A Dad's Purpose
In the beginning, children actually listen to Dad, mainly because they don’t realize they have any other choice. Sometimes even the dog pays attention. But gradually, things get out of hand. A DAD'S PURPOSE, from W. Bruce Cameron, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose and 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, is an instant classic. In this heartwarming book, Cameron comes to grips with how the chaos of children and parents and pets and homes conspire to turn a once perfectly normal life completely upside down. He quickly learns that the role of "Dad" must wear many hats -- from novice yogi to Montgomery Moose stand-in, to chili contest judge and free financial advisor. Cameron balances the hilarious moments of parenthood with the profound, poignant aspects of a dad’s life. Because although there may come a day when a father is relieved to hang up his moose costume, he will always treasure the times when his child wasn’t yet embarrassed to hold his hand. These moments are fleeting, but Cameron has captured them in A DAD’S PURPOSE. Whether you have a dad, are a dad, or might become a dad, please know that no one else is doing fatherhood perfectly either, and read this book of camaraderie and appreciation.
W. Bruce Cameron, who wrote some great books about dogs and daughters – no he wasn’t comparing them, has returned with his trademarked insightful wit to provide the world with his views on what it means to be a dad. If you are familiar with his work then you’ll love this and if you’ve never read one of his books or columns consider this a great introduction to an amazing writer.
This book doesn’t read like one story but instead a collection of moments that shaped his view on parenthood, being a man and how to be a better human being in general. Reading about his time with John Ritter was especially eloquent and it was nice to find out that Ritter was as great in private as he seemed to be in his acting career. 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, which was based on one of Cameron’s works, was a fantastic show that never quite recovered after Ritter’s death.
With Father’s Day coming up shortly I thought this would make a great gift for my dad and husband and after finishing it I know it’s something I will have to get for them. He has great advice and insight for fathers of kids of all ages and how to guide them when they get to an age they feel like they don’t need their ‘dad’ anymore. The writing is as humorous as you’d expect but most importantly it allows you to take a break from seeing life as such a stressful and difficult job to accomplish; instead you get to take a few moments to see it with different eyes.
Some of the chapters/columns may seem out of touch because he’s writing about things that aren’t around anymore like the early days of the internet and email but there’s this nostalgic quality to his writing that makes them seem priceless instead of outdated.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cameron Productions, INC for allowing me to review this book.
*synopsis and pic from netgalley.com