Now, just so you know, every book on the list below tells a very different story about fatherhood, and that is the point. Fatherhood, like all the other “-hoods”, i.e. motherhood, and sisterhood, is a very complicated and hugely impactful role. For many, Father’s days can be a painful reminder of neglect, abandonment or loss; for others, this day is a celebration of sacrifice, love and dedication. When it comes to being or having a father, no two journeys are alike, and that is what we are choosing to celebrate this Father’s day. In true S’ABLE Labs fashion, We’ve put together a shortlist of our favourite books that tell the story of the Dad.
6 of the best books about fatherhood (in no particular order)
one
In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis.
two
In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves From actor/writer/producer Dan Bucatinsky, executive producer of NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? a collection of snort-milk-through-your-nose funny stories of parenthood that will obliterate the boundaries of gender and sexual orientation, and sweep readers up on a journey into fatherhood—warts and all.
three
From new parents to empty nesters to Jim’s twenty-something fans, everyone will recognize their own families in these hilarious takes on everything from cousins (“celebrities for little kids”) to growing up in a big family (“I always assumed my father had six children so he could have a sufficient lawn crew”) to changing diapers in the middle of the night (“like The Hurt Locker but much more dangerous”) to bedtime (aka “Negotiating with Terrorists”).
four
In the nine expansive, searching stories of A Lucky Man, fathers and sons attempt to salvage relationships with friends and family members and confront mistakes made in the past. An imaginative young boy from the Bronx goes swimming with his group from day camp at a backyard pool in the suburbs, and faces the effects of power and privilege in ways he can barely grasp.
five
For the September 2016 issue of GQ, Michael Chabon wrote a piece about accompanying his son Abraham Chabon, then thirteen, to Paris Men’s Fashion Week…With the GQ story as its centerpiece, and featuring six additional essays plus an introduction, Pops illuminates the meaning, magic, and mysteries of fatherhood as only Michael Chabon can.
six
By weaving together the poignant experiences of diverse men and the results of his groundbreaking survey, Chethik offers fresh insight into the unique male grieving process, encouraging men to share an experience too many have been conditioned to endure in silence.