Take it from a father . . .
590390
From the moment I purchased this book, I could tell it was like no other. The vibrant colors and illustrations keep my children captivated from start to finish and no matter how many times I read it to them; they never lose interest in the story. "Ivan Becomes a Hero" will leave a lasting impact on your children for years to come. We've owned the book now for several months and my 3 1/2 year old son gets excited every time we sit down to read it. I promise you'll love it! As a matter of fact, every giraffe your child encounters from here on out will be named Ivan. Best children's book you can buy, take it from a father!
4444417
This was such a great book to read! It's not long, but is so full of great information. We need fathers in the world to step up and take care of their families and realize the impact they have and the value they can bring to their family (other than just financial contribution).
4674640
It gets me every time. That Subaru commercial with the little girl in the driver's seat, her father anxiously offering last-minute safety reminders. I'm certain it melts the heart of every father to a daughter. They grow up far too fast.

Greg Wright realized this and so crafted a renewed, purposeful approach to fatherhood, which he outlines in Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts. Wright offers practical advice for us dads of girls on how to guide them into womanhood and to "help them develop their inner compass."

Too many daughters have grown up without their father's influence or approval. Wright asserts that it's the father's responsibility to pursue his daughter. Though she wants nothing more than to be pursued by her dad, your girl needs to be won over, not unlike her mother did. Wright suggests the best way to do this is by dating your daughter.

This isn't the Disney dad. Certainly, dates need to be fun, and that fun takes different shapes. (It used to be Build a Bear in the mall; now it's Aeropostale.) This can take place over a fancy dinner, when you've both dressed up for the occasion, or a simple walk through a park. What's essential is getting to know your daughter. What does she like to do? These dates aren't about what you like, but what she would like. More than fun, communication is the goal, which demands turning off the phone and concentrating on her.

Wright admits his is an experiment still in progress, but he offers much help in how to talk to a girl, one whose view of the world around her keeps changing. He stresses that girls, like their mothers, need to vent, to let out what's bothering them. But too often we dads just want to fix their problem and move on. Instead, Wright would say, "Can I offer a suggestion, or do you just want to talk about it some more?" That's gold!

Something likely all fathers will embrace but what just as many daughters would reject is Wright's doggedness regarding dating in high school. No dating. None. He says, "We don't have boyfriends. We don't do ownership. We do friendship, and that's it." I'm torn on this one, but I'd lean toward Wright.

In Daddy Dates, Wright gives great counsel on raising daughters, though with just a bit too much hokiness. Overall his attempts at humor, however, don't distract from the wonderful content. I recommend this book to all fathers of girls.

Now, I have three months to pick out a ring.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
2695706
A wonderful story to illustrate a father teaching his son that life is a game... that can be won if you guard your heart and grow your attitude. A concentration camp can't stop the father-son bond because of the dynamic principle of making the choice to have an incredible attitude.

No matter what you are facing today, this story will inspire you to face it with a new found courage to see the beautiful gifts that are often over-looked by those too busy or worried to see the joy. My perspective on life was broadened by watching this amazing story. I believe that your life will be blessed as well.

Here's a great coaching tip. Actively watch it by viewing it the second time with a legal pad to chart out the powerful insights that carry this family against impossible odds so that you can apply them to your own life. It's that good.
4360849
Great gift for fathers from an amazing writer.
3207232
Looking back at not having a father figure at home, finding examples of father's in our neighborhood, when it became my turn as a single father of two, I relied on biblical teaching, and many books. I wish I had The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood. These inspired writings sharing wisdom is like chicken soup for dad's or where I come from a good shot and a beer. Enjoy!!!
4352009
An insightful, honest and compassionate book told by a father of three. Each chapter has a section for questions and subjects to discuss or think about. This Dad has found a way to nurture and guide while dealing with all the complexities of our world today. Not an easy task. Well worth the read and very well written. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed and you will learn some skills about being a Father.
2993293
I really like the concept of this book.  Famous father's like Tony Dungy and Randy Alcorn among many others offer their advice as to what it takes to really connect with your children and have a better relationship.
Each of the 21 days includes a story by one of many men, a challenge to you as a father, and a plan for you to execute your plan.  Each day also includes scripture and detail about who the author is.

