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49 THINGS TO DO WITH DAD BEFORE HE DIES: A Funny and Moving Novel To Warm Your Heart
Max Spencer never wanted to be a dad. Nothing has changed now that he is one.
To make matters worse, his girlfriend has walked out and left him on his own with his sixteen-week-old daughter, Samantha.
Max knows all too well the damage a useless dad can do and is determined that history won't repeat itself. Therefore, he decides to give Samantha up in order that she can enjoy the childhood he was denied.
Then, on Samantha's first birthday, he is given a chart, a list of things they can do together. It's a pointless gift though, as the plans he has for Samantha mean that they'll never get to do any of them.
However, Max is about to learn an important lesson about life which is that sometimes it does the planning for you.
To make matters worse, his girlfriend has walked out and left him on his own with his sixteen-week-old daughter, Samantha.
Max knows all too well the damage a useless dad can do and is determined that history won't repeat itself. Therefore, he decides to give Samantha up in order that she can enjoy the childhood he was denied.
Then, on Samantha's first birthday, he is given a chart, a list of things they can do together. It's a pointless gift though, as the plans he has for Samantha mean that they'll never get to do any of them.
However, Max is about to learn an important lesson about life which is that sometimes it does the planning for you.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
16 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Craig Scoular
4 books9 followersHi,
I have been writing now for around 16 months (as of end of December 25)
I have written four books. UNHINGE, FATE FELL SHORT and NOT MIDNIGHT YET are part of a trilogy, while 49 THINGS TO DO WITH DAD BEFORE HE DIES is a standalone story.
I am a teacher of politics to trade at a high school just outside of Glasgow. It is a job I love and have done for close to twenty years, which is scary to write down!
My spare time is spent writing, watching football and going to the movies. However, my favourite thing to do is spend time/argue/ with my daughter, Sophie.
I do love a holiday (they are my vice) and I try to get abroad four or five times a year. I love the Canary Islands and have recently discovered Virgin Cruises, which has been bad for my bank balance.
I hope you enjoy reading my work. I try to write about real life in a way that is relatable, with some humour and leave the reader with something to think about.
C x
I have been writing now for around 16 months (as of end of December 25)
I have written four books. UNHINGE, FATE FELL SHORT and NOT MIDNIGHT YET are part of a trilogy, while 49 THINGS TO DO WITH DAD BEFORE HE DIES is a standalone story.
I am a teacher of politics to trade at a high school just outside of Glasgow. It is a job I love and have done for close to twenty years, which is scary to write down!
My spare time is spent writing, watching football and going to the movies. However, my favourite thing to do is spend time/argue/ with my daughter, Sophie.
I do love a holiday (they are my vice) and I try to get abroad four or five times a year. I love the Canary Islands and have recently discovered Virgin Cruises, which has been bad for my bank balance.
I hope you enjoy reading my work. I try to write about real life in a way that is relatable, with some humour and leave the reader with something to think about.
C x
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 14, 2025
From the author of Unhinged and Fate Fell Short I knew that I was going to love this book purely because Craig knows how to tell a story.
