self-published, independent author

" 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 of, 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 Greatful 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 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." needsmoreglitter

As a result, the more I got to  appreciate Tom, his value of family, his passion. And because of how  well the story is told, Tom of the book here becomes the reader’s  friend.  Truly someone you’d love to have in your neighborhood, to be  able to spend time with.

A wonderfully human tale, and a down-to-earth share. I’m grateful for having had this peek into Tom’s life. " - TJ

" 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 of, 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 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." needsmoreglitter

" I love Tom Powell he is an extremely intelligent man! I can relate to his book! My life was pretty much the same!" - Debra Solliday

" I  "met" Mr. Powell through social media and was interested in his views  enough to purchase this book. I read it and look forward to give it a  day and read it again. It is a great re-telling of a hard working, free  spirited man who overcame so much to be successful in life and  adventure. I highly recommend this for blue collar workers, Deadheads,  dads, sons, and taco lovers. He is a voice of reason in absolutely  chaotic times.' - Dana Fields

" In  Tom Powell Jr's 2nd book, he relays his days as a retired father locked  down during the COVD-19 Pandemic with his Freshman Daughter and 2nd  grade son in funny musings written in the form of a soldier on the front  lines writing to his wife back home.
Don't let the heartfelt and  sentimental Dedication and Forward fool you. The pages are filled with  candor, comedy, and chaos in which anyone confined during the pandemic  can relate.
You will laugh, you will cry, you will want to read to see what can possibly happen the next day. (It is all true)
His  first book, "A Great full Life: The Story of a Husband, Father, and  Taco Loving Dead Head" reveals to the reader the author's sense of humor  and realism. Tom Powell Jr. does not sugar coat anything, as is evident  in his letters and narrative descriptions in "Dearest Renee."
The author took a horrible situation and was able to spin it into quality humor and sincerity. It is a definite must read." - needsmoreglitter

" Tom  took every day issues that many of us faced during the pandemic and  spun some comedy gold. Interspersed with stories of his supportive  community, this story tickles your funny bone and makes warms your  heart.I wish I could have read along when they were originally posted!" - Julie R