I believe men would really find this book appealing if they do in fact want to develop a better relationship with their progeny.  Men like plans - this book offers plans.  Men like small chunks of advise and ways to relate that information to the "real world".  Well, at least all the men I know do.
The stories are all heart-felt and realistic.  Written from the man's perspective, they apply to different times in a father's life.  There are places where our children have grown beyond the helpfulness of the advice in the context it is given.  However, one can always look back and see what he did during that stage of his children's lives and what, if anything, he might have tried to do differently.

I think it would be interesting to have men write their own final day.  What I've learned, what advice I'd give that hasn't been given, and what takeaways were the most valuable.
We all embrace the opportunity to be better parents, but, sometimes, life gets busy and it's hard to rise to the challenge without a guide-book of sorts leading the way.  Any man willing to invest three weeks in his relationship with his children will appreciate this book.

***  I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
1219060
She Still Call's Me Daddy by Robert Wolgemuth is excellent gift for any father of the bride. It would also make a great belated father's day gift. At the end of each chapter is a remodel check list that reviews the important points.  Wolgemuth uses remodel language through out the book to help the audience relate. Wolgemuth shares with the audience his personal reflections from his own wedding day and his daughters, as well as the biblical perspective of being a father- in-law. He stresses the importance of communication through out the whole book. He provides great godly advice for the in-laws about how to deal with bride and groom.
1594091
Daddy Dates gives the average Joe easy steps to actively and successfully engage with his daughter and raise a confident woman-to-be.

When faced with the reality of raising four (4!) teen daughters, Greg Wright went on a soul quest.

He came back with a mission: Don't Screw Up.

This funny, insightful, and relatable book poses the wildly original concept that should be a "duh" for most dads--but isn't: In order to raise a confident woman-to-be, show your daughter what it feels like to be treated with love, respect, and true interest by a man who loves her

With a wonderful five year old girl I got this book to see if there were any ideas in it for John and I to do with Infinity and Hayden as they grow older. Daddy Dates is a great book filled with encouragement to teach your children what to expect in a mate, the way you teach them that is by treating them the way you want their mate to treat them. I really like his idea of calling up his daughters and formally asking them on a date and giving them the option of denying him. Each of his girls has a different personality and likes and dislikes so it was not an easy one two take each girl on the same date. He stresses how important it is to get to know your girls and to take them on dates that they will enjoy, listen to them.

I hope and pray that we will have the type of relationship with Infinity and Hayden that Greg Wright has with his girls. An open honest relationship where they can come talk to John and I about anything they are struggling with. This has been John and I's prayer since we found out we were having a little girl almost six years ago.

This is a perfect book for fathers day to encourage a dad to either start dating their daughter or to give him more ideas. This book has a wealth of resources in the back of the book to help each dad get their 'game on'.

[...]
4298305
We all need a little more love, especially from fathers to their children. Intended to be both "miraculous and practical," Ed Tandy McGlasson, a former-NFL linesman turned conference speaker and author, has contributed yet another resource on fatherhood and the importance of fathers in society. Believing with passion that Malachi 4:6 will soon be a reality, he makes a passionate plea for children to maintain hope and for fathers to be available answers to the crying need in our tough society. It is interesting that McGlasson begins the book with a story of an orphanage and how they have been cared for by a spiritual father. While in a real way, there are many who may not be orphans literally, they may instead experience an absentee father. Statistics reveal that more than half of the children in America will sleep without their fathers at home, which is a shocking phenomenon, considering how strongly society places upon the importance of family. Weaved throughout the book is a subtle reminder that we too are spiritual orphans in need of our Heavenly Father.

This is a beautiful book to read as Father's Day approaches. McGlasson has woven together a book that is sensitive to the plight of children who live like orphans in this world. He has a broad understanding of the many different challenges in families, with absentee fathers, with people who have a broken childhood and many more. Gently, he guides readers toward seeking God, our Perfect Heavenly Father, who is there for us, even when we feel our earthly fathers have disappointed us. The multiperspectival use of the "father" image is especially helpful. Not only is the book for those to reminisce or to reflect upon their earthly fathers, it encourages us to seek out and receive the love of our Heavenly Father.  In the process, slowly but surely, we grow in the understanding of the importance of fathers in the family and society. We grow in appreciation of God the Father. We grow in understanding the role of fathers. Like a football coach pounding out exhortations "You can do it!" McGlasson sounds out the clarion call for all to become the fathers they are called to be. Someone has said that it is easier to become a father (biologically) than to be a father (responsibly). McGlasson encourages us to go forth not only to become the fathers we are called to be, but also to honour our fathers that God has called to be our dads. Great book!

