A couple days ago I finished reading Father Fiction: Chapters For A Fatherless Generation by Donald Miller.
You need to read this book.
Father Fiction is a book written by a man who grew up without a father, and about all the life lessons and truths he missed out on because of it. He opens up the heart and mind of a boy with no father, and his free-flowing candor makes the journey feel as natural as a conversation with a friend. As he writes, he also teaches, and it is inspiring. And in more ways than one, I related to the things he had to say.
The gist of the book centered around the idea that every boy learns what it means to be a man from having a dad in his life, and so if you didn’t have one around, you grew up misinformed and unsure about important areas of life. What’s interesting to me is how this book isn’t limited to those boys who didn’t have dads. This book is for girls too, and for kids who had dads but they were extremely flawed men.
Honestly I was surprised at how much I related to this book and connected to the things Donald had to say. Either I could see these characteristics lived out in others, or I related to them through experiences in my own life. Even though I have a wonderful stepfather who led our family in a positive spiritual way, I also have a dad who left. As wonderful as I consider my upbringing to have been, I have come to understand that there will always be a wound by a deadbeat father, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, or how young you might have been.
This book would make a great study for a men’s group; most of the chapters are short and to the point but pack enough punch for hours of conversation. I know I will be using it and reading it often as I continue to work with young men especially. Even if you had a wonderful father in your life growing up, this book will be an asset for you as you live and work around those who did not. This book will play an important part in your relationships no matter which camp you grew up in. (Pat, I’d really love to get your thoughts on this book. Ashley, you need to read this book, and then talk to me about it. Josh, I want to hear what you think about it too.)
This is an important book — buy it.
July 5, 2010
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