Papa, My Father: A Celebration of Dads [Hardcover]

Leo F. Buscaglia (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1989

The best-selling author of Love celebrates the wonder of fatherhood by paying tribute to his own father--a humble immigrant who was a self-styled educator, philanthropist, philosopher, patriot, and nurturer. Reprint. 200,000 first printing.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Popular TV personality and lecturer Buscaglia is certain to attract readers to his latest, a memoir infused with the genuine sentiment of his previous bestsellers ( Personhood , Loving Each Other , etc.) and rich in stories of an enviable family. The author recalls growing up with Papa, Rocco Bartolomeo, an Italian immigrant, and his wife Rosina in Los Angeles. The book is a paean to Papa, "the near saint," who was uneducated but a great teacher to his children on vital matters, especially on how to love. Buscaglia learned also lessons on ecology from Papa the gardener, wine-making, combatting bigotry, appreciating democracy and, not least, how to have fun. The father who died at age 88 lives for the reader in his son's reminiscences of a rare human being. Illustrations not seen by PW. First serial to Redbook; BOMC alternate.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 125 pages
• Publisher: Slack; 1st edition (April 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688089291
• ISBN-13: 978-0688089290
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #576,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book about family unity., June 17, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Sunny California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Papa, My Father: A Celebration of Dads (Hardcover)

In the famous Buscaglia style, Leo writes about his childhood with humor, love, and PASSION! Its about a time gone by that perhaps we all wish we could have had. A Fathers Day tribute!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful look into a child's eyes about growing up, April 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Papa, My Father: A Celebration of Dads (Hardcover)

a fablous book wirtten with the outmost love and feeling. Leo captures the image of the Italin father perfectly. Amazing, heartwarming, perfect. A must buy!!!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great tribute to fathers, January 11, 2010

By 

S. G. Fortosis "Amazon author&seeyourselfinpr... (North Port, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Papa, My Father (Paperback)

This book deserves to have lots more reviews; I don't understand why it doesn't. And it would be great if there were more sons (or daughters) like Leo Buscaglia. So many take their parents for granted and never thank or appreciate them properly and adequately for the countless things they do.
This tribute to an Italian father reminds me of my own heritage because some of the old ways apply similarly to other immigrants such as Greeks, etc. Part of me wishes that I had grown up among my Greek kin because there is nothing quite as beautiful as these endearingly close relations and their culture. You can get a feel for the beauty by watching such movies as Avalon and My Big, Fat Greek Wedding.
Anyway, back to the book. It is very moving and wonderful and, as some reviewers stated, it should be given to any young father as an inspiration to all he can be as a dad. Highly recommended.