Punk Rock Dad: No Rules, Just Real Life [Paperback]

Jim Lindberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 19, 2008

Jim Lindberg is a Punk Rock Dad. When he drives his kids to school in the morning, they listen to the Ramones, the Clash, or the Descendents and that's it. He goes to all the soccer games, dance rehearsals, and piano recitals, but when he feels the need, he goes into the slam pit at punk shows and comes home bruised and beaten—somehow feeling strangely better. While the other dads dye their hair brown to cover the gray, Jim occasionally dyes his blue or green. He pays his taxes, serves jury duty, votes in all major elections, and reserves the right to believe that there's a vast Right Wing Conspiracy—and that the head of the P.T.A. is possibly in on it. He is a Punk Rock Dad.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As lead vocalist and guitarist in the veteran California punk-rock band Pennywise, Lindberg writes and sings songs like "Fuck Authority" and "Fight Till You Die." At home with his wife and three young girls, however, he oversees play dates and washes a lot of dishes. In his first book, Lindberg explores that bizarre dichotomy to its fullest, resulting in a fast read that's part memoir, part parenting manual. Writing with wit, charm and unexpected tenderness, Lindberg plays mix-and-match with life in a punk band and life at home, using punk's DIY ethic to address the challenge of raising well-adjusted children in a world ruled by conformity. Along the way, he shares often-intimate anecdotes about parenting classes, doctors' offices, breastfeeding and sex. Lindberg gains readers' trust early by refusing to sugarcoat parenthood, though he strives a bit too hard to prove he's still a punk rocker at heart. Also distracting-and potentially off-putting-is his odd way of referring to his children-not by name, but by birth order ("Daughter number one," etc.). Despite minor flaws, this colorful, captivating title deserves a large audience of adults looking to raise good kids without losing sight of their youthful passions. Photos.
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Review

“The irony of Jim’s early punk rock rebellion makes this book a very funny and revealing read.” (Mike McCready, Pearl Jam )

“Jim Lindberg is proof positive that childrearing can take the most recalcitrant punk and catapult him in to adulthood. (Dr. Drew )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (February 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061148768
• ISBN-13: 978-0061148767
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #825,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real deal, May 24, 2007

By 

Dave J. Fruehe "davfree" (los angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Punk Rock Dad: No Rules, Just Real Life (Hardcover)

I had tons of expectations about this book. I was wrong to think I would gain great insight into Pennywise after reading it. I was pretty sure Fletcher puked on people already. What I DID learn though was much more interesting. As different as we all think we may be, having a kid pretty much evens everything up. When Jim realizes he's not all that different from the South Bay millionaire in dockers on a play date, the message really takes hold. The advice he offers on child rearing is honest and straight forward and devoid of new age thought crime. He takes his miss steps with a grain of salt, is humble when he manages to apparently do the right thing, and keeps it real. There are a lot of confusing messages in the child rearing advice world. Jim gets you back to common sense. Some day we'll all work for Daughter #1!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A funny read, June 3, 2007

By 

faeriemoonmama "faeriemoonmama" (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Punk Rock Dad: No Rules, Just Real Life (Hardcover)

This is a great book for us 30 or 40-somethings who secretly (or not so secretly) rage against fitting into the PTA/suburbia parenting mold but still end up there by accident and happenstance. If you wonder some days what happened to your mohawk and "screw the establishment" values as you scramble around like an idiot looking for your 7-year-olds fluffy, pink hair bows, you will totally get this book. Laugh out loud funny and honest, I would recommend this book to any punker, ex-punker or closet rebel.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and very honest, June 8, 2007

By 

Nouch (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Punk Rock Dad: No Rules, Just Real Life (Hardcover)

I bought this book about a month ago, and read it in no time. It was the funniest, most honest book about parenting, growing up (or not wanting to), life in general, etc...i've read in a long time, and also very touching.
From mosh pits, to bottles, breast pumps, diapers, mini van, and Warped tour and PTA meetings...It's got something for everyone.
Jim Lindberg is very good at describing situations, and you can picture him going through all the drama, ups and downs of life and yet feel the inconditional love he has for his family.
All the incertainty of being a So-Cal Punk Rock guy, staying true to your beliefs, while raising 3 daughters...it's all in there.
I hope he writes another book, i truly enjoyed his writing.