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Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by Robin Friedman : A Trip to London

The author of this little book lives in the Washington, D.C. area, and he is the co-owner of a family supermarket which faces stiff competition from the large chains which dominate the grocery business here. The subject matter of the book sounded charming. Thus, I couldn't resist Kevin Kirsch's kind invitation to read and review "Julie's Gift", his first attempt as an author.

The book is indeed charming and sentimental. In October, 2007, Kevin decided to give his wife Julie a surprise trip to London and Paris in celebration of their 40th birthdays and 15th anniversary. The trip took place in April, 2008. Kevin then decided to give his wife another surprise: he wrote this short book for her as a story of the first part of their trip - a four-day journey to London. Intended as a private gift to his wife, the book has now been published.

Kevin is an unlikely author because, as he says at the outset, he is not a reader. Besides his work at the supermarket, he spends his time serving on the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit, watching sports and television, and engaging in activities with his family, including two young children. The writing is humorous, mostly unaffected, and has a sincere feel. His book talks about planning the London trip and the many sites the couple saw in their hectic four day visit. Kevin talks about the differences between his reaction and his wife's reaction to the trip. As the book goes on, Kevin discusses his courtship of Julie and something of their relationship. Kevin also describes his own feelings and his reflections on his marriage.

In fact, there are three gifts from Kevin to Julie described in the book: the gift of the trip to London, the gift of the book describing the trip, and the gift of a small jewel key which Kevin buys for Julie during the trip and which is suggested by the book's cover. But the title "Julie's Gift" may just as aptly refer to the gift of love from Julie to the author which is at the heart of the book and celebrated throughout.

I have never been to London and I enjoyed hearing Kevin's descriptions of some of the famous sites and of some things, such as a big Ferris wheel, -- which I have since learned is called "London Eye" that I didn't know were there when I read the book. As a practical, non-traveling, non-literary sort, Kevin was something of a reluctant participant on the trip for things which Julie, an English major who works in publishing, found interesting. In the book, Kevin reconsiders some of his grousing and reluctance and finds he enjoyed much of the trip after all. I did find it surprising that, having gone to the trouble of making the trip, Kevin sat outside and did not tour the art museums or the Globe Theater with his wife. Things move a little at a time, and maybe there will be another trip.

My impression was that the author unduly stereotyped himself as "macho" and as "afraid of his feelings." To me this characterization seemed unwarranted by the story, had overtones of current standards of expectations and correctness, and in any event was repeated too many times. But where the book matters - in the feelings Kevin has for his wife and for his family - the book sounds true. It is a simple, effectively told story of love between husband and wife. The story is told with a whimsical touch. I am not sure of Kevin Kirsch's future as an author, but I am sure Julie Kirsch will treasure, and rightly so, this book. It has some tender moments, and I was glad for the opportunity to read it.

Robin Friedman

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by Julie Kirsch "Lucky Wife" : The best gift ever from a husband

I'm the lucky wife who received this book as an early Valentine's gift this year. I've learned over the years that actions speak louder than words--I know my husband loves me because of how he treats me and all of the kind, caring, thoughtful things he does for me, both big and small, rather than because he tells me all the time. So this book came as quite a big surprise. It's a funny, loving look at the differences between men and women told through the story of our 15th-anniversary trip to London. Hope you enjoy!

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by A. B. Goodman "agoodteech" : A Straighfoward Gift of Love

In a straightforward and objective style, Kevin Kirsch needs no metaphors to express his love for wife Julie. Though writing is often evaluated via the use of literary devices and author's craft, Kirsch must be appreciated for the simplicity of message and for writing from the heart. He has set the bar high for expressions of love and he has done it with humor and honesty.

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by Evin "Writer, Photographer, Traveler & Food E... : Sweetness, Love, and London Travel Tips Too!

I just read 'Julie's Gift' written by Kevin Kirsch, a husband who is not a feelings sharer, but through this novella lets us all know (including his wife) that he does have deep feelings. It is a nice light read that may make you look at your unromantic partner a bit differently since it reminds you that just because feelings are not shared doesn't mean they're not felt. The plot is not riveting and you won't find a car chase, but that's the best part. It revolves around a couple's anniversary trip to London, England. The husband admits his idea of a trip is from the couch to the fridge, but goes out of love for his wife. It unfolds from there. The coolest thing about this book is that it was penned in secret by the husband and presented to her as a Valentine's surprise! Julie's Gift has great sample itineraries (how they actually spent their days in London) as well as the author's Top Ten London Travel Tips for the Guys (funny and useful list).

