or neutered so there were always plenty of furry critters hanging around the house or maybe I should say the kitty condo he made for them. Did I say the man loved cats?
The book has humor aplenty, but there is also a sad side of the story when Karen's mom, Harry's wife, Lenore became sick. But, this was just another chance for Harry to come to the rescue and show his love for his family. He would not allow his beloved wife to be admitted to a nursing home. He personally took on the daily care for her and did not once leave her alone. He made sure someone was with her if he had matters outside the home to tend to. After a stay in the hospital Lenore finally passed on. A few months later, Harry, never admitting his loneliness, fell and broke his hip. After three weeks in the hospital he made an amazing recovery. You have to wonder if perhaps it was his concern for all those cats living alone at his house that sprang him to life again. During his recovery, he came up with a new way to do the things he used to do including weeding with a mechanism he created that didn't force him to bend over. Such an inventor, that Harry!

Harry had a system of organization that would not be matched even by those popular design shows you see on TV where a "professional" organizer comes in and puts an end to clutter. Harry saved everything and everything had a place. He even "dated' his food. I bet you never heard of a man doing that! When remembering birthdays, he even put the person's year of birth on the calendar. Probably just wanted to see how old they were.

At age 88 after living a full and loving life, Harry joined his wife in heaven. Karen was the one who found him lying between the toilet and the tub in his bathroom. She made sure he was buried in his brand new underwear she found neatly arranged in his dresser drawer. The package still unopened. I felt for her. I wanted to cry, but I knew that Karen was a strong person. Not that she wouldn't grieve for her dear dad, but that she had a handle on life and a faith that would keep her chin up through the sale of her dad's house.

I liked the photos Karen included in her book. I've met all the kitties and in case I need more information about any one of them, I could resort to Appendix B in the back of the book. . I cracked up when I saw the picture of Harry's oven. He was not much of a cook, but having good organizing skills, he made good use of the space as extra storage for small appliances!

Now, you might imagine that a book about someone else's dad might be boring, but the thing I liked best about the book was that it made me remember the good times I had with my own quirky male relatives. Zemek used a chronological method to arrange her material. That was certainly a sensible approach. After all it was a biography about her father's life.

If you want to laugh and cry, this is the book for you. While it is light-hearted, there is a great deal of stronger emotions present as Karen pays tribute to her father. She says it helped her process her own grief. I can see why it would have that benefit for her.

Karen will be interviewed on Writers in the Sky Podcast where she will share more about her writing process, and her publishing experience with Outskirts Press. She will also share some marketing tips so be sure to join the author February 15, 2008 or listen to the archived show thereafter at http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com.

Yvonne PerryRIGHT TO RECOVER: Winning the Political and Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research in America

BUY THE BOOK

Order "My Funny Dad, Harry" from www.amazon.com  or www.barnesandnoble.com or through www.outskirtspress.com/myfunnydadharry.  Don't forget to leave a great customer review after reading it!  All 4 and 5-star reviews are greatly appreciated! (To leave a customer review, click on the book title and then on the customer review link just under it when the next screen comes up.  Then you can see all the reviews and click on "create your own.")

To order directly from me instead of online, email me a request for the book at:  myfunnydadharry@sbcglobal.net and I'll send you my address where you can mail me a check for $15 (incl. postage and tax) and I'll mail you an autographed copy.