Customer Reviews

My Funny Dad, Harry

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I have a special reason for reviewing this book, as I'm in it! I grew up with Karen, Michelle, Pam, and Johnny during our junior high and teen years as we attended the same church in Cleveland, and consequently we were in the same youth groups for socials and get-togethers. I think Karen captured her father very well in her book. He was highly intelligent and well skilled with his hands as he built his projects in his wood shop. I didn't realize he was so fond of cats, though. It wasn't until I read the book that I remembered that trip out to Beulah Beach when Harry refused to stay because he couldn't find a parking spot! I remembered how embarrassed Karen and her mother were because Harry refused to park on any cottage lawn (Although many other cars did just that!).

This book also really touched my heart as I read of Karen's account of her dad's life decline and refusal to yield to assisted living, or to have Karen help him more. The fall that broke Harry's hip had me wincing as it must have been so painful, and yet he refused to allow his son-in-law to call for help. My own mother is now living in a nursing home with Alzheimer's Disease, and my father who is in his early 80's is a lot like Harry--doesn't want to have any extra help and insists on doing things his way. It helps to read of others who are experiencing similar situations to yours.

I would recommend this book for everyone to see that growing old doesn't have to be the end of one's usefulness or creativity. Harry Arlettaz certainly proved that with all of his inventiveness. He was a loving father and husband, and he loved his God right to the end of his life. I have no doubt that Harry was glad to die in his own home, since that is where he chose to stay. It's also a tribute to Karen as the loving, dedicated daughter she is. She had a huge task to dispose of her father's collection of stuff and sell his house after his death, and she did it with the same dedication and inventiveness (learning how to sell on E-Bay) that no doubt she inherited from her father.

My hope is that writing this book has given Karen some comfort as well as enjoyment as she assembled all of the good--and funny--memories of life with her beloved Dad. Thank you, Karen!--Toni Merleno

I had flashbacks of my grandfather when reading Karen's book about her father. Those idiosyncrasies that characterize a man raised in the early 1900s reminded me of the fun times I had with my grandfather. He was such a quiet person. One never knew what he was thinking. I decided after reading My Funny Dad, Harry that I am not supposed to understand all the crazy things he did; I only need to accept them as part of who he was. I envision Harry and my grandfather somewhere in the afterlife having a conversation about the good old days.

Busy with his hands, ever creating something from whatever material was available, seems to be Harry's way of passing time. Whether in the woodworking shop, or trying his hand at being a locksmith, Harry always managed to provide a descent living for his family. His family included foster children that were raised alongside his own children. He was so unconcerned about what others thought of him, he didn't even wear a tuxedo to his own daughter's wedding. Well, that's just the way Harry was.

Harry was always busy, so it was no surprise that he had to have his hands into the derby race when his daughter participated in AWANAs. And, the man loved cats. This was way before anyone thought of having pets spayed or neutered so there were always plenty of furry critters hanging around the house or maybe I should say the kitty condo he made for them. Did I say the man loved cats?

The book has humor aplenty, but there is also a sad side of the story when Karen's mom, Harry's wife, Lenore became sick. But, this was just another chance for Harry to come to the rescue and show his love for his family. He would not allow his beloved wife to be admitted to a nursing home. He personally took on the daily care for her and did not once leave her alone. He made sure someone was with her if he had matters outside the home to tend to. After a stay in the hospital Lenore finally passed on. A few months later, Harry, never admitting his loneliness, fell and broke his hip. After three weeks in the hospital he made an amazing recovery. You have to wonder if perhaps it was his concern for all those cats living alone at his house that sprang him to life again. During his recovery, he came up with a new way to do the things he used to do including weeding with a mechanism he created that didn't force him to bend over. Such an inventor, that Harry!

Harry had a system of organization that would not be matched even by those popular design shows you see on TV where a "professional" organizer comes in and puts an end to clutter. Harry saved everything and everything had a place. He even "dated' his food. I bet you never heard of a man doing that! When remembering birthdays, he even put the person's year of birth on the calendar. Probably just wanted to see how old they were.

At age 88 after living a full and loving life, Harry joined his wife in heaven. Karen was the one who found him lying between the toilet and the tub in his bathroom. She made sure he was buried in his brand new underwear she found neatly arranged in his dresser drawer. The package still unopened. I felt for her. I wanted to cry, but I knew that Karen was a strong person. Not that she wouldn't grieve for her dear dad, but that she had a handle on life and a faith that would keep her chin up through the sale of her dad's house.

