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Karen Z

Karen Z

I just wrote my first book last year about my dad and me right after he died called "My Funny Dad, Harry." I am married to Gerard, a wonderful husband, and have two cats, Spunky Doodle and Manny (they have blogs on http://karen.pnn.com (Cat Corner-MEOW section). I love teaching a 5th grade boys Sunday School class and am on the puppet team at... more »
  • Parma (suburb of Cleveland), OH, USA
  • member since February 9 2008

Reviews

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Displaying 301-310 of 315 reviews
  • Nineteen Minutes: A novel
    • Rated 5 stars

    Peter, a kid who got picked on his whole life and never could measure up to his older brother, went on a shooting spree at the high school and killed 10 people. The action is right at the beginning and the rest of the book uses flashbacks to explain how it came to be that Peter did it. I felt sorry for Peter but his sad life still didn't excuse what he did. It is a good book to remind people how our words and actions can and do affect others. I really coldn't put this one down. Karen Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Evergreen

    Evergreen

    by Belva Plain
    • Rated 5 stars

    This book deals with Jews and the depression. Anna kept her adultery a secret and had a daughter with a man other than her husband--(Paul from the sequel, The Golden Cup). Paul knew about his daughter but the daughter never knew for sure, only suspected. Anna's husband suspected but his suspicions were never confirmed. He died not knowing. Belva Plain's writing is very descriptive and it amazes me how much research she puts into her books. She is a marvelous historical fiction writer about family sagas in my opinion. This is the first in a sequence of three books. I liked this book very much. Karen Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Golden Cup
    • Rated 4 stars

    This is the sequel to Evergreen. This continues the family saga that shows family relationships and different types of marriages are portrayed. Characters are extremely well developed in all of Belva Plain's books. Parts were very sad. For example, the gay son who lost his legs in war committed suicide. Belva Plain weaves a lot of themes into this book such as family relationships, adultery, adoption, money, and war. Tapestry is the sequel to this book.

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Tapestry
    • Rated 4 stars

    The saga contines. Paul is a main character who loved Anna in Evergreen and this story is told a lot from his point of view. It is about war, love, passion, and a mobster husband having his wife's relative killed. A man in wheelchair after the war committed suicide. I enjoyed reading this book, but it is long. One more sequel in this family saga to go and that is Harvest. Karen Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Harvest
    • Rated 4 stars

    This final book of this particular family saga is primarily about Iris & Theo and their family. It tells how Paul helped them and how Iris never found out that he was her biological father. I really liked this book because it was about the characters I liked best. Belva Plain is a wonderful author if you are not in a rush. Her books have depth to them and lots of detail that make the characters come to life. Karen Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Become a Better You
    • Rated 5 stars

    I was so impressed with this book because of the many practical and Biblical suggestions contained in it. I highly recommend this to anyone! I found myself taking notes as I read to make a list of specific things I want to do right away to become a "better me." I have been a born-again Christian for 47 years of my 54 and still feel like I learned much from reading this book. I was also relieved to find it wasn't at all boring. A few chapters in the beginning went slow for me because they didn't really apply to my life, but others may find them to be very useful and helpful. I truly enjoyed reading this book in less than a week. I can honestly say there was nothing in it that I disagreed with. I haven't read many self-help books, but this one is GREAT! I was very encouraged by some of the things he mentioned such as: 1) Keep stretching because my best days are yet to come. Your best days are not behind you, they're in front of you. (I am 54 so this is very encouraging to me) 2) Develop a Habit of Happiness. Choose to put a positive spin on things and be happy-even in bad circumstances. 3) Remember who you are and act accordingly--child of God Almighty, redeemed, talented, creative, have potential to fulfill your destiny. 4) Find work you are passionate about. 5) Relationships are more important than accomplishments. Build others up--compliment someone each day. Be the head cheerleader and encourager for your spouse. 6) Leave places better off than they were before I came by. 7) Celebrate other people's victories. 8) Keep a running record of the good things God has done for you. 9) Keep a tender conscience by listening to and obeying the small voice that nudges you to do or not to do something so you can keep hearing God's voice. 10) Plan on a long and healthy life! 11) Keep a song of praise in your heart all through the day. 12) Smile on purpose. 13) Believe expecting--put actions with your faith. Although I knew some of these things and even used to do them at one time, it was good to be reminded of them. My husband was right when he said Joel uses good illustrations. I'm pretty sure he had a real-life illustration for every main point in this book. I also liked at the very end, Joel gives concise and clear instructions how the reader can begin a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. I was glad to see he included this. --Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink )
    • Rated 4 stars

    This is the first biography I ever read and found it to be very interesting. I liked Christy Lane's music so wanted to read her story and find out more about her. It is well written and is a quick read. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Quiet Strength
    • Rated 5 stars

    This is Tony Dungy’s autobiography (Colts head coach). Success: God gives each one of us unique gifts, abilities, and passions. How well we use those qualities to have an impact on the world around us determines how “successful” we really are. Teaching/coaching principles: 1) Treat everyone fairly but not necessarily equal. What motivates one, doesn’t work for everyone. 2) Focus on those behind or who struggle and help them succeed. --Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Tuesday, April 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • A Place Called Home (A Place Called Home Series)
    • Rated 4 stars

    This is a quick, light read that was enjoyable although predictable. It takes place in the 1800s and is a story of family relationships, adventure and romance. It has a very strong Christian theme throughout that is brought about through a Christian family, the Camerons. They took in Christine, the 19-year old girl who left her grandfather's home after he died because his business partner wanted her dead and was trying to have her killed. I liked how the author let the reader know what the characters were thinking, especially Luke and Christine as they were becoming attracted to each other. That was cute and interesting to watch their relationship develop from each of their different perspectives. --Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Youngest Hero
    • Rated 5 stars

    This was a fun book to read since it reminded me of some of the fun of being a kid playing ball. This book is about a 10-yr. old boy named Elgin and his love for baseball as well as his relationship with his parents who are divorced. His dad, who used to play ball, is in prison. Elgin has great talent and is so good at hitting that he is kicked out of little league because he's too good so he gets to play in higher leagues even though he's just a kid. Another aspect of this book is to practice correctly and keep at it. Elgin practiced all the time! He played fastpitch in the alley or practiced with a pitching machine in the basement that he adjusted to throw really fast. Anyone interested in little league or baseball would probably like this book. I enjoyed it very much! Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

    Karen Z wrote this review Sunday, February 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Displaying 301-310 of 315 reviews

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