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Father Fiction: Chapters for a Fatherless Generation
With honest humor and raw self-revelation, bestselling author Donald Miller tells the story of growing up without a father and openly talks about the issues that befall the fatherless generation. Raw and candid, Miller moves from self-pity and brokenness to hope and strength, highlighting a path for millions who are floundering in an age without positive male role models....more
Hardcover, 208 pages
Published
April 6th 2010
by Howard Books
(first published February 28th 2006)
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This might be a five star. I found this book to be thoughtfully written and thought-provoking. I grew up having a great relationship with my father. Miller, however, grew up with a mostly absent father. This book contains his reflections on the place of fatherhood in society and how the absence of fathers affect us. (Eighty-five percent of prison inmates grew up in a fatherless home.)
I like his observations about family. He talks a lot about how parents instill purpose into the lives of their c...more
I like his observations about family. He talks a lot about how parents instill purpose into the lives of their c...more
For some reason this book isn't considered one of Donald Miller's "greatest hits" but I consider this book one of my all time favorites. If you know anyone who grew up without their father, hand this to them. Miller gears this book toward males, but it was very relevant for me as a female. It is sad, but I've suspected for a long time this book didn't do so well because of the cover - it is really ugly.
I just finished reading Don Miller's To Own a Dragon. It was a great read, although, someone will have to explain the title to me.
Reading Don Miller is a lot of fun. He makes you think. Blue Like Jazz was the book that put Miller on the map. My favorite book of Don's is Searching for God Knows What. Don knocked it out of the park with that one. I couldn't hang in there long enough to enjoy Through Painted Deserts, but my wife liked it.
To Own a Dragon was good, though. Miller really does have a...more
Miller writes a book that will be encouraging and helpful to men, whether they are young men growing up without a father and seeking a sense of purpose for life or fathers seeking to understand their own role in the lives of their children (especially the lives of their sons). It is also a book to be read by men who sense the call to mentor fatherless young men and boys. Finally, it is a word to men who need to let go of resentments. In a final chapter entitled “pardon” he describes meeting his...more
To Own A Dragon is soon to be re-released under a different title, relative more deftly to the elephant's referenced in the writings.
I have to admit, I am a fatherless child as well, but I did not respond to this book at all the way I thought I would. Mr. Miller's prose, although hauntingly beautiful and powerful in its simplicity, told the story of a boy thrust into adulthood unprepared and ill-equipped due to the lack of a father in his life. It seemed, given our similar childhood experiences...more
I have to admit, I am a fatherless child as well, but I did not respond to this book at all the way I thought I would. Mr. Miller's prose, although hauntingly beautiful and powerful in its simplicity, told the story of a boy thrust into adulthood unprepared and ill-equipped due to the lack of a father in his life. It seemed, given our similar childhood experiences...more
This is the third book I have read by Donald Miller. The other two are Blue like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What. I am a big fan of the way Miller writes. His books make me laugh and they also make me contemplate. He has a way of writing that makes it feel like you are having a conversation with him.
This book is about growing up without a father and the affect that can have on your life. My father was an active part of my life, but in my line of work with youth at our church I run into kid...more
This book is about growing up without a father and the affect that can have on your life. My father was an active part of my life, but in my line of work with youth at our church I run into kid...more
This is a Donald Miller book full of his characteristic style - self-deprecating gentle humor, honest observations, quiet conversations, awkward oversharing about interactions with women, references to his childish refusal to read the Bible, beautiful musings on God's love without any real mention of the cross. In theory, there is a common thread about the damage done to children who grow up without fathers, but it doesn't really unite the book in practice. As they did in Blue Like Jazz, Miller'...more
Jan 07, 2012
Rohan Kallicharan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
religion,
chronicles
Donald Miller is easy to read and very engaging with his reader. He is able to approach potentially difficult subjects in an uncomplicated manner, which is the secret to his success.
This book will help those who have grown up without the presence of a father, whether through death, abandonment or any other circumstance. It also affirms the role of a mother - particularly the single one.
It is a very enjoyable yet uplifting read.
This book will help those who have grown up without the presence of a father, whether through death, abandonment or any other circumstance. It also affirms the role of a mother - particularly the single one.
It is a very enjoyable yet uplifting read.
A more mature, more refined and settled Miller, like a good red wine, is a gorgeous, complex pleasure, to be savored slowly and remembered fondly. If you found "Blue Like Jazz" thought-provoking, and "A Million Miles" exhilarating, this will subtly stagger you. "Father Fiction" plunges into the dark places with a quiet courage, and the changes made (to the work, and to the individual) since Mr. Miller found his father give the book the substance and solidness.* "Father Fiction" deftly and direct...more
I'm a big fan of Donald Miller and he did not disappoint with this one. I find his writing style to be very conversational and down to earth which really appeals to me. This book felt like his most personal one yet. I could relate to much of what he wrote about here. While my own father didn't abandon me, he wasn't exactly the father figure I needed him to be. In fact, I really haven't had any good male role models growing up and that is something that I have been seeking for the longest time. I...more
when my son wanted nothing to do with me, I bought this book online. After finishing it, I have gained insight on how a boy feels and the struggle he has within himself on feeling rejected by his father. If I could turn back time, I would have never mated with the man that I did KNOWING that he wouldn't have been a good father to my lost, hardened son. At the time, all I cared about was myself and saving myself from myself, I decided to have a child.
