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Arts & Entertainment

Great reads for dads

Father's Day is Sunday, and as always, I'm on the lookout for books that make great gifts. This year, I thought it would be fun to ask several dads around the Daily Press newsroom for suggestions. Here's what they had to say.

From entertainment staff writer Mike Holtzclaw: "'Big Russ and Me' and 'Wisdom of Our Fathers,' both by Tim Russert. The first is a loving and fun memoir of his relationship with his dad. After that book came out and was a big success, Russert was inundated with messages and notes from people who wanted to share their stories of their fathers. He put together a follow-up, 'Wisdom of Our Fathers,' inspired by those notes that he received. It might even be better than the memoir. Just a really amazing book, and I think any father of any age would be moved and inspired by it."

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History/arts staff writer Mark Erickson said, "When my son, Owen, picked out his first book at 18 months old I didn't know it would still be a favorite four years later. Filled with pictures, diagrams, maps and illustrated step-by-step scenarios, 'DINOSAURS: The World's Most Terrifying Creatures' (by Veronica Ross) is our go-to book — and I've learned almost as much as he has."

News staff writer Dave Ress recommends "The Centaur" by John Updike. "My favorite Updike novel, about the complicated feelings of a son toward his schoolteacher father. Interweaves vivid images of high school with Greek mythology, of all things."

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From Sports columnist David Teel: "Noted baseball fanatic John Grisham steps away from his legal thrillers in 'Calico Joe,' a breezy, ideal-for-summer tale of not only baseball intrigue but also the father-son dynamic."

DP staffers write

On the local author front, the dad or father-figure in your life might enjoy these books by three Daily Press writers:

•For the history scholar, consider "Governor Edward Coles and the Vote to Forbid Slavery 1823-1824" by David Ress. Ress describes the book as a "tale about the Virginian who became Illinois' second governor and who fought off an effort by the new state's elite to legalize slavery." It's a timely work, considering the upcoming "Juneteenth" anniversary that commemorates Union soldiers' 1865 enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation.

•Dads who live and breathe Virginia sports will appreciate David Teel's recently published collection, "Press Pass: Thirty Years of Bylines, Headlines and Deadlines with David Teel." The book's highlights include Teel's experiences covering the local famous, and infamous, sports celebrities – including Michael Vick, Allen Iverson and Mike Tomlin—as well as major events such as Super Bowl XVIII and the 1996 Summer Olympics.

•Fathers who like local history will be interested in, "Out of the Sea Came Pirates! The Golden Age of Piracy in Hampton Roads" by Mark St. John Erickson. The book includes the critical battles, personalities, raids and trials of the region's notorious pirates.

To purchase these books, check major online retailers.

Price can be reached at 757-247-4745.

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Writers' Block

Leah Price covers the local writing community and is always on the lookout for new releases or upcoming events. If you have news to share, contact her at ldprice@dailypress.com


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