Where Were You When I Needed You, Dad?: A Guide for Healing Your Father Wound

by Jane Myers Drew

Offers adults whose fathers were absent, abusive, or remote while they were growing up a series of exercises designed to help one come to terms with the past and develop self-confidence and a positive self-image

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1991

Reviews

[Nicci]

This book had some really good exercises in reconciliation with the remorse father trouble can leave behind. Many of the exercises are just right for those who wish to make emotional reconciliation with themselves. I particularly thought her strategies of allowing the pain and anger through simple things like ripping pages from an old phone book was both helpful and brilliant.
Though it's topic range is perhaps a bit too wide (it tries to cover every kind of father loss or damage done) and perhaps should be expanded on each thing in seperate books, she makes certain she addresses nearly every kind of father problem. In my opinion, the book emphasizes the need to find some kind of goodness in your father a bit too much (particularly in cases of abuse or absent dads).
However, the author is still very insightful and even includes some of her own experiences both in the psychological working world and in her relationship with her own father. Overall, a very good read for someone with extreme father issues.