Julie's Gift: Memories of London
About the Book
As a surprise gift to Julie, his wife of 15 years, Kevin (a self-described "Everyman") writes a book about their trip from Rockville, Maryland to London, England. To Kevin, a business owner by profession, writing a book is no easy task, given that he is not a writer but could possibly be considered a renowed expert on the remote control, football, beef, and the doctrine of couch potatoism. On the other hand, Julie, a professional editor, is the culutred sophisticate, avid reader, art enthusiast and gourmet cook. Not surprisingly, their individual missions for the trip are diametrically opposed. Julie wants the full toursit experience including tea time, whereas Kevin seeks mere survival, envisioning that his only chance for contentment (as an unselfish, loving husband) will be the sight of a smile on Julie's face as she becomes one with London and he tries desperately to forget he is missing the NFL Draft festivities back home. We follow the couple's adventures as they take a whirlwind tour of the most exciting and interesting attractions of London like Westminister Abbey, Harrods, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.
As they methodically check off the sites on Julie's "Monster To See List," somewhere in between Trafalgar Square and Convent Garden, it hits Kevin: he is actually having the time of his life! The only problem is that his macho attitude and inability to express his feelings do not allow him to share with Julie his appreciation of the experience while in the moment.
It is not until Kevin returns home and undergoes some serious soul searching that he realizes that his journey to London was equally a journey of self-discovery about the dynamics of his relationship with Julie, and how their already strong marriage could be made stronger still with more open and honest communication. As this gem of truth converges with his contemplation of what Julie's next Valentine's Day gift should be, he gets a bright idea. He will write a book about their trip to London! then with the dream of seeing Julie's reaction when he presents the gift propelling him, he sets out to do the unimaginable; he replaces the TV with a computer and reveals his story one peck of the keyboard at a time. That decision to memorialize his awakening in the form of a travelogue, with tones both humorous and serious becomes a giant leap toward the new and Oprah-approved Kevin. in the end, Julie will receive a gift that will serve as a testament to Kevin's love for her for years to come, and Kevin receives the joy that only comes from giving oneself authentically and unabashedly in the name of love. Continue reading a free excerpt of the book
As they methodically check off the sites on Julie's "Monster To See List," somewhere in between Trafalgar Square and Convent Garden, it hits Kevin: he is actually having the time of his life! The only problem is that his macho attitude and inability to express his feelings do not allow him to share with Julie his appreciation of the experience while in the moment.
It is not until Kevin returns home and undergoes some serious soul searching that he realizes that his journey to London was equally a journey of self-discovery about the dynamics of his relationship with Julie, and how their already strong marriage could be made stronger still with more open and honest communication. As this gem of truth converges with his contemplation of what Julie's next Valentine's Day gift should be, he gets a bright idea. He will write a book about their trip to London! then with the dream of seeing Julie's reaction when he presents the gift propelling him, he sets out to do the unimaginable; he replaces the TV with a computer and reveals his story one peck of the keyboard at a time. That decision to memorialize his awakening in the form of a travelogue, with tones both humorous and serious becomes a giant leap toward the new and Oprah-approved Kevin. in the end, Julie will receive a gift that will serve as a testament to Kevin's love for her for years to come, and Kevin receives the joy that only comes from giving oneself authentically and unabashedly in the name of love. Continue reading a free excerpt of the book
"An engaging, light-hearted story about one man's love and admiration for his wife and children...thoroughly funny, yet inspiring account of their travels and the lessons learned about the true importance of gratitude in our relationships. A fantastic read."
-Melissa Maddox Barnes, Lawyer and Writer
