Dad Was a Carpenter: A Father, a Son, and the Blueprints for a Meaningful Life

by Kenny Kemp

The mass-market paperback version of Kenny Kemp's award-winning memoir about his father, O.C. Kemp, whose struggle with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) deeply affected everyone who knew him. A poignant remembrance of "a great man who didn't know he was."

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I am a restless soul who has always had the desire to hear and tell a good story. I majored in film production in college, got sidetracked by law school and a few years practicing law, returned to graduate film school, worked in Hollywood for several years as a screenwriter and filmmaker, stumbled into writing novels, and got unbelievably lucky when my memoir Dad Was a Carpenter won the international self-published book award in 1999, resulting in a three-book deal with publishing giant HarperCollins. I continue to self-publish because I love the hands-on nature of it. I speak to writers' groups and book clubs as I travel around the U.S. promoting my books. When I'm not writing, I love to fly my plane, listen to jazz, compose schmaltzy love songs, and dissect films.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleased to win . this first-reads book with nice inscription from the author. It was a quick read and a refreshing look into an uncommon life. Uncommon in the way the man chooses to deal with adversity at home, at work, and in the face of a debilitating and fatal disease.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about my uncle and my grandfather. My grandfather was a good man, and the book made me cry to know more about his life and his death.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is wonderful what a great way to give thanks to your father by writing about his life. It made me be thankful or my father. This is a must read!

[Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast, enjoyable reading experience which I believe should be helpful to anyone struggling through the grieving process. This book should also help immensely to bond generations -- especially to bring young adults closer to their parents. It is a reminder that life is
temporary and unpredictable, and we should always seek for and hold onto the positive. The chapter near the end of the book of 35 Blueprints for a Meaningful Life are potentially great teaching tools for any age but will be appreciated much more after reading the whole book.

[Jason Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to win this book through good reads. It is a fast enjoyable read that will tug at the heart strings. A very deep look into grief and struggles. I highly recommend to anyone who has dealt with loss in their life.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

LDS platitudes. Fairly decent stuff. A quick read, too.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one day. I liked it.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights about what a son realized he learned from his dad after his dad passed away.

[Tafta Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tender, sweet story of a father, a son, and how to have a meaningful life. I took years for the son to see the true value of this father and glean the meaning of his father's life and learn valuable meanings for his own life.

On the day before Christmas, Kenny Kemp went into his father's garage, four months after his father's death. He was going to help his mother deal with her grief, but in doing so he took a journey through some of the memories of his life and the life of his father. As he worked to clear the garage, he found he uncovered things that precipitated memories and lessons. As Kenny uncovered "precious relics which spoke in silent eloquence of the greatness of a man who never knew he was," he, as a son, found deep meaning in his father's philosophy, actions, and love.

This was a precious book. I didn't want it to end. I would highly recommend it to other readers. I want to share it with my brothers as it reminded me of my own father in so many ways.

[Douglas Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men, it is said, love to take things apart; the tricky part is putting them back together again. In this memoir the authors successfully disassembles and rebuilds his relationships with his fathers. Kemp's is a brief but beautiful love letter to his deceased pops. Winner of the 1999 Writer's Digest National Self-Published Book contest's Grand Prize, this work recalls the author's meaningful connections (e.g., "I had the best go-cart in the world and ... [he] built it for me") and chronicles parts of his dad's life. Writing in a frankly inspirational style, Kemp, a Salt Lake City--based attorney, focuses on what his father taught him about life's big lessons. There is much accumulated wisdom here, and Kemp's is an idealized account that will work well where inspirational titles for men are needed. Also consider Ted Solotaroff's Truth Comes in Blows: A Memoir and Hugh Howard's House-Dreams. Great Father's Day gift.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a goodread giveaway but I feel that receiving it free made no difference, I would have picked this up at the bookstore. It was a quick read but it was a great book. I enjoyed reading about a father and his son and their life together. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good light hearted read.

[Jolee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will only take the average person about an hour to read, and it is really a great little book. It totally reminded me of my dad, and I think most people would find that it could be their dad or grandpa very easily. There are great little life lessons throughout, and the author does a nice job of tying all the stories together to make a flowing memoir.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, but to took you on an emotional ride. Grief is a personal journey and the author took us on his journey with him. I was surpised to see all the lessons (blueprints) listed on the last page. A perfect way to end the emotional journey with a smile. Thank you for the ride!!!

[Trustno1k · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and honest!! It was a delight to read a book that illustrates truly how important it is to do things in life well and with great love. What can be more important than the relationships we have with those around us. Great book, I highly recommend it!!!

[Peggy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons of life taught in simple, unassuming ways.

[Mark Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read. Picked up at thrift store for a buck. Sure names you think. Many thanks to the writer. Everyone should be able to relate somehow. Mark

[Arian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read- very moving and heartfelt stories about his father - My grandfather.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story and a quick, easy read. I found myself wishing it was longer as I got to the end of the book. Loaned to me by my sweet father-in-love, Richard Sager.

[Marouane]

it is good