Customer Reviews

The Man Who Would Be Dad (Capital Ideas)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First clue that this would be a book I wouldn't like; the "star" in the upper left of the cover states "A Gift Book for Dads". That's publisher code for "There's no way in heck a dad would buy this for himself".

One reviewer said, "...it was a quick read..." That's because there is practically no text to this book. Some pages consist of only two sentences (using "See Dick run" size text, to boot!).

Speaking of pages...I guess I needed to read the physical description of the book more closely. Anyone else notice the size of the book? I didn't until it arrived. It looks like one of those little books you used to buy in grade school for fifty cents.

Now to content... There isn't any. Well, that's not totally fair. The content is the same stuff you have between your ears...common sense. If you like reading bumper stickers of the "Visualize World Peace" variety, then by all means, buy this book!

As a relatively newly minted Stay At Home Dad (SAHD), I found Mr. Hogan's book to be of little value. Mr. Hogan hits every obvious point about fathering. I guess there might be men out there that might get value from this book. They are the ones that put a "This side up" sticker on their child's head, though.

In conclusion, there are sooooo many better resources out there than this book. I expected more for the price. Talk to your county/state Family Services offices. Hit the web and look up info on SAHD's (or SAHM's). The info and resources you need are out there.

This book is a beautiful reflection of one man's journey into fatherhood. Through very personal and candid reflections on the day to day joys and challenges of being a stay at home dad, Hogan paints a portrait of the "dad" side of parenting and the potential for what it can be. Beautifully and sensitively written.

I needed to read this book to help my two young sons understand what is is to be a father to their children. You see, my sons have not had a dad since age 4 and 5 and are now 20 and 21. and fathers in their own right. I was directed to this book by friends and it did not let me down. Hogan deals with the ups and downs of fatherhood, marriage maintainence and handling multiple children. Hilling also shares his adjustment to parenting a disabled child. A valuable resource to men and women alike in parenting from a very insightful and honest man.

This is an excellent book for fathers and fathers-to-be. I enjoyed reading Mr. Hilling's accounts of his feelings and emotions of becoming a father, the learning experience of bonding with his children and finally coming to an understanding of what it means to become not just a father but a good father. The book also focuses on the difficulties of raising a handicap child and how his child helped him become a better person.

I have already recommended this book to friends. The book also gives an insight of the life of a stay-at-home dad and it explains that being a stay-at-home dad is not an easy job for every dad but it takes a special dad to be one.

In his book, Hogan is able to share many of the unique experiences, issues, and concerns that one faces as an At Home Dad. The journal-like presentation takes the reader right into the heart and soul of both Hogan and his family. The experiences and insights shared are more than helpful, they are uplifting and inspiring. Thank you Hogan!!

Hogan Hilling, author of The Man Who Would Be Dad, provides an insightful and humorous look at the day to day challenges of raising children. As a stay-at-home father with three boys, one of whom is physically challenged, Hogan thoughtfully recounts many of his memorable experiences and challenges as a father. Written with great warmth, Hogan's book helped me to appreciate my role as a father and inspired me to stay active in my childs life.

This book is a quick read and well worth it. It contains many great moments of what it is to be a father, and the thoughts that many of us have. I loved the journal writing style that allowed me to stop and reflect on the different sections.

What a lovely story! Hogan Hilling writes of the journey he took from being a nervous, detached first time father to a full time, stay at home dad who has appeared on "Oprah," "Fathers and Sons," and "The Other Half."
The book is full of little stories to illustrate parenting advice. Hogan's moving story is enough of a reason alone to buy this great book!

Hogan,
>
> I received and read your awesome book on Dads - Thank you! In my house I
am
> a major player in raising my two girls. At times, I am the major parent,
> and, well, this is good. I enjoy my role as their father, and when I get
> physically tired, I tell myself this is a good kind of tired, because I
know
> this is what I need to do now, and my being a loving, patient parent who
can
> provide structure for my girls, will greatly benefit them later on. Being
> the best dad I can also help me grow, and reading your book helped
reinforce
> this benefit.
>
> I enjoyed the sincerety of your stories. It was clear these came from
your
> heart. I also enjoyed the realness of your stories. Some were just about
> simple events that happened to you and your boys. No glamorous frills to
> spice up your book. The realistic tone in the narrative provided all the
> appeal needed to keep my reading.

This very readable book should not be missed. It is both entertaining and educational. Hogan Hilling writes with sensitivity, understanding and a sense of humor on the topic of fathering three sons. He illustrates the importance of really listening to your children and viewing life through their eyes. In a time of hustle and hassle, we need more material written that honors the family. As an educator, I have recommended this book to many parents, not only fathers. It makes a great gift to all fathers or fathers-to-be.