Kentucky Summer: The Cave, the Cabin, and the Tattoo Man (Kentucky Summers)

I purchased this book after meeting the author, Tim Callahan at his booth during my town's local 4th of July festival. We talked for a moment, and he convinced me to give this first book of his Kentucky Summers collection a try. He said that anybody who grew up in small town America during the late 50's or 60's would find his story interesting. Having grown up in a township in Ohio, with my own memories of hiking, camping, swimming in a creek, catching crayfish and that childhood adventure which every summer would bring, this story did not disappoint! While it doesn't have some deep plot, it doesn't need it. The summer adventures of Timmy are ones which are easy to relate to, and they bring back one's own reminiscence of a more innocent time of life. The essence of this book, and the Kentucky Summers series captures the fun, romance, and innocence of being a kid again. A great read for all ages! I have read the series and look forward to this author's future books!

A friend I know that teaches middle school age students said she had her students read this book. In over twenty years of teaching this is the ONLY book that every single boy in her classes loved! She says this is a must have title for anyone trying to target that group of readers.

Simply put, I was charmed by this book. The Cave, the Cabin & the Tattoo Man is a comfortable place you want to curl up with and retreat back to. The thoughts and delivery of the main character, nine-year-old Timmy, was utterly believeable. The events, credible. The pace, slow and steady like an endless childhood summer. Toward the end, the book got even better for me...riveting. Pick this one up--it feels like you're reading a true story or possibly your own childhood memories. Oh, and I laughed out loud on the airplane as I was reading this book when little tongue-tied Timmy recited John 3:16 in front of the whole congregation! This is truly an ageless book. Read it if you're 8 or 98. Can't wait for the next installment of Kentucky Summers! -- Nicole Seitz, author of The Spirit of Sweetgrass and Trouble the Water