A Review From Abelle in the Philippines

Abelle at Only in Silence (http://onlyinsilence.com/) was the winner of my book give away contest at http://karenzemek.blogspot.com/2008/12/happy-birthday-dad-contest.html.  She said she started reading "My Funny Dad, Harry" as soon as she picked it up from the post office on Friday afternoon and finished it Sunday night.  She has posted the following review on her blog and has given me permission to post it on my blogs as well. I love getting good reviews and hearing that my book has stirred up fond memories for others about their loved ones.  Here is what she wrote:

The book was written by Karen Arlettaz Zemek, Harry’s daughter, in his memory.

‘Tatanda ka rin’ (You’ll be old too someday).

This is what my youngest sister always tells me when I get irritated with things my grandmother does. Sometimes I try to understand her, but there will be times that I just can’t. An old mind and a younger one sometimes don’t agree.

The book, My Funny Dad, Harry, is written in diary style. Karen did a good job in telling things about her Dad and their family starting from her younger years up to the last days of his father. The book made me realize that there are things we thought about older people but really don’t understand – especially why they like to do things their way when it can be done a lot easier. Harry was a picture of a man who values hard work.

Funny, but with a heart. There are parts that made me smile and there are also those that made me cry. Maybe because I can relate to some of Karen’s experiences that it made me remember memories from the past and things in the present. There may be stories about cats, but it only shows more of what a caring person her dad was – both to people and animals. If he were alive today, I am sure Harry will be active in campaigns about recycling as what I learned with what he did to the empty orange juice cartons, cat food containers, litter boxes and papers from junk mails (photos are shown in the book).

My Funny Dad, Harry speaks of love, caring, values, sharing and a lot more. The author included some photos in the book which were chosen by heart for they show special events and memories of their lives.

Learning the life that Harry lived, there’s no doubt why Karen has become the person she is – one with a generous heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you Karen for sharing your family’s life through this wonderful, wonderful, wonderful book. A story about a simple man (and family) that will surely touch lives of many.

I have a copy of the said book.  For orders and other concerns, please contact Karen Zemek.