conrade
This book is provided to me free by Baker Books and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
3942083
I gave it to my Father, to help him with his computer.
4516975
Dave Bruskas, father of four daughters, writes a book aimed at young men in their teens to twenties. Why should a prospective reader consider this book? Two decades ago, Bruskas lost an infant son. Dear Son, a message written from the heart, is the authors answer to the question, What lessons would I teach my son about being the man God wants him to be? Bruskas desires to be a fatherly help to young men who do not have practicing dads of their own.

The book is written as a conversation between an older man with much life experience and a younger man who needs a clue. As a pastor, Bruskas has fulfilled this role for many, and his real world knowledge is evident in the text. Bruskas states, But words have enormous power. They may be used to build up or tear down. With that awareness, he strives to communicate clearly so the reader gets the message.

Chapter 5 (Provider) offers practical career advice on planning and preparing for the future. The upcoming generation may have difficulty adopting a long-range view in the preparative years following high school graduation. Bruskas spells out the issues and raises great questions to help in the planning.

Chapter 10 (Vessel) covers the need for purity and personal holiness. Bruskas explains, your usefulness to Jesus and your fruitfulness in the church will be determined far more by your character than by your competency. The reader is reminded that gifts and abilities belong to God and are given as an aid in serving others.

Are you a young man in your late teens or early twenties trying to find your way? Could you use some sound life advice from one who cares? Pick up your copy of Dear Son, grab a pen, and start making notes. You will find a solid return for your time investment.

Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of Dear Son to facilitate this review.
2528178
Tell My Sons... is a book written by a dying father to his three young sons.  In it he shares the life lessons that he won't have a chance to share with them personally.  One might think that this book is a sad story.  It is not.  While his personal story is written to his sons, it applies to all of us.

In addition to having an impressive military career, Mark's stories are much more than that. It's interesting to hear the "inside story" behind all of his impressive accolades. He also tells his sons about times when he was unsure about things; when he felt scared or sad, when he made mistakes.  These are the stories we learn from.  His story is honest.  The lessons are about empowerment, and how to handle difficult (and everyday) situations.

Many times while reading the book, I said to myself "Wow!  I need to remember that!"  I'm glad I have it all in writing.  I will be going back to his book time and again.  One of his most poignant messages is about the difference between "I can't" and "I don't want to".  I think about that every time I face a challenging situation.  It helps to give me perspective.  His book really is about perspective, perserverance, personal courage and the "occasional middle finger".

I bought copies this book through the pub-lisher, and was able to get an audio download of Mark reading the book.  What a gift to his sons!  And to us.  His stories are all that much more powerful when hearing him tell them.  And sometimes a little bit of emotion sneaks through.

I have bought copies of his book for each of my three sons, myself, my husband and my dad.  It will apply to all of them in different ways and at different times.  I will ask them (and you) to buy a copy of the book and share it with someone else, and pay it forward.

I will read this book again and again.  It is a great gift idea for anyone you care about.
23746
The relationship between father and son is, , at best, a healthy challenge.
In Ian Cron's  " Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me," it takes on new meaning.
Ian writes directly from the heart and let's it all hang out.
From his Dad's alcoholism and the impact it  had on his life.
To now, the impact on being a Dad to his own three children.
Challenging. Soul searching. Sensitive.
And beautifully written.
I could not put the book down once I started.
Then, on the next day I read it again!
If you want a book you can really get into-that will get you into the author's
shocking past...and how it transformed his stance to  a loving Dad, this is it.
Buy it!
"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me,"
You'll be happy with yourself for doing so.
P.S. Ian's debut book, "Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale " is also a "must read."
1988842
Pretty good for the time. All dad's would do this if they had a chance !
2547511
I am a Father of two beautiful teens. This book along with the others in this series have proved invaluable to assisting My Wife and I to understanding and doing things that are upbuiling in your Parent-Child relationships. And isn't that what all really good parents want? Yes, Yes it is. So Read it, apply it, discuss it, Grow. All in the family will benefit from this straight forward guideance.
Enjoy. Jb