Father's Day Gift Ideas (Books)

I’m not really putting together a Father’s Day Gift Guide. Rather, I’m going to do two days of gift ideas (Books and Unique Gifts).

Books are some of my favorite things. Below are eight that I think will make wonderful Father’s Day gifts for a variety of dads:

1. Afterbirth: Stories You Won’t Read in a Parenting Magazine
“(It) is a new book offering compassion and hope for parents of any age and disciplinarian follower. (It) is not a sentimental love-fest about the joys of parenthood. Rather, it has more heart in its depictions about the shocking, wonderful, and terrible moments of being a parent, and embraces the complaints, brutally honest opinions, and parental failings about the most mystifying job in the world. Afterbirth is largely written by fathers, and not just any fathers, but some of the funniest dads today, most of whom are award-winning comedy and television writers.”


2. Always By My Side
”The National Sportscaster of the Year beautifully recounts his loving relationship with his own father, Jim Nantz Sr., who ultimately succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. Nantz discusses how his father shaped him as a person, and helped him become the man he is today.”


3. Crash Course for New Dads: Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets
"Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, has recently released his second book on fathering…which serves as a terrific "how to" guide for new fathers."


*4. Dance Me, Daddy
” In her new children’s book, singer/songwriter and 2009 Dove Award Winner Cindy Morgan celebrates the bond between fathers and daughters everywhere. With lively illustrations by Philomena O’Neill, Dance Me, Daddy recalls the days when Daddy was the “King of the World.” The final copy of the book will include a CD with the song “King of the World” (written by Morgan and inspiration for the book) performed by Point of Grace, as well as a reading of the book by Morgan.” (I was sent this beautiful book. Since I don't have a daughter, I'm going to give it to one of my mom friends that does have a little girl.)


5. Keel's Simple Diary Volume One
“This unique mole-skin diary is TASCHEN’s first release primarily filled with text which TASCHEN describes as, “a book that provides us with a little comfort in difficult times.” Illuminating thought starters, queries and illustrations enable the reader/creator to explore, navigate and document the chaotic adventure that is life.”


6. LAMENTATIONS OF THE FATHER
“Celebrated humorist Ian Frazier’s (book is) a collection of The New Yorker contributor’s essays from the past fourteen years of his career. Stories included are “The Cursing Mommy Cookbook,” “Kid Court,” and “How to Operate the Shower Curtain.”


7. LIFE with Father
“Celebrate the joys of parenthood. Featuring celebrities—think Jackie and Caroline Kennedy—and everyday moms and dads; these books are the perfect gift to express the sentiments words cannot.”


8. Love Equals Sacrifice
“An emotional and moving autobiography chronicling the author's experiences caring for a father with Alzheimer's and his realization that true love does not come without sacrifice.”