In this warm-hearted, sometimes droll, often poignant collection, a host of men and women reminisce about their fathers. Includes child's-eye views of heroic fathers, (John Wayne), incorrigibly eccentric fathers (Groucho Marx), even mafioso fathers (Sam Giancana), plus excerpts from books by Mona Simpson, Kazuo Ishiguro, and others. Illustrations.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Despite its well-defined topic, this collection of writings about fathers (some fictional, most factual) is diminished by its scattered treatment. The thoughtful, crafted excellence of certain entries is diminished by the preponderance of flip or elliptical, snippet-length observations, many of them only a sentence or two. Reminiscences about John Wayne at his last Oscar ceremony or about Kurt Vonnegut Sr.'s, architectural career, blighted by the Great Depression, are among the most affecting. Such well-known figures as Woody Guthrie and Nat Cole represent the father as hero, while comments by Lauren Bacall, Alexander Woollcott, Norman Lear and Ken Stabler depict the father as villain. A few of the observations are as poignant as Barbra Streisand's "I would have liked to have a father," but in general, this is a distractingly uneven anthology from the author of The Portable Curmudgeon .
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This compilation may sound like a Valentine to dear old Dad, but it is much more literate and reality based than most collections of this kind. True, there is an abundance of warm stories about fathers, but the collection also contains stories of revenge against harsh fathers, beloved fathers acting gruffly, and notorious fathers acting notoriously. For instance, a son who is always furious at his harsh father finally gets even by taking literally his father's command to kill a pesky kitten. To balance such hard reminiscences, there are many loving portraits, such as a piece by Candice Bergen on Edgar Bergen's Swedish breakfast room, a place of exquisite quality time between father and daughter. A good introduction by editor Winokur and expertly delivered narration by four pleasing voices make this audiobook a winner.
Mark Pumphrey, Polk Cty. P.L., Columbus, N.C.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Reliant Bookstore, El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.
Condition: good. This book is in good condition with very minimal damage. Pages may have minimal notes or highlighting. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer. Seller Inventory # RDV.0452272076.G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Seller Inventory # B17A-02726
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # V02A-03566
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Maryland Book Bank, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Used - Very Good. Seller Inventory # 3-II-4-0122
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR006660595
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR006255978
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: JARE Inc. dba Miles Books, Highland, IN, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. First edition thus. Book is clean and tight. Seller Inventory # SC030
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bearly Read Books, Sudbury, MA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Slight wear on edges. Clean throughout. Seller Inventory # 021018
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Strand Book Store, ABAA, New York, NY, U.S.A.
PaperBack. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 1418004
Quantity: 1 available
Quantity: 1 available