A Grateful Life Reviews
"Making his debut publication, Tom Powell Jr's autobiography, "A Grateful Life: The life story of a husband, father, and taco loving dead head." begins with the question: "If someone wrote a book about your life, would anyone want to read it?" The answer is found in this page turner where Tom Powell Jr pours out details of his life traveling America, growing up in Chicago, family, work, and friends. It would be entirely possible to take a tour of the destinations visited in "A Grateful Life" as the descriptions and places of his past are mapped out so accurately. I would be able to find them without a GPS. Being from the area myself, it made me nostalgic for my old hometown and craving the freedom youth had to offer. One I did not take advantage if, but Tom lived to the fullest and outlines in his book. Being caught up in the book, I was able to live vicariously through him. Through his triumphs and hardships, I found myself wanting to hear more stories about the people he met while hitchhiking, adventures with childhood friends, his days spent as a carnie, and his time touring with The Grateful Dead. This book reads as if the author was sitting with you, telling his story. His ability to be descriptive while being direct is appreciated as I found myself anxiously reading, wanting to know what situation he was going to find himself in next. There is more to be told than what lie in the pages of this book. The author hints that there is more to come and as for me, yes, i would want to read it." - Needsmoreglitter3r on Amazon
"Was very excited to get this book and read it immediately. Book was well written and keeps you interested throughout. I often found myself with a smile and did occasionally have a tear. Can't wait to see what comes next! Extremely proud to have added this to my bookshelf." - Sarah Mair on Amazon
"A solid read from front to back. This book was a complete roller coaster of emotions...you will laugh, you will cry, you will laugh so hard you cry. This man's determination to grow and build himself from the bottom up is incredible." - Sassypoodle17 on Amazon
"Memoirs are one of my favorite things to read. To be so privileged to read someone's truth and their voice, share their journey, has always been a reading joy for me. This reading experience was no different. I loved listening to Tom.s voice in telling his story. It was just like sitting around telling stories with a close friend. I also have always loved The Grateful dead, their latest released cd in my car, my children listen to it and know the songs by heart right along with me. This spring we went to Haight Ashburt=y and stood in front of the house The Dead lived in during the late '60's and my 11 year old son was so excited he wanted his picture taken. Thank you so much, Tom Powell Jr, for sending me a copy oi your beautiful story. Pick this one up folks, it's a good journey to take." - thebookhippie on Instagram
"It's so great. It's basically his life story. I love that I brought it to Indiana because it has a lot of Indiana references. He has a very direct, straight forward voice. I've already laughed out loud. It's like classic Americana. So check him out if you're interested in that." - Heather Boaz, NYC Book Reviewer (mlle.bibliophile on Instagram)