Father: Short Stories

"The works in this collection of essays, short stories, and verse all feature fathers—some are loving, and some not; some are responsible, and some not. Some of these works are clearly memoirs or brief biographies, while others are fiction. The opener, “When Your Name Is Not in the Box,” offers Ann Nunnally’s recollections of her father, who, she writes, was imprisoned for her grandfather’s murder and struggled with drugs and alcohol his entire life; she also tells of how, as a child, she saw Jesus as a parental figure. Jennifer Horne offers two poems, “Hot Springs High” and “Nomenclature,” which more abstractly relay complex feelings of connection to a parent. Some works feature estranged fathers, and others are odes of admiration, either for fathers’ accomplishments or their values. In “The List,” Christal Ann Rice Cooper submits a list of 90 items that endear their dad to them, including “Every place we lived, my dad would always have a swing for me.” Each anecdote has its own distinct tone and style, and their thoughtful placement creates a varied pace that makes it easy for readers to remain engaged. The stories are set against a backdrop of varied cultural, social, and emotional landscapes, allowing for a rich exploration of different familial dynamics. Some fathers embody qualities of a guiding mentor and protective guardian, while others exhibit characteristics of a distant figure struggling to connect. Although the authors’ perspectives are starkly different, there are cohesive themes of love, duty, addiction, and, in several cases, death. Overall, the book captures the multifaceted ways that parents influence lives, and showcases the joys, challenges, and complexities of such relationships.

Realistic and tender portraits of fathers that will resonate with readers." - Kirkus Reviews