Dig Your Dad? Find Fatherly Wisdom in These Books

My dad's the greatest.

"No, MY dad's the greatest!" you'll respond.

While we might not be able to settle that argument, we can agree on these father-themed book selections recommended by Apple Valley's staff this month:

Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons by Tim Russert

This touching compilation of reflections on fatherhood from the late newsman Russert would make a wonderful present for any father. Russert decided to publish this collection after receiving an avalanche of mail in response to his earlier title, Big Russ and Me, which he had written about his own father. Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons explores all aspects of fatherhood as shown by letters sent to Russert by readers eager to share stories about their own dads. As expected, the letters contain many warm, touching memories of fathers, along with some memories of fathers who have fallen short. The themes of love, forgiveness, and acceptance are interwoven throughout these stories. Russert has grouped these letters together according to theme, and a written introduction by Russert precedes each section of the book. Both Russert’s reflections and those of the numerous contributors are tremendously touching, entertaining, and thought provoking. —Reviewed by Erin Holl

Bright Before Us by Katie Arnold-Ratliff

Francis Mason is a 25-year-old elementary school teacher from San Francisco. When we first meet Francis, he is somewhat depressed. He is disappointed with the teaching profession,  fearful of his impending fatherhood, and is somewhat unhappy in his marriage. Then, while on a field trip to the beach with his second grade class, the group discovers a body.  This event, and his initial peripheral involvement that day, seem to trigger some sort of psychotic break in Mason, and he starts to descend into mental illness as he becomes further involved in the investigation.  He becomes paranoid of his dealings with the police and with the parents of his students, fearing that they think he is responsible for the presumed suicide. This stress negatively affects the already strained relationship he has with his pregnant wife.  Arnold-Ratliff’s debut novel does not disappoint.  Excellently written, this novel is filled with vivid descriptions and slowly building suspense. —Reviewed by Erin Holl

Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy

Celebrated author Maeve Binchy’s latest entry finds Noel Lynch confronted with the surprising and unwelcome reality that he is about to become a father. A terminally ill woman whom Noel had a one night stand with comes forward with the news, and asks Noel to take guardianship of the baby girl once she is born.  As a young, struggling alcoholic still living with his parents, Noel very reluctantly agrees. Thankfully, his network in Dublin includes many family, friends, and neighbors. This large support system allows Noel and his daughter to settle into a comfortable, though unconventional routine. However, trouble brews when Moira the social worker arrives. She is convinced that Frankie would be better off living in a foster home. Noel and his extended clan work to show Moria (and themselves) that Frankie really does belong with Noel, his family, and his friends.  Binchy writes in a friendly, warm hearted way, and creates a cast of characters anyone would be thrilled to befriend. Fans of uplifting, cozy fiction will delight in this novel. —Erin Holl

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

More than 40 years ago, a classic was born. The Godfather, by Mario Puzo, was published way back in 1969, with a trio of groundbreaking movies to follow. Well, two groundbreaking movies and the ever disappointing Godfather III, but back to the novel! The book is ostensibly about the inner workings of a post-World War II New York Mafia family and the many people who are involved in this particular life of crime, both directly and indirectly. However, the bulk of the novel focuses on the interactions between the Godfather, Don Vito Corleone, and his son, Michael. Don, the wise and aging father, tries to teach his son to carry on the family business. Michael refuses the gesture in his attempt to find his own path. The Godfather, as seen through Vito, is what every father strives to be: strong, powerful and wise, yet also a cunning genius and family man.  This book serves as a tribute to all dads on Father’s Day. —Reviewed by Jerry Erickson

When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blaine Parker

Just in time for Father’s Day, When Dads Don’t Grow Up is a new children’s book that celebrates fathers that remember what it’s like to be little.   These fathers know that grocery cart races are fun, popping bubble wrap is a necessary task, and that not being afraid of looking goofy are all traits that make for a closer relationship between father and child.  This story is told with a simple text, and augmented with detailed ink, watercolor, and pencil drawings that highlight the comical scrapes that the goofy dad gets into.   This book is an ideal choice for sharing with preschoolers or anyone else who has a soft spot for a father who never grew up. —Reviewed by Jerry Erickson

My Dad’s a Punk by Various Authors

This collection of original stories by 12 male writers explores relationships between father and son, including the good, the bad, and the indifferent. The stories are funny, truthful, poignant, and bittersweet. The memories are presented in a variety of formats. One story is told only through emails; another story features a digital dad of the future.  The common thread through all of the stories is a boy who just wants to spend more time with his Dad, warts and all.   My Dad’s Punk provides a collection of stories that deal with the reality of father-son relationships. This would be a great book to use for a father-son book group. —Reviewed by Jerry Erickson

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