Reviews

I loved how everyone's rough starts had good endings. The helpers' personalities made it all come together.

I loved the whole idea of the characters being related to Biblical people. It was moving and dealt with some sensitive issues. I aspire to be a Macreavy.

I liked the development of the characters, from the “Caught 30” to the people who helped them. Their relationships make the story.

I loved this book! The stories about each person were woven together in a beautiful, fascinating tapestry that gave a vision of Macreavy from different eyes.

I read one chapter a day, savoring each and thinking about them as if I knew them. Every morning, I awoke anticipating the next chapter.

It was an evocative and wonderful read.

A gentle meditation on human nature, maturity, and God. Modern parables well paced and thought provoking. I can’t help thinking I know these people.

It’s not just pie in the sky fiction. Things like this happen.  These are good stories that point to real life experiences. The rehab and redemption allowed to these people can happen and does. I enjoyed this book. Pick it up for yourself and read it.

I bought this book because I knew the author and had photographed him working in a cabinet shop and later in the studio, where he made guitars and violins.  I was curious to find out what kind of book a skilled craftsman would write.  But as soon as I started reading, I forgot about the author and was engrossed in the story.  It's an interesting read and one that can lead you to reexamine parts of your own life.  I will be recommending this book to my friends.

Let me tell you, I couldn’t put the book down. The stories of the “Caught 30” are unique but so common when we understand how God’s grace and mercy work. His Angels are all around us! Your religious references to the power of God and the Holy Spirit confirm truth.

I sometimes look for a favorite story or incident that reminds me of my own experiences when I read. I don’t have a favorite from your book because every chapter reminder me of something in my experiences or in the lives of people around me,

As an English major, you did the language well. Your book should inspire anyone who is trying to find purpose in their life.

Faith, scripture, and church inserted into raw human emotion. Written in language that draws you page to page, searching for the truths of scripture within people’s lives in our day.

I am not certain that I am able to find the words to thank you adequately for the dedication of your book. I’ve been using it as an Advent Devotion and am finding the stories to be quite conducive to spiritual reflection.

I do, indeed, remember those discussions we had in my living room and on the porch of your mother’s home. You were the companion I needed at that time. (A Godsend, perhaps.)

Many thanks for your ever-continuing friendship through all these years. My life is incredibly richer for having known you.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Blessed Memorial".  It's not often that a book touches one's soul -- but this one did.  The characters were portrayed in such a fashion that made the reader feel "connected to them".  One really grew to care for each one and became interested in why they did what they did and what eventually happened to them.  Also, the Biblical passages lent a structure to the book that made its message apparent without being "preachy".  I recommend "Blessed Memorial" to anyone looking for an engaging read with an underlying message that is both challenging and uplifting.

5 out of 5 stars

 A beautiful tribute to the balance of life

Blessed Memorial is a nice book. It is easy to read, understand, and absorb the spiritual underpinnings that support our secular lives. The stories are couched in Parables but not blasted at the reader. The common thread is that a relatively small amount of help and a lot of hard work brought extraordinary dividends to both the individuals captured in their stories and the communities that embraced them. I highly recommend it."connected to them".  One really grew to care for each one and became interested in why they did what they did and what eventually happened to them.  Also, the Biblical passages lent a structure to the book that made its message apparent without being "preachy".  I recommend "Blessed Memorial" to anyone looking for an engaging read with an underlying message that is both challenging and uplifting.

Blessed Memorial is an excellent, inspirational read that seems nonfiction. I did not want to stop once I started. The author captivated my mind and spirit. I looked forward to the parable connections at the end of the chapters.

To know that Officer Macreavy was so important to so many lives, affirms how important the life of one person can be. One person can make a difference.

Delightful! As an active preacher, I know the importance of drawing in a listener from the beginning. Paul Martin has this ability as a writer.  He draws you in, introduces you to a character and invites you to join them on their journey.  

I’m enjoying a great read on the beach.  I am not a big book reader, but when I find a good one, I can’t put it down. And that’s this book. I love this book! I think you would really like it.

This is a gem of a book! We never know how we touch each other’s lives, and they don’t know how they touch ours.

Bible stories with a whiff of irreverence.

Engaging, well written, creative. Blessed Memorial is an enjoyable Read. Hollywood may be seeking the screenplay rights. It would make a great movie.

