Charlie Close

If you need to laugh then curl up in a warm fuzzy blanket, add this book, and enjoy. Now you have all the ingredients to have a conversation with a funny friend (minus the friend in person- of course). Burning Embers and Other Stories of Marriage, Work and Family delivered as promised. Charlie Close relates tales of life in a voice that reminded me of stories often told at dinner parties full of friends who love to make people laugh. Close's stories were easy to relate to and will appeal to show more most adults with similar life experiences: moving cross-country, integrating with in-laws, job oddities, and so much more. As a fellow procrastinator and reformed slob I laughed along with Close's words as his wife patiently trained him to her liking much as my own husband has been doing with me in our first years of marriage. Close uses humor with a soft handed touch that made me smile, laugh, and feel good just like the conclusion of an evening among friends. I recommend you read this book in bits as the stories are too precious to be rushed through. The chapters are various lengths lending themselves to a quick read before ending a day. Now enjoy reading and make sure to share with friends who will appreciate the book as well- there is something about the book that screams "share me!" show less

I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book. Light-hearted, warm, and familiar - it was like reading bits and pieces of letters from a dear friend. My favorite story was "Unlimited" in which Mr. Close describes his athletic career in humorous detail. Much of the stories were in a self-deprecating manner and dealt with his work and marriage, very funny and true to life. I wish Mr. Close luck in his literary endeavors. And, if he ever has to relocate, a professional moving company.

Charlie Close is a master of the metaphor (and analogies too). This book of short stories about the life of Charlie, his wife Kathy, and their friends and family, is a hidden gem. He speaks about life in an enlightened way…knowing you can’t take it too seriously. Close is seriously gifted with description, creating life stories that are very detailed. Some of the stories were extremely comical and I definitely had a few laugh out loud moments. There are a lot of notable observations that show more I was very impressed with because they made me think about things (such as packing) in a new way. I do agree that sometimes Kathy was portrayed as the “bad guy”, but I don’t think she was meant to be that way, and I’m sure she’s lovely! I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it. show less

This book is enjoyable and entertaining. Charlie's take of life's events and being married makes me downright laugh.

I do think Charlie would do well as a newspaper columnist. I would enjoy reading a weekly blurb from him.

It's nice to get REAL glimpses into people's lives. Thank you Charlie!