Customer Reviews

Crazy Love: A Novel

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As with every David Martin novel that I have read, Crazy Love is populated with fascinating and well-rounded characters that live in your memory long after the last page is turned (which happens much too soon). Katherine and Bear bring this gripping story to life in a way that lets the reader feel completely involved with the story. I can't stress enough how much readers of quality fiction are missing if they don't read the books of David Martin. So few authors these days are as reliable for a solid story with gripping characters, plot twists and satisfying endings. David Martin will not disappoint you...

Treat yourself.
Read Crazy Love!!!

This beautifully crafted novel tells an amazing story about two people who are opposites in so many ways but who nonetheless fall deeply in love with each other. The fact that they are opposites -- she is a yuppy/socialite from Washington, D.C. and he is an eccentric farmer from Appalachia -- is exactly what allows their crazy (and perfect) love to develop. When she is terribly traumatized and reacts in an uncontrolled manner that would drive any normal man away, he is there for her . . . as solid and constant as a rock. And she returns the favor by having the intelligence and sensitivity to see his eccentricities (perceived by most others as the actions of a retarded madman) as interesting character traits that make him a unique individual.

These are all great concepts, of course, and "Crazy Love" is not the first novel to explore them. What sets this novel apart from others is the way David Martin describes the characters and tells the story . . . by the end, you will feel as though you know these people closely and have experienced life with them for a snapshot of time. And that is why this novel will break your heart, mend it, and send you off filled with hope.

For those of you who've read David Martin before, his newest novel is different from his recent thrillers. "Crazy Love" is reminiscent of his earlier literary works; I simply call them "good fiction stories."

While the plot of "Crazy Love" centers around the relationship of Bear and Kate, it goes beyond their love affair to explore their relationships with animals, their neighbors, their families, and themselves.

All in all, "Crazy Love" is uplifting, sad, inspiring, and frightening.

DC lobbyist Katherine Renault fled the capital to escape well meaning people constantly badgering her as she recovered from the operation. She chose her fiance's Appalachia cottage as being as far from Washington as one can get without going to a third world nation.

After months in her mountain retreat, Kathryn joins an animal rescue team. Her first mission involves two men abusing a cow. There she watches compassionate Joseph David "Bear" Long intercede so that the animal can die with dignity. Soon Bear and Katie as he calls her become an entry in more ways then one as they rescue animals and fall in love. However, everyone knows she is a sophisticated urbanite and he is a retarded hillbilly. Thus no one will bet on this couple surviving together once she inevitably goes home.

This mushy novel is an entertaining romance between two polar opposites. The rescue missions seem too easily achieved yet the plot hooks the audience from start to finish due to the endearing cast. Bear and Katie make a warm odd couple. The secondary characters including the animals provide the necessary depth so that the audience can observe the robustness of the lead duet's relationship. David Martin's tale seems so real encouraging the reticent to go find their own CRAZY LOVE.

Harriet Klausner

It's been weeks since I read this book and I still find myself thinking about the characters and the different events in the book; the cows frozen in the mud; the lists Bear makes to remember how to love Katy; the barely people children sleeping in the trees; the old woman and her cats; the ducks; the funeral; and so much more! This is a wonderful story that moved me to tears, laughter, anger, sympathy, sorrow, rage and joy. This book not only entertained, it healed. You must read this book!

I'm buying extra copies for friends, and I can't wait for the paperback (there WILL be a paperback?) so I can buy lots more.

Crazy Love is intense and romantic, and the animal characters as vivid as the humans. I guess it could be compared to Dr. Doolittle, Deliverance, Old Yeller. Martin's a master, always unexpected but not at the expense of his characters. He never cheapens them.

David Martin has written many fine books through the years but I consider this his best.

I live in Appalachia and I can say that Mr. Martin knows of what he writes. This book rings true through and through. I have met a man similar to Bear, the socialy backward and emotionaly wounded farmer. I have also seen the yuppies and hippies come and go. Some, like Katie, stay to lend their ideals and compassion.

I have read some reviews in which ''Crazy Love'' is likened to David Martins pre-thriller novels. I agree with this but would add that what makes this book his best is the warm sensitivity he brings to the cutting edge of his early works view of life as a hard, tough and cold struggle for liberation.

I gave this book 5 stars only because they don't allow 10. This is simply the one of the best books I've read. I don't normally read 'love' stories, but I am glad that I made the exception on this phenominal book.
Drop everything and get a copy now.

When I turned to the last page of "Crazy Love" I immediately turned back to page one and had to read it again -- I just could not get enough of this heart-warming, honest story. Reading this book was the highlight of my day and I couldn't wait to get home from work to see what Bear and KattieDid were up to. Along with "The Crying Heart Tattoo", "Crazy Love" has become one of my top 10 books.

I was unable to put this book down and read it in a single day. It's a great read, describing the love between two seemingly polar opposites. I truly fell in love with Bear and the other characters like the vet and even the animals. Like one reviewer said, I'll never look at animals the same way again. Beautiful love story with a sad, yet touching ending. I suggest reading this book.