notthemonalisa's review against another edition
3.0
Raising children takes a village, and the fact that this is unusual in western culture saddens me. This book was a cool way to circumvent that- even if the inciting incident is something I hope never happens to me or my family.
Touching, sweet and intriguing, this book was a good read.
Touching, sweet and intriguing, this book was a good read.
adam_wy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Enjoyed the concept but wasn't convinced it makes the most sense. He wants people who can speak with his voice but then chooses people who he admires for their qualities. Some of which he shares. As a father it was an emotional premise for a book but I found it marred by the lack of relatability. Everyone he chose was a paragon of wisdom or well renowned on their field. It all became a bit saccharine and felt fictionalised.
mattyzmom's review against another edition
4.0
The concept is a great one: If you are no longer in your children's lives then find someone who would be a great replacement. I was able to take in the concept and realize the few people in my life who would help me out of needed. We should all have people who will step up. This book is about finding those people.
clc1215's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book. Definitely gives new dads things to think about that probably do not naturally cross one's mind in early fatherhood. Highly highly recommend.
heatherbermingham's review against another edition
4.0
The author is diagnosed with bone cancer while in his early-40's. Worried about leaving his young daughters alone, he handpicks a few friends from all times and walks of his life and forms a Council of Dads to take over should he die. I really liked this book although I admit, as someone who lost my dad very young, it struck a special chord for me.
mich_mm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.25
I vaguely remember when the show based on this book was on TV so I figured I'd give it a shot. I usually don't enjoy nonfiction and find it tedious but this book was a very easy read and I finished it rather quickly.
esnapp1's review against another edition
3.0
I’ll be honest, I only read this because I loved the show. The book is nothing like the show at all, so I’m trying not to see through a tainted lease. It is absolutely beautifully written. It’s a wonderful sentiment. And his daughters should cherish this for the rest of their lives. But I just felt like it needed a little more. Like bringing things full circle? I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I feel like it was missing.
krspokas's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Inspiring concept. It makes me wish I had something in place since my mom passed. I like the general idea of expanding the meaning of family beyond blood relatives.
hillarya's review against another edition
3.0
A pretty quick read about relationships and love and enduring hardships. I enjoyed the refresher on how blessed we are even through our trials.