Dad You Suck

I bought this as a gift for my son-in-law, after having presented him with the same author's "How To Be A Husband" some years ago. We both read and (I think both) enjoyed that one (which is roughly focussed on the part of Dowling's home life which involves his wife), so I had high hopes for this follow-up, which concentrates more on stories about his three sons. Assembled, like his previous book, from his columns in The Guardian, It's written in the same dry, ironical fashion as he observes the things which his sons say (including, of course, the quote he's used as the title of this book) and do. To say Dowling's tone is self-deprecating is like saying King Kong is a big hairy gorilla: it's superficially accurate, but doesn't convey the full picture of how he delineates his failings and mistakes. Thus:"As my children get older, I feel less like a stay-at-home dad and more like a neglected pet. Sometimes it makes me want to chew up something they own." [p118]"The potting bench doesn't look like a bench. It looks like a bunch of wood wrapped in plastic with a picture of a bench stuck on the front. Before I can stop her, my wife has opened the plastic, letting the loose timber clatter to the ground. 'Shall I get you the drill?' she says." [p121]"Also, I have a beard at the moment, the product of eight weeks of not shaving. I didn't grow it on purpose, exactly, but I'm still pleased with it. I have found the point where sloth meets affectation, and I like it there." [p191]Turns of phrase like this still raised the occasional chuckle, but I was beginning to find this unrelenting schtick somewhat less endearing than in the previous book (which is a bit surprising, since this one is shorter). A diverting read, nonetheless.

An enjoyable read from Tim Dowling in his warm, self deprecating style. Easy to put down and pick up - not a great novel but more a lifestyle log.

Sorry but I just didn't find it very funny and felt it was a bit contrived.

A nice little read, quite amusing.

Just fabulous!