Not everyone is romantic or able to share feelings aloud, and many of those people are men. This book is a thoughtful and dare I say passionate shout to his wife to tell her that even when he doesn't say so, he is happy and lucky to be with her.

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by Cherise Everhard : The world has grown suspicious of anything that looks like a happily married life. - Oscar Wilde

This book is a short story written as a gift from husband to wife.

The story is a mildly entertaining and breezy account of a husband's less than enjoyable trip through London following his ever smiling and enthusiastic wife from tourist trap to tourist trap.

While the husband complains about every adventure, except the repeated visits to Harrods, at the end of this tale he reluctantly admits to having a halfway decent time and even suggests he may be coerced into a second London trip. Though I can't imagine the wife would take him up on it after reading how every smile he mustered was faked.

This is a cute and charming family keepsake, one I am sure their family and friends will enjoy. I just can't imagine that it would appeal to the masses as it is written as a very personal journey for one couple. I don't know too many people who would care about such a personal account about Mr. and Mrs. Joe Shmo. However, I think the author has a clever writing voice and if he'd expand his skill to include and appeal to the masses, I think he'd attract a larger audience.

Cherise Everhard, July 2010

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by DAVID BRYSON : AWW, NICE!

This really is awfully sweet. After 16 years of marriage, Kevin Kirsch is still deeply in love with Julie his wife, and he wants us all to hear about it. By way of a birthday present he took her on a trip to London and Paris, one week to cover both. By way of an extra present he has given her this little book about the four days that they spent doing London.

Kevin disclaims any inclinations as a reader let alone a writer, but his writing is perfectly clear and literate as well as being without pretentiousness. He could hardly be less pretentious in other ways, notably his philistine interest in Harrods and the London Eye while Julie was sighing over the exhibits in the National Gallery and the Queen's Gallery. I take my hat off to Kevin for going public like this and wearing his heart on his sleeve in such an un-British way. Apart from anything else, he has obviously handled his marriage far better than I handled mine. I'll enter into the spirit of it by offering both of them, Kevin as well as Julie, my own little gift of a 5-star rating.

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by Midwest Book Review : Will warm many a couples' heart

When you think you know everything about the one you love, you don't. "Julie's Gift: Memories of London" is a husband's devotion to his wife, immortalized to the world. Author Kevin Kirsch tells of a trip to London for his fifteenth anniversary, where he and his wife Julie traveled through the historic city. Having an epiphany, he hopes to reveal his feelings to his wife in a particularly special and quaint way. "Julie's Gift" is something that will warm many a couples' heart.

Julie's Gift: Memories of London
Review by Lynn A. Weber "lwjk" : A Journey of Learning

I have to say upfront that I'm a friend of the author, Kevin, and the subject, Julie, of this book, and bought the book out of excitement. But when the book arrived and I sat down to read it, I found a small gem, a slim but funny and moving tale of one man's journey---both to a new location and to a new place in his heart.

Kevin is a brisk and funny writer, like this description of his lack of interest in international travel: "My definition of traveling involves going from the couch to the refrigerator and back, and trust me, in that respect, I'm a frequent flyer."

But my favorite parts of the book were his descriptions of how he learns to let go of the idea that we should always put up a front, not give in to our spouses or let them know they're right. You can feel the freedom as he gives himself permission to embrace things he normally wouldn't have, and to give Julie credit for those things.

I also loved the parts where he describes what it feels like to actually love someone. At the beginning of the trip, Kevin and Julie are on a tour bus; they can't see much because of the fog and their seats are wet. Kevin looks over at Julie and sees that she's trying to put a brave face on her disappointment. "I looked over at my wife and she had that fake look of 'It's fine, I'm having a great time' on her face, even though I could tell she was disappointed. This is how I know I truly love my wife, because I instantly felt sad for her."

It's nice to see a glimpse of the inner life of someone not given to self-expression, and how we never really know what's going on inside a person. A very nice book.