Why is he amazing, you ask? Well, besides his obvious good looks, charm, and being one of the most thoughtful, caring, loving human beings I know, he's also written some books. Some really good books.
My dad, Spike, started off first as a school teacher, then switched to carpentry and finally worked his way up the ranks at The Family Handyman magazine to become Executive Editor. Then, he took the bravest step of all...he quit his financially secure dream job to pursue a writing career. For so many people this could have been a dead end. Not for Spike. He is the hardest working, most persistent man I know. And now, just a handful of years later he has not one, not two, but three books in publication.
If you have a woodworker, aspiring woodworker, or wood enthusiast in your life, then these books are the perfect gift for them. Actually, even if you don't know any of these kinds of people, I am pretty sure you'll get a kick out of these books. And I'm not just saying that because he's my dad either. Check them out and you'll see why...
He wrote this book:
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| Photo from Amazon.com |
A Splintered History of Wood was voted one of NPR's ten best books of 2008 as chosen by small book shop owners. It is the fascinating story of wood throughout history and examines how wood has changed the course of our daily lives throughout the ages. He takes a subject that could be dry and dull and turns it into something truly enchanting and fun to read. I mean seriously, did you know that there is such thing as belt sander races?? And that there are some truly talented blind woodworkers out there? That's some pretty cool stuff there.
He also wrote this book:
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| Photo from Amazon.com |
And because these two books were both so wildly successful, he was asked to write another book. This book just became available for purchase on Monday:
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| Photo from Amazon.com |
He's also started a blog which is cleverly titled Spike Carlsen, which you can find here.
I am so proud of you Daddio!! You are an inspiration. Congrats on book #3, and I can't wait to see what your next 3 (6? 9?) books have in store.
Congrats Dad!!! I like your hat!
ReplyDeleteMaggie! What a wonderful tribute to your dad!! And worlds collide again--I swear that every single one of these books has my husband's name written all over it! He has started woodworking in the last year or so, and is now trying his hand at some furniture pieces for our son's new apartment. Not to mention the fact that he has always been a history buff and is the perfect audience for your dad's first book! Kudos to him for such wonderful accomplishments and to you for being such a loving daughter!!
ReplyDeleteHow cool! So much fun to be able to do what you love to do! Lovely tribute, Maggie!!
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty neat! My dad as well as my brother do a lot of woodworking and I am sure one of your dads books would make a great gift. I will keep this in mind, thanks for sharing a little bit about your dad!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea your Dad was such a hot shot! Haha :) I'd be impressed if he had one published book, but 3 is incredible. Tell him I said congrats. I really admire people like him who go after what they want and get it.
ReplyDeleteWow that's so cool! My dad wrote a book awhile back too, but I don't think it was nearly as popular as your dad's!
ReplyDelete(http://www.amazon.com/Random-Thoughts-Revisited-Ronald-Vasicek/dp/142592901X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333987187&sr=8-1)
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW WOW! SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, your dad sounds totally cool--and I love that photo of him. Congratulations to him for all his achievements!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your dad! Three books--that's amazing. Writing a book is secretly on my life bucket list (secretly, because I'm not sure whether I'd ever be able to fulfill that item).
ReplyDeleteI love this post! You have got an amazing dad! And you obviously know it, to be sharing his accomplishments with us. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that's impressive! I def want to read the 2nd book!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! So glad that you're so proud of him! My dad loves to whittle and tinker, so I'll have to forward these along to him.
ReplyDeleteDoes your dad have any advice for aspiring novelists? ;)
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. See it here: http://treatstrinkets.blogspot.com/2012/04/chocolate-whoopie-pies-and-surprise.html
I may not be a woodworker but that simple furniture book looks interesting! I may get nagged if i start up any other hobbies...
ReplyDeleteYes! Congrats to your Dad! That is so awesome to have written not only one but several books!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your father. I admire those who can work with wood. I can bake the pants off a cake, but I can barely hammer in a nail.
ReplyDeleteMay he have continued success in whatever endeavors he embarks on :)
Have a great weekend to you and your family!
a beautiful tribute to your talented Father. Love the photo too! Hugs
ReplyDeleteHe sounds amazing. I lost mine last December, and I miss him every day.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law is actually a terrific wood worker and I think he would LOVE these books!! A father's day gift perhaps??? When he retires he wants to spend his days making stuff and I will gladly take him up on whatever he wants to make us! Congrats to your dad!!
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