This book captivated me and I didn't wish for...more
This book captivated me and I didn't wish for...more
To Own a Dragon is Miller's reflections on what it's like as a man to grow up without a father. As a woman, it was an interesting experience reading a book written for men, identifying with some of the issues (my parents are divorced, but my dad is a part of my life) but finding some of his thoughts utterly alien to my experience. Which I expected.
The book is 'co-written' by his mentor, which really means that his mentor was hugely influential in his life. MacMurray influenced and modeled for Mi...more
The book is 'co-written' by his mentor, which really means that his mentor was hugely influential in his life. MacMurray influenced and modeled for Mi...more
This book is going to go down as one of the most life changing books I will have read in 2009.
I really enjoy Donald Miller's writing style. I really want to read more of his work. I don't believe that he has the greatest grasp on theology but God has taught him many things in regards to being "Fathered" by God and Donald does a great job of presenting it in this book. He uses fantastic analogies, great profound thoughts and very clear explanations.
Donald has written the book from the standpoint...more
I really enjoy Donald Miller's writing style. I really want to read more of his work. I don't believe that he has the greatest grasp on theology but God has taught him many things in regards to being "Fathered" by God and Donald does a great job of presenting it in this book. He uses fantastic analogies, great profound thoughts and very clear explanations.
Donald has written the book from the standpoint...more
I liked Miller's conversational style of writing. He his honest in his exploration of his own life and his search for validation. Even as a woman who grew up with a father, I learned more about who God is as a father, and that he's fathering me. Don put deep spiritual ideas in a fresh voice that allowed me to hear them again and think about them in a new way. As a teacher, I appreciated his chapter on education. It reminded me that I am a missionary in public schools and can show students hope a...more
This is a Don Miller book. Hence,
-Charming anecdotes from his life
This book is more on the raw side of human experience, but it nevertheless keeps a spry tone. Don writes on what the lack of a father meant to him and the texture of his growth into manhood. Because failure is inherant to this process there is plenty to entertain.
-Self-deprecating wit
The highlights in this category come from the times when his less-mature views clash with God's or a mentor's more-mature views. An example is when h...more
-Charming anecdotes from his life
This book is more on the raw side of human experience, but it nevertheless keeps a spry tone. Don writes on what the lack of a father meant to him and the texture of his growth into manhood. Because failure is inherant to this process there is plenty to entertain.
-Self-deprecating wit
The highlights in this category come from the times when his less-mature views clash with God's or a mentor's more-mature views. An example is when h...more
As always, Don knocks it out of the park. Terrific insight on a difficult subject. I was hooked from the prologue. I think you will be, too.
Bestselling author Donald Miller wants to rewrite the story of fatherlessness in America. He's not only seen what happens when a child grows up without a dad, but he's lived it: his father left the family when he was a small boy. It felt him feeling like half a man, certain that boys with fathers were taught what it meant to be a "real man", and torn between the desire to scoff at the need for a father and desire to be fathered.
In Father Fiction, he writes candidly about his experiences. Various...more
In Father Fiction, he writes candidly about his experiences. Various...more
I'm never sure how to describe Donald Miller books. "Ramblings on Spirituality" might make a good subtitle for all of them. This book's subtitle is "Reflections on Growing Up without a Father." Reflections might be another way of saying rambling.
I'm not complaining; Donald Miller is a fun author to read! It was just hard to understand why he wrote this book. I suppose that authors need to write to earn a living, so you just write what you want and put it together in a semi-organized way. (Kind o...more
I'm not complaining; Donald Miller is a fun author to read! It was just hard to understand why he wrote this book. I suppose that authors need to write to earn a living, so you just write what you want and put it together in a semi-organized way. (Kind o...more
This book was not really written for me. A) I am a woman and B) I have a great dad. This book was written primarily to the staggering number of fatherless boys and men out there, who struggle with their identities and figuring out how they fit into the world. Something like 90 percent of men in prison come from fatherless families, and knowing this (and being a fatherless son who could have easily ended up in prison) Miller lays out some life lessons for those who find themselves without a dad t...more
This may only be the second work of Donald Miller's that I have read, but he is quickly becoming a favorite. His writing is always light, humorous and conversational - which works for me. He writes from life and what he knows, and the uncertainty he has struggled with along the way. I was initially attracted to this book because: a) I knew it would be spiritually related; and b) I lost my father at a very young age. This book is clearly not designed for the female reader, and makes the assumptio...more
Apr 15, 2012
keeks
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE!!!
