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

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

Ben George is editor of the literary journal Ecotone. His work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and for Best New American Voices, and has appeared in Ninth Letter, Tin House, and elsewhere. He lives with his wife and daughter in North Carolina, and teaches at UNC Wilmington.

"The contributors ... give a moving, rich account that transcends the usual cliche gags about irrelevant, incompetent dads... a richly satisfying consideration of the meaning behind the fear/love/pride of fatherhood." -- New York Post "This entertaining and thoughtful collection will reassure fathers of all ages that they are, if nothing else, not alone." -- Washington Post Book World "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 "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 "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 "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 "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 "[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