"I just finished reading your book. It touched my heart because my dad is a farmer and I am very proud of him. He is a hard-working, humble man. Born July 6, 1920, he became an orphan at age two, and was unable to go to school, but taught himself to read Spanish and English and to speak both languages as well. He and Mom raised twelve children by working in the fields. I am the oldest child cannot remember my daddy ever complaining about having to work hard. About 19 years ago, Daddy came down with leukemia. The Lord has been merciful with us and he is now in good health, but even when he was ill he didn't ask the Lord, "Why me?" Your book helped me realize how blessed I am to have my dad for my father. Thank you, and may the Lord keep blessing you as you write more books." — Lupe Vitela
 

"Dad Was A Carpenter will only take an hour or two to read, but the subtle life lessons shared within will remain with the reader for a lifetime."  — Cindy Penn, The Midwest Book Review
 

"The tender heart of Kenny Kemp as it opens in appreciative discovery of his father’s gifts is a lovely contribution to all of us."  — Carol Lynn Pearson, author of Goodbye, I Love You
 

"Moving and intimate . . . a powerful case for the true importance of life’s small moments and passing details." — Michael Medved, co-author of Saving Childhood and nationally syndicated radio host
 

"Kemp’s father built an uncommon life from bits and pieces, shaped and reshaped, and here the son shows how he learned from his father to do the same—in writing so good it helps us build our own lives well." 
— Eugene England, author of Making Peace
 

"Reading this book is akin to finding a childhood treasure years after it had been lost and forgotten—it brings an unexpected joy."  — Kirk Strickland, PBS-TV producer
 

"Kemp’s soft voice and gentle tone, coupled with crisp, smart cover and interior design make this book a winner on many different levels."  — Writer’s Digest, 1999 National Self-Published Book Awards
 

"It’s the story of life’s small moments—the things that make life real . . . a story to stir your own memories of loved ones who have gone on ahead . . . it will bring you an unexpected lift."  — Ponca City News
 

"Kemp’s memoir is a brief but beautiful love letter to his deceased pops. Writing in a frankly inspirational style, Kemp focuses on what his father taught him about life’s big lessons. Kemp’s idealized account will work well where inspirational titles for men are needed."  — Douglas C. Lord, Library Journal, June 2001
 

"I came upon your book, Dad Was a Carpenter, and have read through it the past few days with amazement in the similarities between your dad and mine. Daddy was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WW1. He had a full-time job with an oil company, but spent much time on his hobbies of repairing and building all sorts of items made of wood and metal. He was a carpenter with the eye of an artist. He taught me much of his artistry with raw materials and lessons in life. Many of my most vivid memories of childhood is my holding one end of a long piece of lumber as Daddy guided it through his table saw, building a table, bookcase, or my 7-piece bedroom set. One piece of plywood became the table which held his intricately designed model train set, suspended from the garage/workshop ceiling by ropes and pulleys. When I was 8, he had me sit on the garage floor and he drew around me the design of my first go-cart powered by a Briggs & Stratton motor, with clutch, accelerator, brake, and trailer holding a "back seat." It was the envy and interest of all the neighborhood. He stored long sections of lumber on the overhead rafters of the garage, other materials in the drawers of his hand-made workbench and on the shelves lining the garage walls, never discarding even the smallest of bits which could be used in a project. I took many trips with him to the hardware store and to this day enjoy roaming the aisles, looking at the wondrous tools displayed there. One of my most treasured possessions is Daddy's marble bag and the crystal marbles it held. He played with them over 80 years ago, and today I get great pleasure in handling them and remembering the stories he told as he tried to teach me the intricacies of playing a winning game with his brothers. Daddy died in 1990. Going through his workshop was the most grueling, fascinating, rewarding experience of my life. One of the treasures I found is carried with me everywhere: a folding ruler, just like the one on your book cover. Thanks, Kenny, for your wonderful book. It reminded me of my love for the smell of sawdust!" — Jane-Ann Barker
 

"I wanted to write and let you know that I enjoyed reading your book, Dad Was a Carpenter. It has wonderful messages and stories that aid their meanings. It is nice for someone my age (28) to have the advantage of these perceptions long before the loss of a parent. My Dad recently battled cancer and your work sheds light on some of the issues I have wondered about. Thanks."  — Champ Covington