I liked the photos Karen included in her book. I've met all the kitties and in case I need more information about any one of them, I could resort to Appendix B in the back of the book. . I cracked up when I saw the picture of Harry's oven. He was not much of a cook, but having good organizing skills, he made good use of the space as extra storage for small appliances!

Now, you might imagine that a book about someone else's dad might be boring, but the thing I liked best about the book was that it made me remember the good times I had with my own quirky male relatives. Zemek used a chronological method to arrange her material. That was certainly a sensible approach. After all it was a biography about her father's life.

If you want to laugh and cry, this is the book for you. While it is light-hearted, there is a great deal of stronger emotions present as Karen pays tribute to her father. She says it helped her process her own grief. I can see why it would have that benefit for her.

My Funny Dad, Harry was a fun easy read. It reminds you of your parents and grandparents and the "funny" things that they do. We don't see the logic behind their behavior (but they always have a reason, that makes sense to them). This story reminded me of the movie It's a Wonderful Life. I believe the author, in reminiscing of her Dad, has shown how one life touches so many other lives, (and in Harry's case, not only people!) What a beautiful write to memorialize Harry and a balm for healing the loss of Dad. Enjoyable for all who have dealt, or are dealing with an aging parent or grandparent, and to caregivers and cat lovers everywhere! It is a wonderful life, thanks for sharing Harry!

Karen Arlettaz Zemek has written a tribute to her father Harry Arlettaz in her book "My Funny Dad, Harry." The book is filled with short funny stories about life with Harry, his family, and his cats. Harry was recognized as a man of integrity, discipline, a wonderful craftsman, and his dedication to serving the Lord by serving others.

Cat lovers will enjoy the tenderness, care, and concern of a generous man willing to sacrifice for a needy animal. Karen gives detailed descriptions and the antics of Harry's cats: Blackie, Bootsie, and Diamond Jim, Razzle "Frazzle Dazzle, Fluff, Puff, Timi, Striper, Softie, and Sweet Thing to name only a few. Harry built a "Kitty Motel" for the stray cats in the neighborhood. He included windows and a swinging door for the cat's convenience.

As Harry grew older he maintained a spirit of independence. Even as he recognized his limitations he never complained but downplayed his own physical inabilities rather than allowing himself to impose on others.

Karen has captured the reality of the physical impairments of growing old. She has communicated a sense of the humorous even in the hard situations.

I appreciated Karen's dedication to her father and her devotion and sacrifice in caring for him. Throughout the telling of Harry's story Karen was never "preachy" but wove a tapestry ribbon of God's love and grace throughout the narrative. In an appendix she has included a clear cut invitation to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as savior.

I smiled as I read of Harry's years of accumulation of tools, magazines, and every conceivable collectible. I was challenged to take a look at the clutter in my life, the unfinished projects, sentimental "stuff", and begin sorting out my own priorities.

"My Funny Dad, Harry" is a delightful memoir of a tender hearted man dedicated to serving others. Well written, humorous, and heartwarming.

Karen Arlettaz Zemek expresses her lifetime remembrances of her father "Harry" through this charming little journal. Harry was a unique character, loving father, cat lover, and an excessive "pack rat" (like many of us). Through her book, Karen shows us all how journaling and a strong faith in God can help us work through our grief after the death of a loved one.

Carol Denbow, 3-time author and editor A Book Inside [...]
Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss?

I thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey with Karen and her Dad. It brought back fond memories of times that I shared with my Dad as I nursed him through his Alzheimer's until his homegoing. From one daddy's girl to another, Karen, great job!

Author Karen has found a great way to share her memories of her childhood and in particular her dad. Good reading for all those struggling with caring for a parent or who has lost a parent.

Knowing the author and family, I enjoyed reading the book. I thought it was a great tribute to her father and he would be really proud of her. I laughed at some of the parts because I could picture Mr. Arlettaz doing these things. There was some stuff I didn't know and it was interesting to be able to know some of the stuff shared. I would reccomend this book for someone who likes to read short books. Karen I am proud of all your accomplishments and the impact you have had on my life.

There are too few books about ordinary people who make a difference. Harry made a major difference in few lives. More people need to use their limited resources to make life so interesting. His daughter, the author, tells a lot about how she was shaped into the caring person she is. The book is easy reading

A must read for anyone with an aging parent. Chuckle at all the little things he did and compare him to your loved ones.