This is the story of a Dad, or rather DADS. There's the oldest, not wisest, the current, and struggling, and the soon to be...three generations from one family, all just trying to get it right. It takes us through their ups and downs, their good days and bad, the beginning of their journey on the road of fatherhood and through their final days, all of which are filled with memorable moments, pearls of wisdom shared, and tears to be shed. You get the chance to connect with each Dad represented in the now, while discovering where they came from, how it affected the next generation, and even how they plan on utilizing the lessons learned from those experiences to better that of their own children.

The Grandfather was trying to tie up lose ends, and in doing so uncovered some things his mind had shuffled away. It gave him time to come to peace with those moments and realize that his son knew he was coming from a place of love, even if he himself was learning along the way. The current day Dad was actually the most reflective thanks to his own father's condition, but it made for more growth not only in that relationship, but that with his wife and college aged son, both of which were also struggling in their own right. The son and possibly future father future gave us the youthful aspirations few on the world where he was still lost, still searching for what his life path was, but when the wheel was taken out of his hands, so to speak, he was able to finally listen to those around him, and really take ownership of his life to uncover where he truly wished to be.

All the feelings, all the arguments, all the love shared between these three and the family and friends they interact with along the way, go towards building the relationship and role I believe the author was trying to cement from the start. A father, a DAD is such a big part of our lives, such a responsibility as well, but one of the greatest roles that can ever be granted. Just as a mother, a sister, an aunt, an uncle, they serve as someone to guide, grow, teach, and protect. They are someone to whom we should be able to turn to for love no matter the circumstances, but also the person who has to let go and help us fly. It's painted beautifully here, and well represented between the generations. I do believe it will resonate with older teen and adult readers, both male and female, and allow those connections between the reader and the work to linger well beyond the page...and it might, for those in later years, even spark a desire to forge connections previous thought lost before it's too late.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own ( )

Dad: A Novel
By Steven Manchester
2022
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars

Chapter one introduces readers to Oliver Earle.

“How in the hell did I ever end up here? Oliver wondered for the umpteenth time. Recently, it had become his pathetic mantra.”

Readers meet his son Jonah after he picks him up from school.

“On the way home, Jonah asked, ‘Dad, were you all freaked out because you were a few minutes late?”
Oliver looked in the rearview mirror and offered a partial shrug.
The little guy chuckled. ‘You worry too much.’
‘I’m your dad. That’s my job,’ Oliver told him, thinking and you have no idea just how much. He looked back at his son again and grinned. But you will someday.’”

Readers learn of Oliver’s wife, Ginny, and their daughter Layla.

Chapter two begins introducing Robert Earle, Oliver’s father, completing readers’ entry into Oliver’s family dynamics.

“I woke up one morning and realized, I’m 72 years old, Robert thought. Now how in the hell did that happen? Although I’m retired, I …
‘Are you still with me, Dad?’ Ginny asked, yanking him from his daydream.”

Readers see Jonah’s perspective as a first-year college student in chapter three.
“How in the hell am I supposed to know where to go from here, Jonah wondered, if I have no idea where I am?”

The author’s use of similar type musings in the first three chapters is an excellent interconnection of the three men: father, son, and grandson.

Readers connect to the three quickly, drawn into their similarities while alert to their differences.

The men in this family will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly feel both the bond and the disconnect experienced by most fathers and sons.

This book grabs readers immediately, connects with them, and will be one they will not want to put down.

https://amzn.to/3HIvELC

Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, as well as author of 17th Century Tottenville History Comes Alive, first in a series of Tottenville History books. www.AngieMangino.com ( )

This is the first book that I have ever read about Dads or generations of men. The grandfather, Robert, is 72, A Vietnam veteran and is enjoying his retirement when he learns he has a devastating disease. He is the one that I felt closest. I am 75 and find myself approaching life by seeing the humor in it. When you get to be that age, you see life with many years, and you now have a different perspective, you have often been the worst times like the war that Robert had been through.

His son, Oliver, is going through a midlife crisis, feeling very untethered. He has trouble communicating with his wife, it seems what they want from each other is very different. But actually they both love each other and need to learn from each other.

The grandson, Jonah, feels lost. He loves computer games, but he cannot figure a major in college or a way forward. He does not connect his as being helpful. He skips classes. Then he suddenly found out that his girlfriend was pregnant.

Everything comes together at once. Three generations of dads.

This goes into what good fatherhood can be like and how it can bond the family together. A son can feel his father's love. There may be difficult times between father and son, but through heartfelt engagement and love, they can feel each other's love. Hopefully more books will be written in the future about this very neglected subject.

I received a hard copy of the novel from the author in exchange for my personal thoughts and feelings about this book. ( )

Dad by Steven Manchester
What I like about this book is that there are parts in there that remind me of my dad and things he did through the years.
Love that the relationships change as time goes on as they draw closer to one another.
They are all strong and brave in their own way and got each others backs. Hard parts are the struggles but rewards come through from the hard work done.
Big hands, this is so my father. I think the more work he did is testament to them being so large. I recall when he worked up to 4 jobs a day, He also treasured family especially at holidays.
It was unwritten but you had to be at family gatherings, even if you had to bring your in=
laws with you that was accepted also.
Thanks to all who helped make this book, so much research, love local places mentioned that are no longer around.
Can't wait for the next book from this author.
A KEEPER! Beautiful story.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. ( )

I have read many books by Mr. Manchester. The thing that I really like about his books are how character driven the stories are. Yet, at the same time strong in the lesson as well. First the characters. This book centers around three generations of men...Robert, Oliver and Jonah.

Instantly, I formed a strong bond with Robert, the matriarch of the family. He had a careful and kind nature about him. Although, this partly came from the fact that he was enjoying his retirement. Yet, whenever he was talking, I was drawn to his words.

Oliver and Jonah were a tie for me for second. It was lovely to see the close relationship that Oliver shared with his son, Jonah. He was there to help guide him through life; while at the same time allowing him to grow into his own man.

Fatherhood is a great honor. One that comes with great responsibility, pride, and love. "There's no love like a father's love." ( )