The Carpenter's Notebook (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A wonderful book about building both houses and relationships...wise, touching, and as satisfying as a hard day’s work well-done." -- Bret Witter, Editorial Director, HCI and Publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul

"Home Improvement is a thread that runs through our lives. Mark has woven it into very rich and unique story." -- Dean Johnson, co-host of Hometime

"Inspiring work and great reading — don’t miss it!" -- Scott Phillips, host of Public Television’s American Woodshop and American Homeshop

Product Description

Gideon Herlihy was an uncommon carpenter. He lived his life believing that building is a search for what's best in us.

Gideon used his tools for more than just building and improving the homes in his small town, he used them to build and improve his life. For Gideon, carpentry is more than nailing two pieces of wood together, it's a vital expression of who we are-of who we can become. While he worked the jobsites of his tumultuous, unplanned life, he learned what he called True Things: jobsite lessons that made sense of his existence as a young father, husband, and man in search of meaning.

Two years after Gideon's death, his son Brendan leaves his two daughters and collapsing marriage to return home and fulfill a promise: to remodel his father's dilapidated shop into an art studio for his mother. There, Brendan finds his father's dented and scratched aluminum contractor's clipboard. On the curled, yellowed papers inside, Gideon recorded the True Things that framed his existence and outlined the mission of his life. In it he kept treasures and secrets for his boy to find.

Too soft and out of shape, Brendan recalls sunny, sweaty summers long ago working with his father and re-discovers that building is both a physical and mental test. With every swing of his hammer and every turned page of his father's notebook, he makes progress rebuilding the shop. And, with every wall Brendan tips into place, every pound he sweats off, and every fear he defeats, Brendan rebuilds himself and his family's life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: CenterLine Media (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975421247
• ISBN-13: 978-0975421246
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,468,185 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superbly engaging flair for original storytelling , February 6, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Two years after his father's death, Brendan Herlihy leaves his two daughters and a collapsing marriage to fulfill his promise that he would remodel his dad's dilapidated shop, transforming it into an art studio for his mother. In the process, Brendan uncovers some curled, yellowed papers upon which is father, Gideon, had recorded "True Things" that helped outline the mission of his life and make sense of his existence as a young father, a husband, and a man. It seems Gideon had utilized his tools for more than just carpentry in building and improving the homes in his small town -- he had used them to build and improve his life. With memories of working long ago summers at his father's side, Brendan rebuilds his father's workshop, and in doing so, begins to rebuild his own life and family. Highly recommended reading, The Carpenter's Notebook is a heartwarming, even inspirational novel written with a superbly engaging flair for original storytelling by author Mark Clement.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good companion book, December 7, 2004

By	Brent Hull (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I really enjoyed this book, not only does it have an entertaining and touching story line, there is great information for the craftsman and builder. Mark has realized that there is more to building a house or addition than banging nails. Every step and every process has a purpose, there are good rules for life and good rules for building in the pages of this book. I highly recommmend it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very touching , November 22, 2004

By	Michael Sloggatt (NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Carpenter's Notebook -- A Novel (Paperback)

I received a copy from the Author, I'm not much of a book reader, I prefer technical stuff. I read it on a flight from NY to Portland to keep busy. Once I started I couldn't put it down. Excellent reading. Very moving.

As a Side note, I lent it to my Wife to read, she read it cover to cover, even all the Notebook entries. I'm going to need another copy, since she lent it to a friend.

Superb Job Mark !!!

Mike S