The Gravel Drive

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and Insightful
Review: As a new Mom, reading The Gravel Drive was such an eye-opening experience. It seemed like the author was reading my mind, or moreso my heart, through his diary entries. All the struggles and thoughts and simple joys of being a parent. I loved that I could read through this book and feel like I was inside the father's heart. The quick storyline kept me turning the pages, and for those of you who fear a sad ending, I can assure you that you will not be disaapointed. This book will make you think...and cherish every moment with your kids. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read Gifted and Shade of the Maple now as well, although I've heard they are very different from this novel.

Rating:
Summary: A special person who writes special books
Review: Having read all of Kirk Martin's books (now numbering 3), I can tell you that each of Kirk Martin's books offers a different view into the human soul. I recently hosted a book-signing party for Kirk Martin and I can tell you from personal experience that he is as interesting a person as his books are to read. "Shade of the Maple" is a fresh look at an old subject...romance. "The Gravel Drive" is a look into a father's soul and "Gifted" is a look at how people who are "different" are not always bad. Gifted, his newest offering (available only on his website in limited edition) is just another example of his multi-faceted talent. Kirk's writing has grown with each book. I hope you will take the time to read some or all of Kirk Martin's literary offerings. I am a devoted fan and I hope you will be too!

Rating:
Summary: A True Story?
Review: How can a man dig down so deep and bare his soul so completely? I read at kirkmartinbooks.com that Kirk Martin began writing this story as a fictional account, but that in time it became the true story of his own transformation as a father. It's like you can feel what's going on inside his heart. After reading his first novel, Shade of the Maple, I knew he had a special gift. Take your time when you read The Gravel Drive, and you will experience something very unique. Can't wait to read Gifted.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Great Charity!
Review: I found out about The Gravel Drive through the Make-A-Wish Foundation because the author is donating $1.00 from every book to help sick children. (I also found out he gives $1.00 from his first book to breast cancer research - I just ordered that one!). While I really want the author to sell a lot of books so he can raise a lot of money for Make-A-Wish, I think the true value of The Gravel Drive is how it can change your relationships. It just totally makes you think about your kids and even your spouse in a new way. I am grateful to Kirk Martin for being a giving person, but even more grateful that he had the courage to dig down deep and share his innermost struggles and feelings as a father. It is worth it because there are many people who will be changed because of it.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and Insightful
Review: I really respect the author for donating $2.00 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It's refreshing to see someone giving back and doing something good for others. I have to admit I was afraid to read this book because I have two small children...but I am SOOO glad that I did. It is heartfelt and insightful, and seems rare for a man to be able to share such intimate feelings. I read on the author's site kirkmartinbooks.com that writing this book changed him as a Dad. And I have to say it's changed me as a mother as well. Besides that, it's a fast-paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a climactic ending that I didn't see coming. I wish there were more books like this out there.

Rating:
Summary: Skip this one!!
Review: I'm not a big reader of fiction so when my wife gave me this book for Christmas, I let it sit on the nightstand for a couple weeks underneath my favorite magazines. Last night, I opened it up before bed and thought I'd flip through a few pages to make her happy. Three hours later, I'm glad she was asleep so I could blink back the tears by myself. This book made me think. About my priorities in life, my kids, my wife. I'd have to admit I think it changed my heart and when I woke up this morning I looked at my family a little differently. I'm glad I read this book -it's a quick read, but a meaningful one.

Rating:
Summary: Like Tuesdays With Morrie
Review: The Gravel Drive touched me deeply. I finished it three days ago, and the love of the father toward his son still leaves me amazed. The author captured the most intimate thoughts and feelings that we all have toward our children, and helped me put everything in perspective. I would compare it most to "Tuesdays With Morrie," which was not so much about a man's death but about never taking for granted the relationships we have here. In the end, The Gravel Drive is hopeful and very meaningful. It will make you appreciate your family and see them in a different way. A must read.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: This is a must read whether you are a parent or not.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: This is a wonderful look at the mind of a father. An emotional account of what goes through a fathers mind in these unthinkable instances. I didn't think this was a predictable book what so ever. I was not expecting this story to turn in the end. This story of a father and son will be in my mind for a long time. It makes you want to be a better person, no matter how wonderful you might already be. It makes you want to take that extra time or effort in a relationship...especially with your children. I can not say enough about what I've read from Kirk Martin. I highly recommend his books!