Hard to believe such a down-to-earth kind of guy could have such an overwhelming life of experiences. Ron excellently tells the story of his life in a warm, friendly, welcoming way. I found it captivating and interesting. A great read. Thanks!

Bob Peterson

CAPTIVATING & CANDID Ron’s memoir captivated me with his candid vignettes and one liners describing insane obstacles, unwelcome trauma, excruciating pain, untimely losses, and merciful miracles (most met with humor and lessons learned, or not). His messages of love, kindness, faith (even in Larry!), and evolving relationships are poignant. Written with his jaw-dropping sensitivity and hilarious nature, I wept. I laughed out loud. Seriously, “Engraved: the Upbringing of a Caregiver” is extraordinary.

Shelley Day

This book was a very interesting and fun read, although the more I was sucked in by the author the book became a very emotional read and story. At times I didn't know if I was reading a memoir, a narrative about care giving or a fictional novel with unbelievable but entertaining stories. Each story is heartfelt with lessons learned. It made me focus on my own life and what I have gained or lost in my 55 years. I questioned how his optimistic views and how my negative thoughts collided in almost every chapter, wondering if his family was the difference. I've been a bachelor my entire life. I found myself wanting to be more like the author who has the knack of dwelling on the positive in the hardest of circumstances. The book was emotional from start to finish. It grabbed me and never let go. The worst part was when it was over. I wanted more.

Gerard P

Engraved is a special book. The life lessons Ron shares are tender and touching. He really inspires you to look at what is most important in this life and to continue to seek after goodness and love in everyone-in good times and hard times.

Barb D

Like many other reviewers, I find "this book is hard to put down". I grew up in the same neighborhood as Ron and therefore know and remember all the sites and kids he talks about. Each story he tells brings me back to being a kid again. His writing is so engaging, I can picture it all. Definitely read this book. You will love it! Launa Hanson

Launa Hanson

Great read. Great stories I will remember. Each chapter brought new heartfelt emotions about life and the lessons we learn along our journey

Angela Ivie

I’ll keep this brief. If you or a loved one is in a caregiving situation this book is a must read. I had a chance to care for my grandmother and the truth is we at some point will be on the other side of the situation. We all are living our lives and this is a special glimpse into his.

Joey

I loved the read of Engraved, the Upbringing of a Caregiver. My wife loved it too. I read some reviews of the book before I made the purchase. A few intrigued me since I and my wife are now in the roll of being the caregivers for my mother. It's harder than we ever thought possible. The author brings this fact to light through his gripping stories, some of him being taken care of and some of the work and emotional turmoil he has lived with, taking care of his wife. Caregiving is a theme of the book but their are many narratives that the author brilliantly tapes into. My wife and I learned more about each other as we discussed each chapter. Some of his stories are heartbreaking but positive, making us contemplate how we would handle certain conditions that creep into our lives. We read the book quickly and are certain we will open it up again and again as we move forward. We would recommend this book to everyone. You don't have to be caregiving for someone to enjoy and learn from the author, Ron Nelson. The read is enjoyable with many lessons learned.

Kody Maxfield

Review of: Engraved: The Upbringing of a Caregiver A Memoir by Ron A. Nelson I have not been in the practice of reading memoirs, but as a pastoral psychotherapist I listen to the life-stories of my patients’ day in and day out. I came to this book on the suggestion of the author, because I spent part of my childhood living across the street from his house and was mentioned in two different places, early in the book. I was fearful of having to wade through four hundred and sixty-one pages of self-absorbed ramblings. Instead, I found myself rapidly carried through a series of narratives told by an engaging storyteller. Rather than grudgingly toting Ron’s book along during a five-day vacation, I was so eager to finish it that I had it read well before I boarded my plane. This book is a series of stories, inspired by events in the author’s life. One would have to admit that Ron has had an interesting life, full of unique opportunities and life-threatening encounters. He relates each of those in a riveting fashion. Although we were neighbors, we lived in two distinctly different worlds. As a non-Mormon Protestant, I was excluded from the majority of events that Ron chronicles in his book. Reading the details of relationships and events that I was excluded from, because of our religious differences, I was struck by how unique each of our lives truly are, and how difficult it is to form community across barriers such as religion, race, politics and world-view. Ron knits his story together with the theme of caregiving. But this seemed odd to me because many of the stories were not about Ron caring for others, but of others caring for him through his many near-fatal accidents and life-threatening illnesses. It is only in the past ten years or so of his life, that Ron has been a caregiver for his chronically ill wife. Ron mentioned many times the idea that the events that we remember most vividly are engraved upon our minds. This is an allusion to the business of making engraved copper postcards that his father began and Ron continued and grew throughout his working years. This image felt powerful and meaningful, highlighting how pivotal events in our lives mold and shape our character and form the core of who we are. But I believe there is another theme that was never directly spoken of, but stood out to me as a psychotherapist and pastoral counselor. That is the theme of betrayal leading to loneliness and isolation. As a harbinger of what was to come, Ron experienced betrayal early on as a teenager. Following his jumping into the lake and saving the life of a friend on a church boating outing; after he stopped the bleeding and helped get the victim into the boat, he was left by alone in the water by the adults piloting the boat. He tells how he had to swim several miles, nearly drowning before he made it safely to the shore. Ron narrates that he was often betrayed by the leaders of the church that he served so faithfully, as is so often the case in organized religious institutions. And one gets the sense that, as Ron carries out the role of caregiver for his wife, he leads a very lonely existence, feeling lost and deserted by many who once were his friends and companions. In conclusion, what makes Ron’s Engraved so powerful is that he not only tells us of the triumphs and tragedies of his life, but he also leads us to examine the question of what could have been. This book helps us to see that what is engraved upon our hearts and our lives is complex and intricate, inviting us into our own reflections on what our lives were, what we perceive them to be, and how they could have been very different, if we had only known how to scale the steep walls of ignorance, isolation and prejudice that separate us one from another. The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Heaney Oklahoma City, Oklahoma June 28, 2024

