Review of Who is that Guy?
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Jaituni Sanghavi
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Review of Who is that Guy?
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Who is that Guy?" by Guy Kemp.]
Being adopted is difficult. It's a quest filled with unique challenges and emotions that can be tough to handle. Guy Kemp, in his memoir "Who is that Guy?" captures this wonderfully through his true and honest reflections on his own life.
The book starts interestingly, wherein Kemp compares himself to Moses and Marilyn Monroe, showing how they all share the experience of being adopted. This sets up a memoir that is about understanding himself as well as the key events in his life.
He then recounts his early years, starting with his adoption at the age of four. His vivid descriptions of adjusting to a new family and struggling with his new identity are particularly emotional. For instance, one striking scene describes Kemp's confusion and anxiety as he transitions from being called Wayne to Guy. I mean, one can just imagine how he must have felt in that moment when he realized his name was no longer Wayne but Guy. I believe this moment encapsulates the bewildering experience of a child trying to find stability and familiarity in a new environment. It touched my heart.
Kemp then talks about his passion for speed skating. He describes the thrill of skating at ‘South Park’ in ‘Park Ridge,’ Illinois, and the joy of winning races and seeing his name in the ‘Chicago Tribune.’ These moments aren't just fond memories; they are filled with the excitement of youth and the impact of his father, who got him into the sport. This part of the book isn't only about skating but also highlights the father-son bond and how a parent's support can shape a child's passions and sense of self. I found this part quite interesting.
Kemp also shares his attachment to a stuffed black dog named Mikey, who was his main source of comfort during his difficult early years. Mikey was a gift he’d received from a foster parent and was his only constant. Some other stories from his childhood show his adventurous spirit and toughness, like when he hurt himself on a tricycle and a kind lady helped him. As a teenager, a mix-up during a vandalism incident shows not only the misunderstandings and unfairness he faced but also his ability to handle these challenges with dignity.
Kemp's story extends into his adult years, where he balances career ambitions with family life. His reflections on fatherhood and the challenges of being away from home due to work commitments are heartfelt. He expresses deep appreciation for his wife, Jeanne, who managed the household and children during his absences. His memoir also includes his reflections on his later years, including his love for boating and the friendships he forged along the way, like those with Dick and Carla.
One thing I truly adored about Kemp's journey is how brilliantly he accepted it all. There were times when things got tough, but he came out of it stronger, and that made me really happy and respectful towards him. One such important event in his life was his fight with cancer. He showed great strength and highlighted how much support from friends and family mattered. Kemp talked openly about the fears and uncertainties of having cancer but also stressed the strength he gained from his relationships and his determination to confront challenges directly. I found this truly inspiring.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The main reason is that throughout the book, Kemp's voice is warm, genuine, and often humorous. Moreover, his ability to find light in dark times and to reflect on his past with both clarity and compassion made this book an engaging read for me. He invites readers not just to witness his life story but to think about their own experiences and connections, making the memoir a shared journey. I took away a star from the rating due to the presence of some grammatical errors. Maybe just one more round of editing could help in this area. Apart from that, there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this memoir.
To conclude, “Who is that Guy?” is a deeply stirring memoir that is honest and warm. It is combined with his introspective insights, making this book a valuable read for anyone interested in reading touching stories. All in all, this memoir is a reminder of the importance of understanding, compassion, and the enduring quest to find one's place in the world.
******
Who is that Guy?
View: on Bookshelves
Being adopted is difficult. It's a quest filled with unique challenges and emotions that can be tough to handle. Guy Kemp, in his memoir "Who is that Guy?" captures this wonderfully through his true and honest reflections on his own life.
The book starts interestingly, wherein Kemp compares himself to Moses and Marilyn Monroe, showing how they all share the experience of being adopted. This sets up a memoir that is about understanding himself as well as the key events in his life.
He then recounts his early years, starting with his adoption at the age of four. His vivid descriptions of adjusting to a new family and struggling with his new identity are particularly emotional. For instance, one striking scene describes Kemp's confusion and anxiety as he transitions from being called Wayne to Guy. I mean, one can just imagine how he must have felt in that moment when he realized his name was no longer Wayne but Guy. I believe this moment encapsulates the bewildering experience of a child trying to find stability and familiarity in a new environment. It touched my heart.
Kemp then talks about his passion for speed skating. He describes the thrill of skating at ‘South Park’ in ‘Park Ridge,’ Illinois, and the joy of winning races and seeing his name in the ‘Chicago Tribune.’ These moments aren't just fond memories; they are filled with the excitement of youth and the impact of his father, who got him into the sport. This part of the book isn't only about skating but also highlights the father-son bond and how a parent's support can shape a child's passions and sense of self. I found this part quite interesting.
Kemp also shares his attachment to a stuffed black dog named Mikey, who was his main source of comfort during his difficult early years. Mikey was a gift he’d received from a foster parent and was his only constant. Some other stories from his childhood show his adventurous spirit and toughness, like when he hurt himself on a tricycle and a kind lady helped him. As a teenager, a mix-up during a vandalism incident shows not only the misunderstandings and unfairness he faced but also his ability to handle these challenges with dignity.
Kemp's story extends into his adult years, where he balances career ambitions with family life. His reflections on fatherhood and the challenges of being away from home due to work commitments are heartfelt. He expresses deep appreciation for his wife, Jeanne, who managed the household and children during his absences. His memoir also includes his reflections on his later years, including his love for boating and the friendships he forged along the way, like those with Dick and Carla.
One thing I truly adored about Kemp's journey is how brilliantly he accepted it all. There were times when things got tough, but he came out of it stronger, and that made me really happy and respectful towards him. One such important event in his life was his fight with cancer. He showed great strength and highlighted how much support from friends and family mattered. Kemp talked openly about the fears and uncertainties of having cancer but also stressed the strength he gained from his relationships and his determination to confront challenges directly. I found this truly inspiring.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The main reason is that throughout the book, Kemp's voice is warm, genuine, and often humorous. Moreover, his ability to find light in dark times and to reflect on his past with both clarity and compassion made this book an engaging read for me. He invites readers not just to witness his life story but to think about their own experiences and connections, making the memoir a shared journey. I took away a star from the rating due to the presence of some grammatical errors. Maybe just one more round of editing could help in this area. Apart from that, there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this memoir.
To conclude, “Who is that Guy?” is a deeply stirring memoir that is honest and warm. It is combined with his introspective insights, making this book a valuable read for anyone interested in reading touching stories. All in all, this memoir is a reminder of the importance of understanding, compassion, and the enduring quest to find one's place in the world.
******
Who is that Guy?
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Web of deceit by C J Carroll
