Treat yourself.
Read Crazy Love!!!


An Amazing Love Story (and More)   January 31, 2002
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

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.


entertaining romance   January 24, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

DC lobbyist Katherine Renault fled the capital to escape well meaning people constantly badgering her as she recovered from the operation. She chose her fiance's Appalachia cottage as being as far from Washington as one can get without going to a third world nation.

After months in her mountain retreat, Kathryn joins an animal rescue team. Her first mission involves two men abusing a cow. There she watches compassionate Joseph David "Bear" Long intercede so that the animal can die with dignity. Soon Bear and Katie as he calls her become an entry in more ways then one as they rescue animals and fall in love. However, everyone knows she is a sophisticated urbanite and he is a retarded hillbilly. Thus no one will bet on this couple surviving together once she inevitably goes home.

This mushy novel is an entertaining romance between two polar opposites. The rescue missions seem too easily achieved yet the plot hooks the audience from start to finish due to the endearing cast. Bear and Katie make a warm odd couple. The secondary characters including the animals provide the necessary depth so that the audience can observe the robustness of the lead duet's relationship. David Martin's tale seems so real encouraging the reticent to go find their own CRAZY LOVE.

Harriet Klausner


Not a typical sappy love story   February 4, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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.


The King is in the building!   March 8, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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.