What does it really mean to be a good father? What did your father tell you, that has stayed with you throughout your life? Was there a less...
read full description
reviews
Dec 24, 2007
Kerry
rated it: 
This book was a very enjoyable read--I laughed, I cried and I learned a few things, too. Although I always knew MY DAD was the BEST dad in the world :-)), it was nice to hear about others that shared that title! The historical perspective the stories offer is very interesting and help explain why some men respond the way they do in relationships. Understanding this could certainly put a different spin on things as many had concluded in the book. I fortunately never had to wonder whether my dad l
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jul 09, 2009
Scott
rated it:
Why I Read this Book: The importance of a father and his lessons can never be appreciated enough. This reminded me of how grateful so many of us should be.
Topics Covered:
* The importance of family and relationships
* Showing gratitude and appreciation
* Removing negative emotions
Review:
Few of us know a stronger or more unique bond than that with our fathers. As I read through this book, I experienced just about every emotion o More...
Topics Covered:
* The importance of family and relationships
* Showing gratitude and appreciation
* Removing negative emotions
Review:
Few of us know a stronger or more unique bond than that with our fathers. As I read through this book, I experienced just about every emotion o More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jul 09, 2009
Jeanne
rated it:
A compilation of letters people sent in response to his earlier book "Big Russ & Me", these stories are funny, sad, poignant and heart-warming. The chapters are grouped by theme or topic, such as Baseball, The Protector, and Missing Dads. Tim Russert's charm comes through in his introductions to each section.
I took a long time reading this book because I found myself reacting very emotionally to so many of the stories. I found myself reflecting on my own imperfect rela More...
I took a long time reading this book because I found myself reacting very emotionally to so many of the stories. I found myself reflecting on my own imperfect rela More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Feb 28, 2010
John
rated it: 
Wisdom of Our Fathers is a sentimental book. It's a series of letters from people fondly remembering aspects of their fathers. These are often one-dimensional and/or overly forgiving due to sentimentality. It's not a great book of insight into parenting, and no letter makes an amazing statement on what all fathers must do. But by avoiding pretention, Russert's collection benefits from sentimentality. After all, there is nothing wrong with sentimentality, even though it's loathed in so many liter
More...
Jul 26, 2011
Gin
rated it:
I got this book right after Tim Russert died and put it on my TBR (ToBeRead) shelf. But when it came up in rotation to be read, my father had just passed and I couldn't read it. So fast forward two years and I decided to read this compilation of tributes to fathers, dad and step-dads. I am glad that I did. So many of the tributes reminded me not only of my dad but also my god-father and father-in-law and even my husband. I read several tributes to my daughter and we laughed and cried over t
More...
Nov 22, 2010
Tamra
rated it: 
This book is filled with little short memories from children about their fathers. I believe some of these kids must have been on an acid trip while gathering their memories. Okay, I'm sorry, I'm sure there were no acid trips involved. But, perhaps a little reality got skewed along the way, which led to a little gagging from me, from time to time. Nobody's father is perfect. Sorry, it just happens to be the truth. But then again, how would I know?
Although, I have to say, there More...
Although, I have to say, there More...
Dec 08, 2009
Tim has created 21 categories of people's comments about their fathers. If I had written mine, they would fall into the "Forgiveness" chapter. Surprisingly, most are very well written - perhaps well edited by Random House's editor. I laughed and I cried. Many articles amazed me by their love or lack thereof of their fathers. All in all, a very interesting view of intra-family relations.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 28, 2008
Spudsie
rated it:
I had a hard time trying to figure out how to rate this book. In fact I almost didn't rate it--but that's not fair to the author or to any of the letter-writers featured in it.
This was a very difficult book for me to read. For a number of reasons. 'nuff said.
Tim Russert wrote brief introductions for each section/category of letters. Here's what he wrote at the beginning of "Hands (and Feet)"
"Just as I used to focus on my father's hands Luke More...
This was a very difficult book for me to read. For a number of reasons. 'nuff said.
Tim Russert wrote brief introductions for each section/category of letters. Here's what he wrote at the beginning of "Hands (and Feet)"
"Just as I used to focus on my father's hands Luke More...
May 04, 2010
Arun
rated it:
Short glimpses of ordinary fathers who impacted their sons and daughters - a mostly positive look. Told by the sons and daughters as adults looking back. Very touching stories. Taught me the importance of being there, listening, and leading with your actions. RIP Tim Russert. Hard not to compare the stories in this book with the stories of your own father.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 08, 2009
Laurin
rated it:
A beautiful collection of short letters from sons and daughters about fathers--a reminder of how fathers shape our lives and why they are important beyond measure.