This is a superb grouping of mini-bios with deep research, clear writing and objective thinking. Blessed Memorial cuts through the complicated attitudes of young people and celebrates the long, hard road they travel to their eventual consummation as mature adults. I simply couldn’t put it down once I started reading. I was mentally consumed by the subjects. I would like to have met Foraker Macreavy and Dr. Nel Bel. They seemed like such wonderful people

A thought-provoking and deeply introspective novel that challenges readers to reconsider their views on faith, regret, and the human experience. Martin's writing style is both engaging and insightful, drawing readers in with its unique premise and rich storytelling.

One of the most compelling aspects of Martin's writing is his ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. Through the character of Thomas Strongtree, a retired woodworker on a quest to meet former youthful offenders, Martin explores complex themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the impact of our choices on our lives and the lives of others. The parallels drawn between the characters' stories and the parables of the Bible add depth and resonance to the narrative, making it both compelling and thought-provoking.

Additionally, Martin's character development is exceptional, with each character being fleshed out and multi-dimensional. From Strongtree's journey of self-discovery to the diverse cast of characters he encounters along the way, each individual feels real and relatable, adding to the authenticity of the story.

Overall, "Blessed Memorial: Imaginings from Lectio Divina" is a captivating novel that deserves to be acknowledged in the literary world. Martin's skillful storytelling and thought-provoking themes make this book a compelling read that will stay with readers long after they have finished it. This is a novel that challenges readers to reconsider their views on faith, forgiveness, and the human condition, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Paul Martin's writing in "Blessed Memorial" showcases a rare blend of creativity, depth, and insight. His ability to weave together intricate narratives with profound spiritual themes is nothing short of remarkable.

One of Martin's greatest strengths as a writer is his ability to create vivid and memorable characters. From the protagonist, Thomas Strongtree, to the diverse cast of individuals he encounters, each character is uniquely crafted and feels incredibly real. Martin's attention to detail in developing these characters makes them relatable and engaging, drawing readers into their stories and making them care deeply about their journeys.

Additionally, Martin's storytelling skills are exceptional. He has a knack for creating compelling narratives that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. His use of imagery and symbolism adds depth to the story, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meaning behind the events unfolding on the page.

Furthermore, Martin's prose is beautifully crafted, with a lyrical quality that enhances the overall reading experience. His descriptive language paints vivid pictures, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world he has created.

Overall, Paul Martin's writing in "Blessed Memorial" is nothing short of masterful. His ability to craft compelling characters, weave intricate narratives, and explore profound themes with depth and insight makes this book a true literary gem. Martin is undoubtedly a talented writer deserving of recognition in the literary world. 

When I first picked up the book “Blessed Memorial,” the subtitle. “Imaginings from Lectio Divina” made me think it might be too “religious.” As a college professor, I read primarily textbooks, journals and reference books. My retirement reading is for pleasure. I want to be entertained.

The back cover description is what snagged me; the idea of someone buying years-old fingerprint and mug shot cards of teenagers who might still be living now intrigued me. I couldn’t imagine why such cards were available. Aren’t juvenile records sealed? Was that even legal?

The protagonist, Thomas Strongtree, not only buys the cards, but also, in going through them he gets the idea to contact the now at least middle-aged people to see how they turned out.

I really enjoyed this book. I learned in teaching that many, if not most of us, don’t get to adulthood without experiencing some scrapes and scars. Some more serious than others. What we do with that experience often dictates our future. But I thought “Would anyone want to be contacted by a complete stranger about their youthful scrapes with the law?”

The author, Paul Martin, knows how to tell a story. My initial concerns about religiosity and practicality were quickly overcome. Martin succeeds in impressing the reader with Strongtree’s solutions to proceed with his project legally, and sensitively. He developed the story in a way that was both believable, and inspirational. Great read!

When I reached the end of the book, I thought “This would make a good movie!”

This book is a creative retelling of well-known parables, written in a way to make them relatable to our everyday lives. The characters and their stories are identifiable. The book got me thinking about empathy and how, each day, we make any number of assumptions about the people we encounter. The character who weaves together all of the individual stories provides an example of how starting from a place of respect, an understanding of mistakes, and a willingness to believe in one another can bring about positive change.

I’ve read this book several times now, and I keep coming back. It’s not that it’s difficult to read - quite the opposite - but each time I return, I find new layers of complexity waiting to be unraveled. Blessed Memorial is deeply reflective and explores spirituality with an inquisitive and unassuming nature.

The prose is elegant and poetic, but still walks with its hands in its pockets. If you appreciated The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, this book offers offers a more lived-in kind of wisdom.

The structure is a collection of short stories or vignettes of flawed, and mostly ordinary people, all trying to find their way with whatever light they’ve got left. There’s something deeply relatable in that. I suspect I’ll keep revisiting this one for a long time.