Clear Heart - Paperback

by Joe Cottonwood (Author)

It's about nail guns, wet concrete, and strong women. "Funny, very tender, and enormously, tremendously human. In fact, Clear Heart just might be one of the most human books I've read in a long time." -Colleen Mondor, Bookslut. "I LOVED this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down. It's about a 55 year old ex-hippy carpenter named Wally-and the interaction between true craftsmen, their good-natured joking, routines and habits (like sometimes getting too friendly with female clients). It's male bonding at its finest, filled with endearing characters and fast-paced, nail-biting mishaps."-Kari Hesse, The Village Carpenter. "I just couldn't put it down. It was a great read. Now I have met many of the people in Joe's novel, quirky sub contractors, stupid clients and the like. I found myself (I believe for the first time) actually rooting for fictional characters. The book is gripping. It is a love story and so much more. I should also tell you that it is a book for adults. I wouldn't have my (prude) sister read the book."-Stephen Shepherd, Full Chisel Clear heart is a grade of lumber - and a state of mind. In this joyful, down-to-earth novel, Wally and Juke seek clarity and good wood while building a mansion for a dot-com billionaire in California. As the dot-com's stock keeps rising, the size of the house - and the owner's ego - keep growing. Wally and Juke may be into something that's over their heads. Meanwhile, Wally and Juke meet women who have remodeling designs of their own - on them. When carpenters work for bigshots - and fall for beautiful women - who gets nailed? Romance, lifelong buddies, coming-of-age, bedrock values, all join in the warm storytelling of Clear Heart. From demolishing concrete to racing belt sanders, from love of tools to falling in love, each house is a miracle.

Author Biography

Joe Cottonwood grew up in Maryland and went to college in St. Louis, Missouri. He lives in La Honda, California, where he and his wife built a house and raised three children. He has published nine novels while supporting his family as a carpenter, plumber, and electrician. He is the author of a 99 Jobs: Blood, Sweat, and Houses, a memoir of construction life. For relaxation, he bakes bread.