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.

She writes about how her parents decided to foster and help 3 other children and some of their adventures while growing up. This book is a tribute to both her parents, but it’s mostly about Harry and his funny ways. She paints a picture of Harry that had me laughing at times and at other times I felt tears in my eyes when she talks about her Mother’s illness and death.

It’s a charming little book filled with antidotes of Harry’s kindness, generosity, love and creativity. Just from reading the book I can tell Karen was a good Daughter and was there for Harry when he needed anything even though he didn’t like asking for help and would often not take her advice when offered. There are many stories about Harry’s cats that had me laughing, but some were sad.

I’m sure when she wrote this book it must have been a healing process and I totally admire Karen’s determination in getting it published so she could share with the world what a truly ingenious, funny, and wonderful Father that she was blessed with. I enjoyed Karen’s book and all the stories she shared of Harry after Lenore passed away.

Some of her recollections of cleaning out Harry’s house after he passed away (even though I felt sad about poor Harry and what Karen was going through) made me laugh. All in all it was a nice book which showed good family values and some of the problems one faces when dealing with aging parents. I will agree with Karen, Harry was funny and by the way Karen I love the suspenders and Harry not caring what other people think.