Crazy Love

David Martin has written many fine books through the years but I consider this his best.I live in Appalachia and I can say that Mr. Martin knows of what he writes. This book rings true through and through. I have met a man similar to Bear, the socialy backward and emotionaly wounded farmer. I have also seen the yuppies and hippies come and go. Some, like Katie, stay to lend their ideals and compassion.I have read some reviews in which ''Crazy Love'' is likened to David Martins pre-thriller novels. I agree with this but would add that what makes this book his best is the warm sensitivity he brings to the cutting edge of his early works view of life as a hard, tough and cold struggle for liberation.

It's been weeks since I read this book and I still find myself thinking about the characters and the different events in the book; the cows frozen in the mud; the lists Bear makes to remember how to love Katy; the barely people children sleeping in the trees; the old woman and her cats; the ducks; the funeral; and so much more! This is a wonderful story that moved me to tears, laughter, anger, sympathy, sorrow, rage and joy. This book not only entertained, it healed. You must read this book!

For those of you who've read David Martin before, his newest novel is different from his recent thrillers. "Crazy Love" is reminiscent of his earlier literary works; I simply call them "good fiction stories." While the plot of "Crazy Love" centers around the relationship of Bear and Kate, it goes beyond their love affair to explore their relationships with animals, their neighbors, their families, and themselves. All in all, "Crazy Love" is uplifting, sad, inspiring, and frightening.

This beautifully crafted novel tells an amazing story about two people who are opposites in so many ways but who nonetheless fall deeply in love with each other. The fact that they are opposites -- she is a yuppy/socialite from Washington, D.C. and he is an eccentric farmer from Appalachia -- is exactly what allows their crazy (and perfect) love to develop. When she is terribly traumatized and reacts in an uncontrolled manner that would drive any normal man away, he is there for her . . . as solid and constant as a rock. And she returns the favor by having the intelligence and sensitivity to see his eccentricities (perceived by most others as the actions of a retarded madman) as interesting character traits that make him a unique individual.These are all great concepts, of course, and "Crazy Love" is not the first novel to explore them. What sets this novel apart from others is the way David Martin describes the characters and tells the story . . . by the end, you will feel as though you know these people closely and have experienced life with them for a snapshot of time. And that is why this novel will break your heart, mend it, and send you off filled with hope.

As with every David Martin novel that I have read, Crazy Love is populated with fascinating and well-rounded characters that live in your memory long after the last page is turned (which happens much too soon). Katherine and Bear bring this gripping story to life in a way that lets the reader feel completely involved with the story. I can't stress enough how much readers of quality fiction are missing if they don't read the books of David Martin. So few authors these days are as reliable for a solid story with gripping characters, plot twists and satisfying endings. David Martin will not disappoint you...Treat yourself.Read Crazy Love!!!