Official Review: Confessions of a 21st Century Dad
-
P_hernandez
- Posts: 146
- Joined: 19 Jan 2016, 18:31
- Currently Reading: Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children
- Bookshelf Size: 39
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-p-hernandez.html
- Latest Review: "Anna's Way" by D.F.Jones
Official Review: Confessions of a 21st Century Dad
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Confessions of a 21st Century Dad" by Daniel Rourke.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Daniel Rourke begins his autobiographical missive in that dreaded state of reluctant wakefulness as he listens to his children start to stir in the very early hours of the morning. If you've ever been charged with tending to small ones when you wished to be dreaming instead, you would identify with the entire rhetoric of Daniels monologue. For his true to life renderings of parenthood, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars.
This book was a very quick read, but that is not to say it lacked content or was poorly written. A few times while reading this I laughed right out loud and understood the struggles the author was venting about. Especially the bits he threw in that went along the lines of "I have x amount of children. I am in public. I am struggling. Nobody cares." The reality of his plights made me giggle and the easy way he was able to size up another parent and judge them with hilarity was refreshing.
Yet, at times, I found myself wondering about his spouse. Why didn't she ever help? Why didn't she have to be with the children? I realize this is written from the point of view of the father (hence the title) but a small bit of backstory or involvement from Charlie would have given this an even richer reality. I felt like if this were more of a fictional creation, the flow of the story wouldn't seep into that neighboring parallel of "Why do I care about this, again?" I enjoyed this fathers point of view because I can identify. He gives the impression that he would be a terrific dad and an amazing person to hang out with at the playground whilst judging the other types of parents around, but at the same time, the reader has to focus on the fact that they are reading this and there is nothing more to the story than how much this man loves his children.
His prose is easy to read and enjoyable to encounter. There were a few different chapters that were beautifully written and so descriptive. The author should continue to write. He's good at it. I gave this book 3 stars instead of 4 because even though there were moments of true talent that shone through, there were also moments where I found myself checking my watch and seeing how many pages are left in the chapter. In the end, the slow going parts were worth it. Being a parent is a thankless job. Daniel Rourke captures and interprets every subtle Thank You his children throw his way. Even if it does mean giving up who you once were so you can witness miracles happen in the form of first steps, sleepless nights, and endless, endless, piles of diapers.
Confessions of a 21st Century Dad is funny, relatable, engaging, and sentimental. It's definitely worth reading!
******
Confessions of a 21st Century Dad
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like P_hernandez's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Daniel Rourke begins his autobiographical missive in that dreaded state of reluctant wakefulness as he listens to his children start to stir in the very early hours of the morning. If you've ever been charged with tending to small ones when you wished to be dreaming instead, you would identify with the entire rhetoric of Daniels monologue. For his true to life renderings of parenthood, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars.
This book was a very quick read, but that is not to say it lacked content or was poorly written. A few times while reading this I laughed right out loud and understood the struggles the author was venting about. Especially the bits he threw in that went along the lines of "I have x amount of children. I am in public. I am struggling. Nobody cares." The reality of his plights made me giggle and the easy way he was able to size up another parent and judge them with hilarity was refreshing.
Yet, at times, I found myself wondering about his spouse. Why didn't she ever help? Why didn't she have to be with the children? I realize this is written from the point of view of the father (hence the title) but a small bit of backstory or involvement from Charlie would have given this an even richer reality. I felt like if this were more of a fictional creation, the flow of the story wouldn't seep into that neighboring parallel of "Why do I care about this, again?" I enjoyed this fathers point of view because I can identify. He gives the impression that he would be a terrific dad and an amazing person to hang out with at the playground whilst judging the other types of parents around, but at the same time, the reader has to focus on the fact that they are reading this and there is nothing more to the story than how much this man loves his children.
His prose is easy to read and enjoyable to encounter. There were a few different chapters that were beautifully written and so descriptive. The author should continue to write. He's good at it. I gave this book 3 stars instead of 4 because even though there were moments of true talent that shone through, there were also moments where I found myself checking my watch and seeing how many pages are left in the chapter. In the end, the slow going parts were worth it. Being a parent is a thankless job. Daniel Rourke captures and interprets every subtle Thank You his children throw his way. Even if it does mean giving up who you once were so you can witness miracles happen in the form of first steps, sleepless nights, and endless, endless, piles of diapers.
Confessions of a 21st Century Dad is funny, relatable, engaging, and sentimental. It's definitely worth reading!
******
Confessions of a 21st Century Dad
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like P_hernandez's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Anna's Way" by D.F.Jones