Recommended to keeks by:
Lindy
This book was fantastic! It is raw and thought provoking. Don't let the title fool you into thinking this is only for those who grew up without fathers-Donald Miller's insights are rare and unique! Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! (February 13, 2008)
Reviewed again March 2012 (www.theycallmekeeks.com):
To Own a Dragon: Reflections on Growing Up Without a Father (2006) by Donald Miller & John MacMurray is an incredibly thought-provoking read.
Donald Miller writes transparently about gr...more
Reviewed again March 2012 (www.theycallmekeeks.com):
To Own a Dragon: Reflections on Growing Up Without a Father (2006) by Donald Miller & John MacMurray is an incredibly thought-provoking read.
Donald Miller writes transparently about gr...more
So, I grew up with a father, a great one at that, so I mainly read this book because I am a big fan of Donald Miller. It was great to get Don's perspective about being fatherless, and the huge impact that can have on someone. Don's writing is simple, but not simplistic. He bears his soul, and its impossible not to be touched by his insight. His walk through his faith, and how to relate to God the Father was eye-opening for me. I've given the book to Gabe to read, as I think any father should, to...more
This fourth read from Miller was to be chock full of thoughts and insights on the harsh and hilarious realities of growing up fatherless, as he did when his father "split" when he was quite young. Unfortunately this thin book wades through tales of Miller's years spent in the garage apartment of his friend and mentor, John MacMurray, who's billed as the co-author. (I'd not want my name attached to this book if I was him.)
Long story long, this book was simply a disappointment. The subject matter...more
Long story long, this book was simply a disappointment. The subject matter...more
Donald Miller is very readable. I guess this book is aimed at men who grew up without a father figure, but it was still an interesting and quick read. I think Miller was over-simplistic on some points, and I suspect that he still has a long way to go on understanding women and what they want. I also think he's kind of fixated on this question of what it is to be a man. Maybe it's an important question but I guess the danger is that as soon as you start to make generalisations about a topic like...more
What can I say? It is a Donald Miller book. If you like his books, you'll like this. If you don't, then you probably won't. He has a natural way of showing his life--complete with struggles, victories, embarrassing experiences. I've seen Miller lumped in with some emergent thinkers; I've talked with many who would prefer to keep him out of that group. Part of this reason is likely because when you get to the end of his books you don't really know where he stands on some things--some important th...more
Young orphaned elephants will be consumed with rage and aggression if they have no mentor or older male companion to guide them....a good analogy by the author of what it feels like for those of us who have been fatherless. And at the end, the authors message to us who have been abandoned by fathers - It is that we would not be arrogant victims, but wounded healers....I will be visiting my father who is in prison for the first time since I was a toddler because I believe this is the path of a wo...more
A good read for guys. Women would like it too, but it is written for a male audience. It's a page turner. I'm not sure sure how he does it, but Don Miller makes this an interesting book...I read it in one sitting, aside from one small break that involved the eating of an entire can of biscuits with homemade grape jam.
There's really not too much about dragons in the book. Come to think of it, the dragons only appear in a single sentence or two.
There's really not too much about dragons in the book. Come to think of it, the dragons only appear in a single sentence or two.
Another home run by Donald Miller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, yet another chapter in Don's spiritual journey. Not only is the book easy to read but Don once again keeps us chuckling. Don and his friend John write about the absence of father, and what that absence can do to a person's perspective of God. It occurred to me while reading, however, that even though some people have fathers who aren't necessarily absent, they still might not be the best example of who God the Father is. So I rec...more
This is the first Miller book I've read. I enjoy his autobiographical writing style in all its vulnerability. He shows that sons who grow up without a father (his father took off and didn't come back into his life for 30 years) miss out on a lot and face many obstacles. Yet that doesn't mean these young men are doomed to fail and to be unproductive. Some of the writing is simplistic, some mundane. Much of it reads like a diary that, after awhile, becomes too introspective.
Aug 03, 2011
Grant Davis
added it
This book was formerly published as "To Own A Dragon". This book has found its way into my heart as one of my favorites. I grew up with a broken relationship between my father and I which led to some serious issues that I had to confront and work through. This book is like a good friend walking side-by-side with you telling you "everything will be alright if you just trust in God".
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Donald Miller grew up in Houston, Texas. Leaving home at the age of twenty-one, he traveled across the country until he ran out of money in Portland, Oregon, where he lives today.
Harvest House Publishers released his first book, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance, in 2000. Two years later, after havin...more
More about Donald Miller...
Donald Miller grew up in Houston, Texas. Leaving home at the age of twenty-one, he traveled across the country until he ran out of money in Portland, Oregon, where he lives today.
Harvest House Publishers released his first book, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance, in 2000. Two years later, after havin...more
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“I fell in love with books. Some people find beauty in music, some in painting, some in landscape, but I find it in words. By beauty, I mean the feeling you have suddenly glimpsed another world, or looked into a portal that reveals a kind of magic or romance out of which the world has been constructed, a feeling there is something more than the mundane, and a reason for our plodding.”
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