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Best fatherhood books of all time
These light-hearted stories on fatherhood are like dad jokes in memoir form.
Published on June 3, 2024
A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son
Michael Ian BlackBlack’s memoir takes the form of a heartfelt series of letters to his son, Elijah, as he heads off for college. He traverses a wide array of topics, touching on everything from reflections on his own upbringing to toxic masculinity, white privilege, and gender equality. Vulnerable and insightful, this is a worthwhile read for any parent who wants to raise a son outside of our culture’s current, limited framework of what it means to be a man.
Best Seat in the House: 18 Golden Lessons from a Father to His Son
Jack Nicklaus IINicklaus shares the most important lessons he learned from his father, legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Whether you golf or not, there are some great takeaways in this behind-the-scenes look into the Golden Bear’s life as a husband, father, and athlete.
Sh*t My Dad Says
Justin HalpernAn earnest exploration of the now-ubiquitous “dad joke.” This book started as a simple Twitter account, in which the author would tweet real things his dad said. The tweets are hilarious and outrageous, especially when read completely void of context. It’s that kind of brutal honesty that makes “Sh*t My Dad Says” a heartwarming take on the relationship between a father and son.
Dad's Maybe Book
Tim O'BrienVietnam War veteran and award-winning novelist O’Brien shares tender words of wisdom with his two sons via a series of letters written throughout their childhoods. Ever the gifted storyteller, he shares memories of his past, reflections on aging and death, and thoughts on his work as a writer. O’Brien became a father well into his 50s, and part of the impetus for this book was so his sons could have something to remember him by even after he’s gone. Fierce fatherly love is evident throughout this endearing read about the trials and tribulations of parenting.
Things My Son Needs to Know about the World
Fredrik BackmanWorried about making mistakes as a father? (What parent doesn’t?) Then Backman’s collection of essays is for you. The New York Times bestselling author of “A Man Called Ove” shares the highest highs and lowest lows that come with raising children, on top of the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Dad at Peace
Chris GethardComedian Gethard has led a relatively charmed life, able to make a living off his talents and travel the world making people laugh. But in this emotional and sobering piece, Gethard explains why he’s starting a new, quieter chapter, and how his son brings him a serenity he’s never experienced before. (Don’t worry, there are still poop jokes.) “Dad at Peace” completes Gethard’s Originals trilogy, following “Dad on Pills” and “The Lonely Dad Conversations.”
Pops
Michael ChabonChabon describes his relationship with his son and his own dad in six essays that succinctly distill what it means to be a great father. Narrated by Chabon himself, “Pops” is worth a listen for any dads or children out there who love their family and great writing.
Autumn
Karl Ove KnausgaardThe first of Knausgaard’s seasonal quartet consists of musings and short letters written to his unborn daughter. His descriptions of everyday experiences (the buzzing of bees, the taste of apples, the sound of thunder) turn the mundane into wondrous miracles, serving as poignant reminders to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
No Greatness Without Goodness: How a father's love changed a company and sparked a movement
No Greatness Without Goodness: How a father's love changed a company and sparked a movement
Randy LewisChildren often serve as inspiration for their parents’ greatest achievements and Lewis is no exception. After Lewis’ son, Austin, was diagnosed with autism, the former Walgreens executive knew that he had a duty and opportunity to advocate for people with disabilities. He went on to implement a new workforce initiative that resulted in Walgreens distribution centers hiring 10% of their employees from the disabled community — a program that went on to inspire several other Fortune 500 companies to do the same.
From Fatherless to Fatherhood
Omar EppsRapper and actor Epps knew from a young age the importance of strong male figures in a son’s life, having grown up without his biological father. The “House” actor shares a powerful message of the role society must play in breaking the cycle of abandonment within families and cultivating loving bonds between parents and children along with the surrounding community. His passion as a father is deeply felt within each story he shares about his own parenting journey.
Being a Dad Is Weird: Lessons in Fatherhood from My Family to Yours
Ben FalconeFalcone (who’s married to Melissa McCarthy) tries to apply some lessons he learned from his dad to raising his own daughters. Teachings include: Help your children believe in magic even if it might go a little too far sometimes. His humor is dashed effortlessly throughout the narratives.
Man vs. Baby: The Chaos and Comedy of Real-Life Parenting
Matt Coyne“Man vs. Baby” is a particularly fun read for first-time parents in need of some levity as they navigate the trenches of 3 a.m. feedings, interrupted sleep, and dirty diapers. Coyne’s touching memoir about the first year of his son’s life is an expletive-laden how-to guide.
Daditude
Chris ErskineErksine is known for making the most mundane aspects of suburban fatherhood entertaining in his columns for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. If you’re a fan of Dave Barry or Bill Bryson, you’ll enjoy Erksine’s witty musings about daily life with his family that blend humor, truth, and, underneath it all, a whole lot of love.
I'm Sorry...Love, Your Husband: Honest, Hilarious Stories From a Father of Three Who Made All the Mistakes (and Made up for Them)
I'm Sorry...Love, Your Husband: Honest, Hilarious Stories From a Father of Three Who Made All the Mistakes (and Made up for Them)
Nick HunterHaving made peace with the fact he’s not winning a World’s Best Dad award anytime soon, Edwards riffs on the dumbest things he’s done as a parent in this irreverent collection of essays. If you’re in need of a realistic representation of a father learning and growing as he’s raising three babies, Edwards delivers in the funniest way possible. Be warned: There’s an entire essay devoted to poop.
The Book of Dads: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood
Ben GeorgeWant the experience of sitting around with 22 writers talking about the scariest and most meaningful parts of fatherhood? “The Book of Dads” is a beautifully written anthology any dad can relate to.
The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up
Andy CohenFrom reality TV to the realities of parenthood, Cohen opens up about the joys and challenges (but mostly joys) of being a single dad to two kids. Best known for hosting “Watch What Happens Live” on Bravo TV, the author explores how his priorities drastically shifted after the birth of his daughter in April 2022. His musings are positive and heartwarming, and while he does plenty of celebrity name-dropping, none of it is salacious. This is a new side to the “King of Bravo.”
The Lonely Dad Conversations
Chris GethardFirst and foremost, comedian Gethard wants you to know that being a dad is fun and deeply rewarding — but it’s also stressful, draining, lonely, and tons of other bleak adjectives. This compilation of interviews Gethard did with his dad friends (and one mom friend) is full of candid, vulnerable insights about parenthood that men typically don’t acknowledge, let alone share.