Mark D Heaney

Some books I read seem to be forgotten shortly after I finish them. Engraved will be a hard one to forget. The stories told are unforgettable. I was intrigued by the theme of the book, caregiving, but came away with some stories I have shared with my older children and a few grandchildren and friends, creating some cherished conversations. We can all learn from the authors experience and his ability to persevere though hard things, some miraculous. I'm not in a habit of submitting reviews of books I read because most I would just write "ditto". and be done. Engraved is a heart felt book with heart stopping moments that at the end my heart wanted more. The subject hit home since I've been taking care of of parents. I recommend the book to anyone going through hard things that is having a hard time escaping to a safer place with an author who seems to understand my emotional struggles. I recommend the book and will keep it as a resource.

Bonnie Wixom

I couldn't put the book down once I started. The emotions I felt took me back to remember moments in my life that had been long forgotten. It was so sad and had me tears and then a chapter later I was laughing out loud. I loved and felt the honesty of the author in every chapter and felt I could relate with him when he, and then his wife gets sick. Health struggles hit most of us, but the stories are a kind of road map on how to fight through hard times. It took me back when my wife was ill and how I tried to take care of her. I would do it differently today because of Lessons Learned! Anyone would benefit in reading Engraved. It forced me to look back at the Engraved moments in my life, realizing my stories had the biggest impact on my life. If I could I would give the book ten stars. I couldn't believe the stories, but Wow! I finished the book a few weeks ago and can't stop thinking about some of the stories told that have had a real impact on me. The book was an easy read and writers of all kinds could learn something from Nelsons writing style. It's a page turner for sure. I Highly recommend the book to everyone.

Chuck Johnson

I couldn’t wait to run out and buy Ron’s novel, ‘Engraved’ because he was a classmate of mine. Well - it had me hooked at the first chapter where Ron’s beloved wife is whisked off to the ER after a heartbreaking suicide attempt. Throughout the book he explains that life is full of unexpected, “life changing moments, good and bad.” As we read of his growth and evolution, he describes many life changing moments and how they became engraved in his mind and heart. I thought I knew Ron – he being our Senior Class President at my High School, but the book manages to blow my mind. His life has been nothing short of never-ending miraculous events and I encourage everyone to read this uplifting and courageous story of a gifted caregiver.

Karen Williams

Ron and I met in New Zealand while serving our LDS missions. I’m happy Ron has chosen to share his incredible life through this book. From the first chapter the reader will continually be asking themselves; ‘How can one person have so many remarkable experiences’. Ron has always reminded me of the character George Bailey in the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. If you have seen it and if you met Ron you couldn’t help but be reminded of George Bailey’s persona portrayed by the actor Jimmy Stewart. But it’s also the movie’s plot that reminds me of Ron. I’m not sure that Ron like George Bailey understands even with his life’s difficulties and adversities what a Wonderful Life he has led. Probably the same for most of us. I recommend his book. It will not be easy to put down.

cole warner

I am not an avid reader, but I was led by a friend to read Engraved, and am so happy I was. I couldn't put l book down. I've been dealing with some hard life stuff and this book gave me a new perspective. I actually felt gratitude for my life which has been hard to come to. We all go through hard stuff as the author brilliantly shares. It is how we come out of it, if we are so lucky, that we have control over. The 23 chapters weren't enough for me or my friends who I have now shared the book with. Thank You, Thank you for lessons learned and a new outlook on how I can approach my life.