What we have here is a book that will take you through generations of life lessons through humour,hardships and humility
Much like the authors other books we have a great ensemble of characters which feel human in such a way that you can’t help but compare them to your own family members
Everyone has a Colin everyone has a Geoff everyone knows a father/brother/uncle/granda Max and unfortunately too often do we all know the struggles of what it’s like to have a family but like what they always say “you can’t pick your family” this book will have you laughing with tears of joy and then shedding tears of sadness with little nods to years gone by that you get reminded of along the way I don’t want to give too much away but follow Max Spencer through his life allow him to take you on a journey because this book doesn’t struggle to find that big win
I was honoured to receive an advanced reader copy of this book but these thoughts and this review are purely my own
What we have here is a book that will take you through generations of life lessons through humour,hardships and humility
Much like the authors other books we have a great ensemble of characters which feel human in such a way that you can’t help but compare them to your own family members
Everyone has a Colin everyone has a Geoff everyone knows a father/brother/uncle/granda Max and unfortunately too often do we all know the struggles of what it’s like to have a family but like what they always say “you can’t pick your family” this book will have you laughing with tears of joy and then shedding tears of sadness with little nods to years gone by that you get reminded of along the way I don’t want to give too much away but follow Max Spencer through his life allow him to take you on a journey because this book doesn’t struggle to find that big win
I was honoured to receive an advanced reader copy of this book but these thoughts and this review are purely my own
August 18, 2025
Look for the win
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It tells how a Father(Maximillum Spencer) becomes a single dad to Ssssssamantha Ssssspencer when his wife LeAnn walks out on them when Sam was a baby. Max is so overwhelmed with the fact he has to raise a baby that he considers giving her up for adoption. His Sister Sarah would support him on his decision but she thinks he will regret it. He decides to try to raise her alone and it becomes his greatest joy. They become a family and together they conquer all the problems that come their way. They learn from each other, they listen and they conquer. I really think readers can learn a lot about the trials of life from this book and how we could possibly deal with them. Choices, they drive our lives and make our future. Maybe a chart with things to do before we die ( bucket list) might not be a bad choice for any of us.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It tells how a Father(Maximillum Spencer) becomes a single dad to Ssssssamantha Ssssspencer when his wife LeAnn walks out on them when Sam was a baby. Max is so overwhelmed with the fact he has to raise a baby that he considers giving her up for adoption. His Sister Sarah would support him on his decision but she thinks he will regret it. He decides to try to raise her alone and it becomes his greatest joy. They become a family and together they conquer all the problems that come their way. They learn from each other, they listen and they conquer. I really think readers can learn a lot about the trials of life from this book and how we could possibly deal with them. Choices, they drive our lives and make our future. Maybe a chart with things to do before we die ( bucket list) might not be a bad choice for any of us.
June 23, 2025
Not going to lie, I did feel like I was betraying Alfie for a little bit. However, that didn't last long as Max and Sam had me hooked very quickly. Such a clever vehicle for structuring the story that had me thinking about all the things I've done with my own Dad. Another brilliant story of Craig's that had me laughing and crying throughout. Powerfully, emotional issues and themes written in a sensitive, relatable way that has you thinking about your own family and the situations you find yourselves in.
May 27, 2025
Craig, you've done it again!! It was an absolutely wonderful read that kept me up until the early hours to finish it!
The Spencer family will stay with me for a long time ❤️ already recommended to all my friends & family.
The Spencer family will stay with me for a long time ❤️ already recommended to all my friends & family.
June 27, 2025
When I saw Craig has written another book I immediately downloaded it and started it! A lovely nice funny read with some thought provoking topics and made me think about life and the important things!
February 12, 2026
49 Things was an interesting read. The premise revolves around a dad who is thrust into parenting when his partner abandons him and his nearly new born daughter. The story plays out across their life time, with chapters covering small events from each year of Sams life. Despite the morbid title the book is uplifting and hugely positive, even when dealing with some quite dark themes.
I really enjoyed the relationships between some of the character, especially Geoff and Carol who were both great.
It would have been 5 stars had it not felt like the premise was hammered home a bit too hard, it was clearly an important part of the story but I felt it could have been a bit more concise. Still highly enjoyable and reccomended!
I really enjoyed the relationships between some of the character, especially Geoff and Carol who were both great.
It would have been 5 stars had it not felt like the premise was hammered home a bit too hard, it was clearly an important part of the story but I felt it could have been a bit more concise. Still highly enjoyable and reccomended!
August 12, 2025
Really great and touching book. Kudos to the author for a job well done. I loved it!
June 18, 2025
Wonderful book that expores the relationship between father and daughter and the author expands this to family and friends. This book is a journey of highs and lows. Of happiness and sadness. Beautifully written and captures moments, that most readers of the book will recognise in their own lives. I thoroughly recommend this book and I'm sure it will leave you enriched.
September 6, 2025
This is a book that means a huge amount to me and I'm delighted that so many people are reading and enjoying it.
It is a book that will (hopefully) make you smile, laugh, think, reflect. There might even be a wee tear here and there.
If you do choose to read and enjoy it, please leave a review and/or rating as they are really important to authors like myself working entirely on their own. It would be much appreciated.
Thanks
C xx
It is a book that will (hopefully) make you smile, laugh, think, reflect. There might even be a wee tear here and there.
If you do choose to read and enjoy it, please leave a review and/or rating as they are really important to authors like myself working entirely on their own. It would be much appreciated.
Thanks
C xx
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews