Tahtimo Reviews "My Funny Dad, Harry" and Liked It!

One of the winners of my book giveaway at Red Pine Mountain, Tahtimbo at Everyday Living, has given me permission to repost part of his review of "My Funny Dad, Harry" here.

Here is part of what he had to say:

I was amazed at how personable the stories were and it seemed as if I came to know Harry as well. Some of the stories are humorous; some will bring back memories of when you were growing up, and some stories are emotionally hard, but they all combine to give us a sense of who Harry was.

Karen, I would like to thank you for sharing your stories and giving us a glimpse into your life. I know that there are many out there that are taking care of aging parents and your book lets them know that they are not alone. In closing, I want close by saying that I highly recommend this book and I am sure that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I am always pleased and amazed that people who read my book have such nice things to say about it and like it. I think what makes it likable is that my dad is so endearing. Be sure to check out the entire review at Everyday Living.

He said he was thinking of reading it for two years and finally won the book giveaway.  Once he got it, he read it quickly and got to the place where he didn't want to put it down.  If you have been thinking of reading it, I hope you don't put it off for two years!  Just click the Amazon ad for it here and it will take you right to the page where you can order.

To find out more about my book and why I wrote it, read the Foreword here. Tweet This

How To Post A Customer Book Review On Amazon

One tip I received to help promote my book from the book How To Sell Your Book On Amazon and my publisher, Outskirts Press, was to write customer reviews on Amazon. I had no idea how to do this but worked my way through and now have done 188 customer reviews! After asking people to write a customer review after reading my book, My Funny Dad, Harry, I discovered that most people had no idea how to do this so that is why I'm writing this post.

First, you have to open an account if you don't already have one. This is a bit of an inconvenience, but doesn't take too long. You have to actually order something from Amazon in order to post customer reviews (that's why it's called "customer" reviews). You could start by ordering the book I wrote: My Funny Dad, Harry or any other. (Just a word of caution here. You can order used books cheaper but should check out the feedback about the seller first. I got burned on this once when I ordered a used book and never received it but was out my money.) Once you have an account, posting reviews is quick and easy.

2. Type the title of the book you wish to review in the search box and do the search.

3. Click on the book title and it will take you to what is called the "Detail Page" which contains more information about the book. If you scroll down, you can even see the Amazon statistics about its rank and any editorial reviews.

4. Click on the small print right under the book title that says "customer reviews."

5. That opens a screen that shows all the reviews that have been posted and has a button that says "create your own." Click on that and then just answer if you're over 13, rate the book, fill in a title for your review and then write it.

6. At the bottom of the review box is an option to put in tags, several are usually listed that have been previously used that you can just click on to insert). Click on "preview" and you'll see how it will look when published. From here you can either edit it or hit "publish" and be done. It sometimes posts the same day but can take up to two days.

Here is a video I made demonstrating how to do it.  Please excuse the shakiness--it's not easy using a Flip camera while typing:


Why not give it a try and brighten an author's day by posting a good review? There are 21 so far for My Funny Dad, Harry. If you have read and liked my book, I'd love for you to post a customer review of it on Amazon if you get a chance.

To find out more about my book and why I wrote it, read the Foreword here.
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A Glowing Book Review of "My Funny Dad, Harry" From MyTop Commenter of 2009

Yesterday morning when I checked me email there was a Google Alert which I followed to Jude's blog at Mature But Not Senile and found the following review of "My Funny Dad, Harry" which I have re-posted here with her permission. Thanks so much, Jude! I really appreciate it and am so glad to hear you enjoyed the book, sad parts and all.

I received Karen Zemek’s book My Funny Dad, Harry in February, but have only just finished due to other things going on in my life. I simply didn’t have time to read it all in one or two settings. The book itself is a collection of Karen’s memories and things she wrote about in her journals of her life with her Dad, Harry and Mom, Lenore. I met Karen through the Internet and enjoy reading her blogs.

What A Lift After A Hard Day At Work!

After a very busy day at work two weeks ago after just starting a new assignment, I came home and checked my email to find this:

From: Rebecca
Subject: I Got Your Book!
To: "karen&Gerard Zemek"
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 4:43 PM

Karen, I am so excited I wanted to tell you-- I ordered your book and just came in from Amazon today!!! It looks SO COOL. I am looking forward to reading it. I've been wanting to read it ever since you first blogged about it-- Praise God I got a new writing job and am able to afford books!

I will be writing a review on it soon, on my blog. I flipped through it a little and am very blessed by the Appendix D. :D When I'm done reading it, I'm going to give it to my kids to read, or perhaps we will read it together after dinner every night.

Congrats on a really nice book! Did you ever write a post about how you got a book published? I think that is an incredible feat. I'd love to read your story about that.

Rebecca

I actually did write a post about how I got published. It's "How I Found A Publisher" on my PNN blog at http://karen.pnn.com.

I was happy to hear she was 3/4 of the way through when I asked if she started reading it yet two days later. She said her son hijacked it and she hadn't seen it all day.

Be sure to read her review at Freaky Frugalite.

To find out more about my book and why I wrote it, read the Foreword here. Maybe you would like to order it too. There is a tab at top that says "Buy Book" which takes you right to the page on Amazon.com where you can order it.
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How To Write A Book Review--Learn From My Mistake

When writing a book review, simply try to answer the question, "Why should someone read this book?" You should emphasize the following:

• What you liked or thought about the book;


• How it affected you;


• How one may benefit from reading it;


• Who you think would enjoy it.

According to Sell Your Book On Amazon, it should ideally be a paragraph or two. Things that would spoil the suspense such as telling how it ends should be left out.

On the other hand, if you didn't like the book, it's better not to write any review because authors have feelings too and a bad book review can go a long way in deterring people from buying it. I learned this lesson early on when I first started posting reviews on Amazon for every book I read because according to Sell Your Book On Amazon an author should seek to develop a presence by doing a lot of book reviews. I inadvertently hurt an author's feelings who I met on MySpace by posting a review of her book when I really didn't like it even though I hoped I would. Regardless of trying to be nice and still be honest, giving it 3 stars (which according to Amazon said "I like it" when in my heart I would have given it one star) she saw it and was deeply hurt anyway. I felt awful and immediately deleted the review but the damage was done. (The only exception to this is if it's a very controversial book, for example, The Shack, where people seem to either love it or hate it and which has many reviews. In this case the controversy is what makes people want to read it for themselves and is a good thing.)

Since this incident, I try to read the book before I let the author know I got it. That way if I don't like it, I haven't put myself in an awkward position and choose not to post an Amazon review. I certainly hope those who read My Funny Dad, Harry do not have this problem, but just to be safe, best not to tell me that you have it until after reading it.

Beaded Tail Liked "My Funny Dad, Harry"

"My Funny Dad, Harry" is a wonderful tribute to Karen's dad. She tells endearing stories about her dad in such a way that you feel the emotions ranging from happiness to sadness and everything in between. Harry's love for his cats shines through as does his love for woodworking and fixing things. Harry may have had his own quirks and his own way of doing things but yet I know people that do so many similar things that I could relate to what Karen was going through and feel her frustrations at times. This is such a heart warming book and the stories are written so you feel like you are witnessing them firsthand. I came away with an understanding of aging that I didn't have before and certainly have an appreciation for how everyone has their own unique way of doing things - such as turning junkmail into scratch paper or using orange juice cartons for storage! This book is a wonderful read so be sure to go to order a copy or two!

Posted by permission of Beaded Tail at http://beadedtail.blogspot.com. Thanks for taking time to write this review! I made me feel good to see you liked the book.

Book Review of My Funny Dad, Harry by Lucky Lady

One day as I was searching blogs I ran across Harry and for some reason I loved the blog, maybe Harry reminded me of someone or maybe he was just so unique in his own way. What ever the reason I marked it and later put it in my side bar so I could check it when ever I wanted, I could have bought the book but my eye sight is bad and I have not read a book for years, the last book was on tape, Bridges of Madison County and I also did not stop until it was finished the same day.

When Karen started the contest I thought I will win it and I did. I can not say who would like the book but I can say I enjoyed every word in it, he was awesome--wish he could have been my dad. Harry was a good father to his only child and his three foster children, he loved cats and I think he was one of a kind, if you love people or if you have an aging relative you should read MY FUNNY DAD, HARRY. You will laugh, cry and say "oh my gosh I don't believe that!" Go here,(www.karenzemek.blogspot.com), read a bit and then order and share with someone else. On a scale of one to ten I give this book a ten. Good job Karen and I know Harry would be proud of you.

Thanks for the nice book review! I'm so glad you liked it! (reposted by permission from Lucky Lady). Lucky Lady is a blogger in California who entered my book giveaway contest for Father's Day and wrote the above book review on her blog.

Thanks For Taking Me Down Memory Lane by Bradford P. Miller

Here is another review of "My Funny Dad, Harry" I received from Bradford P. Miller, author of Lessons From Rocky posted here with his permission.

My parents have both passed away, my father from Lou Gerhigs Disease. Reading Karen's experiences takes me back to the joys and struggles we experienced as my father's health declined. I strongly recommend Karen's Book to anyone going through the process of caring for a parent. It's a challenge for which we all need support.

--Bradford P. Miller, Author, "Lessons From Rocky"

(By the way, if you like dogs, you may want to read his book about lessons he learned from his dog.)

Contest Winner, Abelle in the Philippines Reviews "My Funny Dad, Harry"

Abelle was the winner of my book give away contest at Happy Birthday, Dad Contest.

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.

Abelle shares some interesting information about her family too on her review post which you might like to see I provided the link to her blog, Only In Silence so you can hop over right to it.

See www.amazon.com for more customer reviews or how to order.

Tashabud Got It For Christmas and Reviewed It On Her Blog!

Tashabud, at Tasha's Take got "My Funny Dad, Harry" as a Christmas present from her sister-in-law. In her post, she wrote the following review of my book which she gave me permission to post here:

The book touches on Karen’s life with her mother and her foster siblings, but mainly it talks about her father, his many cats, and his funny peculiarities, which, at times, frustrated Karen. If you’re looking for a G-Rated, wholesome kind of reading material that touches the heart and so close to home, this book is for you. You’ll not read any cuss words or sexual innuendos, either. I like this book for these reasons and because it deals with a real life story that happens to be the life of one of my blog friends. If your interest is more into big action, drama, sex, and explosive fireworks then this is definitely not for you. You’d be disappointed.

Thanks, Tashabud, for taking the time to write this nice review about my book and posting it. I'm glad you liked it!

See www.amazon.com for more customer reviews or how to order.

Refreshing, Funny, Interesting, Inspiring!

I got an email yesterday from a fellow blogger, Poppopx7 at the Espenlog Times, saying he got my book and read it straight through! It makes me so happy to hear that. He immediately wrote the following review which I have posted with his permission:

I just finished reading, "My Funny Dad, Harry" written by Karen Zemek who also writes here at PNN. With so much doubt, fear, and confusion that surrounds us, it was refreshing to read such an avid account about a daughter's love, and devotion to a loving father. I found the book to be funny, interesting, inspiring, and a must read for every one that has lost a loved one. The writing of this book came from deep inside of Karen's heart. As you read her book you can hear the beating of her heart. I strongly recommend you read this book.

Visit his site at http://poppopx7.pnn.com
(He is a humorous writer and his dog, Fluff, also has a blog there along with his fantasy football team manager, a monkey named "Harvey." It's a fun read!)

Guest Post by Mountain Woman at Red Pine Mountain

I met Mountain Woman through blogging and has wrote a very nice post about me and my book which is as follows in part with her permission to repost it here:

Initially, I discovered "My Funny Dad Harry" when I joined Entrecard. While scrolling through various cards, I came across one with a picture of an elderly gentleman with a large lion ("Leo") seated on his lap. The card caught my interest at once and off I went to click on the link.

I discovered this blog written by a woman to honor her father who had passed away. The blog alone stands as a testament of love to his memory and it is filled with marvelous facts about a man who lived a productive, interesting life. But as I read further, I discovered Karen has actually written and published a book about her Dad.

Karen has a full time job, is active in her church, takes care of her husband and has many and varied outside interests. She made the time to take her precious memories of her father and put them into written form. I have this book "My Funny Dad Harry" sitting next to me today and as I read its pages I am filled with admiration for Karen's achievement. But beyond that and more important is the love Karen has for her Dad and her effort to share this marvelous man with the rest of the world. Her book is touching, poignant, humorous and a truly great read.

Mountain Woman has a very interesting blog of her own about life and her home on Red Pine Mountain. Please stop by and visit her blog at Red Pine Mountain.

Grants Gallery Review

In viewing blogs today, I found another review of my book! It always makes me feel good when I read nice reviews about it, especially from people I don't know. Check it out at Savannah's blog, Grants Gallery. Thanks, Savannah!

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 Rene' Morris at Cheaper By the Half Dozen.

A Delightful, Inspiring Story of Familial Love and Faith

Here's a review I received yesterday by Charlene S. Rubush, “author and book lover” (Donalsonville, Georgia)(5 stars)
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)

Heartwarming, Emotional, Humorous by Richard Blake

A Heartwarming, Emotional, Humorous Reading Experience, March 18, 2008 by Richard R. Blake (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.

Here's another one:

By Sofia Steryo-Bartmus, Author "Paws of Wisdom", May 22, 2008
(West Hills, CA USA)

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.