Dot Perkins

One of the most profound and impactful books I have ever read. Incredible insight and wisdom abounds in every chapter of the book based on the experiences the author has lived through throughout his life. A book that pulls one in deeply and doesn't let you go until the very last page. Cannot recommend this book enough. RickK

RickK

Ron's emotional and thought provoking stories were fun to read and resulted in serious self-reflection. I recommend Ron's book to anyone looking for a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

Kelly Harvey

I throughly enjoyed reading Ron’s book. Through his writing, I could feel the emotions he experienced. Well done my friend.

Brad Sorenson

From the first sentence, Ron captures your interest and pulls you in to his remarkable memoir. As you laugh, cry, and hold your breath in wonder through the experiences that he shares, you grow in amazement and compassion. "Engraved" is a tutorial in changing adversity into empathy.

Jan Lamborn

I really liked this book. The honesty and authenticity chapter after interesting chapter made it a page turner. The book was filled with friendship and a general love for humanity. Ron had an interesting story to tell.

Nancy White

I found this book amazing from start to finish. I’ve known Ron all my life. It was fascinating for me to discover unknown things about him that he didn’t share openly, but were really significant events in his life. I find his unrelenting optimism, and courage inspiring. This book is an easy read and hard to put down. The reader is compelled through the book by the almost unbelievable sequence of events. Ron’s writing style is descriptive and heartfelt. What was particularly meaningful to me was after an episode, Ron offers a profound epiphany or “lesson learned” that causes one to reflect, even personalize its meaning. Truly this book proves life’s a journey full of a multitude of experiences that forge the soul. I highly recommend this book

Scott

I really enjoyed reading this Engraved. It was an honest and entertaining book. Found myself riveted with each chapter. Really a book that allows the reader to reflect upon their own life.

Jason Matern

What a great read! Reading this book was like sitting with Ron and listening to his life stories in person…completely delightful! I felt almost every emotion that one can feel throughout the course of the book. Ron has lived an amazing life with lots of ups and downs, each one offering an important lesson. He is a living testament to the fact that we CAN overcome, we CAN do hard things, and we CAN find joy through it all. Bless him for sharing.

Shellie DeHaan

I’ve always been fascinated by Ron’s life stories so I knew his memoir would be amazing but I had no idea the trials and suffering he has endured throughout his lifetime. I could not put this book down! I found myself laughing and crying and gasping and so many different emotions. I have a new found appreciation for my friend and the love and concern he has for others. You can tell that family and friends mean the world to him and he loves them to the core. I highly recommend his book!!

Karen McKinney

Ron's compelling stories, masterfully told in "Engraved", reveal his deep faith, humor, compassion, and kindness which easily could have been lost, yet are miraculously laced through the more than extraordinary challenges and events of his life. His honest reactions to his own suffering, and those he loves, also inspire us to carry on through the many twists and turns life brings. This book is a must read that motivates one to live bravely, continue to thoughtfully ask questions, and humbly find the lessons to be learned in living.

Judy Meads Jardine

Take the time to read "Engraved" and experience a whole new meaning to life lessons learned. The read is uplifting and at times seeming to be fiction! But it isn't and I found myself never again saying my life has been difficult after reading this book. Couldn't put "Engraved" down. Thanks Ron for letting me join your life.

Curtis Raymond

You have to know Ron to love Ron. Even if you don’t know him this is an excellent read about real life situations. It only took me three days to read this book. I learned many lessons about life and how it affects our souls. Thank you Ron for being so honest and raw about your personal life the ups and downs. I’m waiting for a follow up book. One was not enough.

Dixie Swiatocha

I learned a lot about a man I’ve known for over 30 years. It took courage and wisdom to share some of the most intimate times in Ron’s life. Most people would have crumbled and given up if they would have experienced some of what has, but instead it’s made him a stronger person. Ron was instrumental in one of my most important decisions I’ve ever made and for that I’m eternally grateful. Even if you don’t know Ron, reading this book can teach us all how to endure when times get tough.

Ken Hager

Ron may say he is a 70 year old ordinary guy but his story is anything but ordinary. It's gripping from start to finish, I could not put it down! If you like to get so involved in a book and you laugh and cry along the way, I would highly suggest you get this book today.

Missy Burton

I amazed by how well the writer has brought his words to life! It touched my heart and made me think more about how life is!

Connor Stewart

No book has ever touched my heart quite like "Engraved." It didn't just move me; it deeply touched my mother's heart as well. If you ever feel stuck in life and need a guiding light, this book is that beacon. I highly recommend it—please give it a read!

Lisa Smith

Engraved talks about everything that no one talks about, the pain and misery of life, and above, he offers a shoulder to cry and reaches out his hand to offer guidance to those who are lost and feel alone. It is really a tragically beautiful life.

Daniel McCarthy

What a beautiful read this was. So patiently has Ron told his story. I have cried a little too much for what Ron and those close to him have been through.

Heather Lawson

Deeply moved by the story. I have cried, laughed, and, above all, learned from Ron’s beautiful life. It has offered me strength when I desperately needed it.

Janice Plath