I am often frustrated at the lack of respect our society at large has for Dads. This antithetical book is a loving tribute to our "heroes", and I often found myself crying page after page.
I am often frustrated at the lack of respect our society at large has for Dads. This antithetical book is a loving tribute to our "heroes", and I often found myself crying page after page.
Aug 21, 2011
Brian
rated it: 
Wow, what a book. I "read" this on CD while commuting and Tim Russert (RIP) reads the intros and endings to the chapters. The rest of the "book" is read by voice actors who do a fabulous job. I don't have much emotion usually running through my veins but this book brought tears of joy, laughter, sadness and purpose to my eyes on several occasions. It has directed me anew to work towards becoming a better father to my children and a better son to my parents. Highly recomm
Oct 19, 2009
Kathy
rated it:
Wow - Excellent book - If you have a positive or unsatisfactory relationship with your father this is a must read regarding what can for some be a painful relationship. After reading I wrote my dad a letter to let him know how much he means to me and how he positively influenced my life with his strong values.
Mar 11, 2009
Susan
rated it:
Loved this book! It illustrates in story after story how important a father's love is to his children. It can't be overestimated. It's very encouraging to read about the dignity and decency of the men discussed in this book. There's lots of spiritual food here to savor.
Dec 04, 2008
Duffy
rated it:
Excellent - not sure I would have picked prior to his passing but offers wonderful glimpse into the lives and thoughts of fathers and adult children. Especially recommended if a father grew up in or around WWII. Helped me to see my father from a different perspective.
Jan 14, 2009
Peter
rated it:
Great book about what it means to be a good father figure to your family and to others around you. I saw Tim Russert speak at my school, North Central College in Naperville Illinois, when he was explaining his book. Best moment of my life.
Jul 19, 2011
Michael
rated it:
This is a very touching collection of stories celebrating fathers and their wisdom, wit, and laughter. Some of the stories made me tear up in the car while listening, particularly those where the father goes to incredible lengths to show his love for his kids. Another story I remember is of a Dad who insisted his white daughter go to the birthday party of an African American girl in her class when none of the daughter’s friends would go. The book gave me some ideas for how to better love my o
More...
May 11, 2009
James
rated it:
This a very hear warming book. It is a wonderful tribute to the family member who sometimes gets forgotten, Dad. For new dads whom have not necessarily had a father figure to emulate this is a compilation of stories to give you some ideas.
Feb 06, 2009
Pat
rated it:
My father passed this book along to me. Like the Chicken Soup series, it's a collection of warm rememberances of fathers. I, enjoyed reading it. Tim Russert, the author and NBC news fame died while I was reading it.
Mar 03, 2009
Jan
rated it:
Rick and I have almost finished this wonderful book! Tim Russert is incredible.
This book makes you appreciate your own children, your parents and the many wonderful folks there are in this world!
This book makes you appreciate your own children, your parents and the many wonderful folks there are in this world!
Jan 04, 2009
This is a fine compilation of letters sent to the author in response to his book on his own father, titled Big Russ. It is a warm read but hard to keep a dry eye while reading.
GS
GS
Aug 05, 2009
Jamie
rated it:
Very touching, and SO true. Made me laugh out loud several times. Some parts "nearly" brought me to tears when he mentions the end of his own life - not knowing how soon that would be...
Dec 15, 2008
Milly
rated it:
I didn't read the first book, but I enjoyed this one. It is a series of letters from children re their fathers, so you can put it down and pick it up without losing track.
Mar 18, 2010
Lois
rated it:
I listened to the audio book that was read by Tim and loved it! It was sad though, since it was after he passed away. I recommend you hear it in his own voice.
Mar 06, 2009
Carol
rated it:
A real tear jerker. I guess it was that way for me because my dad was a WWII soldier and he never talked about it. And I really miss my Dad.
May 14, 2011
Erin
rated it:
Wonderful book but be sure to keep a box of tissues near by. I couldn't get past the introduction without balling my eyes out. Really great book.
May 02, 2008
Andrea
rated it:
I almost forgot about this one but an absolutely lovely, at times heart wrenching book. One of my favorites. It's compromised of all letters from sons and daughters to their dads. Some dads are still living and others gone..It's not about your dad being special but just unique.. to you. Take the good with the bad. When reading the letters you can definitely relate to some of the writers,their descriptions and characteristics of their dads. Tim Russert seems like such a good, down to earth man..a
More...
Feb 18, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
Wonderful book. He is a great writer. My husband read it also. A great gift for every father and adult son.
Jan 23, 2009
Mairin
rated it:
Both of the Tim Russert books are MUST READS. They will make every child appreciate their parents so much more.
Mar 12, 2009
Chuck
rated it:
every moment, every interaction with your child could be the one they remember for the rest of their lives
