"When you think you know everything about the one you love, you don't. "Julie's Gift: Memories of London" is a husband's devotion to his wife, immortalized to the world. Author Kevin Kirsch tells of a trip to London for his fifteenth anniversary, where he and his wife Julie traveled through the historic city. Having an epiphany, he hopes to reveal his feelings to his wife in a particularly special and quaint way. "Julie's Gift" is something that will warm many a couples' heart."
-Midwest Book Review
"In a straightforward and objective style, Kevin Kirsch needs no metaphors to express his love for wife Julie. Though writing is often evaluated via the use of literary devices and author's craft, Kirsch must be appreciated for the simplicity of message and for writing from the heart. He has set the bar high for expressions of love and he has done it with humor and honesty."
-A.B Goodman
"This really is awfully sweet. After 16 years of marriage, Kevin Kirsch is still deeply in love with Julie his wife, and he wants us all to hear about it. By way of a birthday present he took her on a trip to London and Paris, one week to cover both. By way of an extra present he has given her this little book about the four days that they spent doing London. Kevin disclaims any inclinations as a reader let alone a writer, but his writing is perfectly clear and literate as well as being without pretentiousness. He could hardly be less pretentious in other ways, notably his philistine interest in Harrods and the London Eye while Julie was sighing over the exhibits in the National Gallery and the Queen's Gallery. I take my hat off to Kevin for going public like this and wearing his heart on his sleeve in such an un-British way. Apart from anything else, he has obviously handled his marriage far better than I handled mine. I'll enter into the spirit of it by offering both of them, Kevin as well as Julie, my own little gift of a 5-star rating."
-David Bryson
"Kirsch’s travelogue-cum-soul-search contains ruminations on what he learned from four days in London. The diary-style narrative recounts the first leg of a weeklong European trip Kirsch and his wife Julie take to celebrate their 40th birthdays and 15th wedding anniversary. Like many Americans abroad, the narrator expresses impatience and disappointment with the Old Country. Why is it so stuffy, so inconvenient, so boring, so expensive? Where can a guy get a good steak? He takes the macho tone, albeit in a good-natured way—poking fun, scoffing, opting out whenever art or culture rear their ugly heads. The National Gallery? Yawn. Billy Elliot? “A chick play.” Big Ben? Big deal. While Julie visits the British Museum, the author sits in a café and reads the sports page. Julie comes to Europe with reverence, toting guidebooks, lists and schedules—she studied English lit and this trip is her dream so she wants to see it all. But she must drag around this awkward bundle of muted dissatisfactions, parking him on a bench when necessary. Harrods proves to be a saving grace since the author is particularly ardent about retail—he’s a grocer back home in Chevy Chase, Md. His candor is initially disarming—some of his wisecracks speak to a secret rebellion lurking in Americans against forever worshipping at the altar of European Cultural Superiority. His effort to retain his good humor in the face of the indignities and absurdities of foreign travel fosters sympathy. Further, the book serves well as an apology, a collection of memories and a love letter to his wife"
-Kirkus Discoveries
"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
"A hilarious journey with a big heart. Well-written and a page-turner--we all want to know what's next!" -Samantha Caruth
"As Kevin's fraternity/pledge brother way back in 1987-89, I can surely attest to the fact that we're all surprised by this gift. If it weren't for Sportscenter, I am not sure where Kevin would get any of his "Current Events". But clearly, he has surprised us all - and has now placed the pressure on every other husband out there. Topping this one's gonna be really tough!
Yes, we love our wives - but sometimes our choices of words and/or actions put us in the dog house rather than on a pedestal. Kevin's book "Julie's Gift" is a priceless reflection of man who truly understands the meaning of real love. Congratulations, Kevin on a wonderful (and short) book. Julie, you are very lucky. Happy Valentine's Day." -Marc Freedman
Then -
"Definitely well written and I look forward to readin the rest of the book!"
-Kimberly Flickinger
"In a straightforward and objective style, Kevin Kirsch needs no metaphors to express his love for wife Julie. Though writing is often evaluated via the use of literary devices and author's craft, Kirsch must be appreciated for the simplicity of message and for writing from the heart. He has set the bar high for expressions of love and he has done it with humor and honesty." -A.B. Goodman
"Kevin is a brisk and funny writer, like this description of his lack of interest in international travel: "My definition of traveling involves going from the couch to the refrigerator and back, and trust me, in that respect, I'm a frequent flyer."
But my favorite parts of the book were his descriptions of how he learns to let go of the idea that we should always put up a front, not give in to our spouses or let them know they're right. You can feel the freedom as he gives himself permission to embrace things he normally wouldn't have, and to give Julie credit for those things"
-Lynn Webber
"I just read 'Julie's Gift' written by Kevin Kirsch, a husband who is not a feelings sharer, but through this novella lets us all know (including his wife) that he does have deep feelings. It is a nice light read that may make you look at your unromantic partner a bit differently since it reminds you that just because feelings are not shared doesn't mean they're not felt. The plot is not riveting and you won't find a car chase, but that's the best part. It revolves around a couple's anniversary trip to London, England. The husband admits his idea of a trip is from the couch to the fridge, but goes out of love for his wife. It unfolds from there. The coolest thing about this book is that it was penned in secret by the husband and presented to her as a Valentine's surprise! Julie's Gift has great sample itineraries (how they actually spent their days in London) as well as the author's Top Ten London Travel Tips for the Guys (funny and useful list)"-Evin Bail
Julie's Gift: Memories of London
The story of your average sports-loving, arts and culture hating, not-into-all that mushy-stuff, couch potato husband who secretly writes a book to reveal something special to his wife, something totally out of character that she would never suspect? Kevin, in his candid yet humorous memoir shares how a trip to London with his wife forced him to do some serious soul-searching.
Read a free excerpt of the book
