The Book of Dads: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood (Paperback)

~ Ben George (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The essays in The Book of Dads dispel the illusion held by fathers new and old that they're on their own in the weird and wonderful enterprise of raising offspring. And the book will prove just as rewarding for mothers, sons and daughters." (Jay McInerney, bestselling author of BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY )

"Well written and fascinating to read." (BookPage )

"This wonderful collection of essays-at times hilarious, other times heartwrenching-is a must-read for all fathers, and any man who contemplates becoming one. Every essay is a winner, and Ben George's introduction alone is worth the price of admission." (Ron Rash, New York Times bestselling author of SERENA )

"[An] intelligent, thoughtful book...I can't recommend this book highly enough for dads who yearn for reflections on the emotional complexities of their role. These essays skillfully traverse the nuances and concrete realities of a life forever changed by having children." (Mothering Magazine )

"Want to sit around with some really sharp, articulate men and find out what scares the hell out of them and breaks their hearts and makes their existence worthwhile? Read this book." (Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of THE MIDDLE PLACE )

"This entertaining and thoughtful collection will reassure fathers of all ages that they are, if nothing else, not alone." (Washington Post Book World )

"The contributors . . . give a moving, rich account that transcends the usual clich gags about irrelevant, incompetent dads. . . a richly satisfying consideration of the meaning behind the fear/love/pride of fatherhood." (New York Post )

"Finally a book for us. Being a father is harrowing, life affirming, traumatic, astonishing, and hysterically funny-the totality of which is captured in the irresistible The Book of Dads. Herein is collection of essays that are inspiring, enlightening, and very funny. Every dad will relate. " (David Sheff, bestselling author of BEAUTIFUL BOY )

"These essays speak to us, as parents and children, in a language rich with humanity and wisdom." (Ken Kalfus, author of the National Book Award finalist A DISORDER PECULIAR TO THE COUNTRY )

Product Description

At turns humorous, irreverent, poignant and tender, The Book of Dads brings together twenty well-known and beloved writers on the subject of fatherhood, offering fathers—or anyone who has been or loved a parent—unrivaled insights into the complexity of fatherhood as it's experienced now. It is a literary reader for the contemporary dad, hip and on point, but with an eye toward becoming a classic for readers return to again and again. Contributors include Ben Fountain, Charles Baxter, Jim Shepard, Clyde Edgerton, Neal Pollack, Rick Bragg, Anthony Doerr, Michael Thomas, Davy Rothbart, Richard Bausch, Nick Flynn, Brandon R. Schrand, Rick Bass, Sebastian Matthews, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Steve Almond, David Gessner, Darin Strauss, Brock Clarke, and Sven Birkerts

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (May 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061711551
• ISBN-13: 978-0061711558
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #442,901 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! A funny, eloquent, moving book for dads!, September 28, 2009

By	Christiana Guppy (Wilmington, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

When I first purchased The Book of Dads, I was thinking more of my own father and my sometimes-wonderful, sometimes-difficult relationship with him. When I found out that my husband and I were expecting a child, I re-read the book from the prospective of a future parent. It lends sanity, good humor, and tenderness to an oft-ignored experience. Moms aren't the only one raising the kids, after all. I'd recommend The Book of Dads for anyone who is a dad, has a dad, or knows a dad. It's good stuff.