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Fatherhood: Stories about being a dad
William McInnes, one of Australia's best-known storytellers and actors, has turned to a subject that is close to his heart. Fatherhood is about family, about memories of his father and the memories he's creating as a dad himself, with his own son and daughter.
Warm, witty and nostalgic, these tales are just like a friendly chat over the back fence, or the banter of a backyard BBQ. They will stir your own of hot summer days and cooling off under the sprinkler while Dad works in the garden with the radio tuned to the sports results; that time Dad tried to teach you to drive - and then got out of the car and kissed the ground; or taking your own kids on a family road trip.
Fatherhood is full of the happy, the hilarious, the sad, bad, and the unexpectedly poignant moments. You will laugh, you may even cry - but you will recognise yourself and those you love somewhere in these pages.
Warm, witty and nostalgic, these tales are just like a friendly chat over the back fence, or the banter of a backyard BBQ. They will stir your own of hot summer days and cooling off under the sprinkler while Dad works in the garden with the radio tuned to the sports results; that time Dad tried to teach you to drive - and then got out of the car and kissed the ground; or taking your own kids on a family road trip.
Fatherhood is full of the happy, the hilarious, the sad, bad, and the unexpectedly poignant moments. You will laugh, you may even cry - but you will recognise yourself and those you love somewhere in these pages.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2021
11 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
William McInnes
32 books75 followersDarryl William McInnes (born 10 September 1963) is one of Australia’s most popular stage and screen actors.
His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.
William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.
His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.
William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 9, 2026
Heartfelt and humorous reflections on fatherhood, from Australian William McInnes.
September 28, 2018
I was a Blue Heelers and Sea Change fan from way back. Couple that with the fact I grew up in Redcliffe about 9 years behind William Mcinnes and it's pretty surprising I haven't picked up one of his books before now.
And I was not disappointed! It certainly gives you an insight into the person McInnes is, which is vastly different from what I might have expected after years of watching him on our small screen.
He writes with warmth and humour and a very down to earth voice as he shares his thoughts and experiences on fatherhood and family with stories that make you laugh out loud one minute and shed a quiet tear the next.
For me, it was a personal story, with shared memories of getting around the Redcliffe Peninsula with my father, and some of the gems of life he would try to impart to myself and my sisters. Hearing stories about the same places and similar experiences was a nostalgic sometimes teary walk down memory lane, but ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting journey.
I can't wait to go back and read more
And I was not disappointed! It certainly gives you an insight into the person McInnes is, which is vastly different from what I might have expected after years of watching him on our small screen.
He writes with warmth and humour and a very down to earth voice as he shares his thoughts and experiences on fatherhood and family with stories that make you laugh out loud one minute and shed a quiet tear the next.
For me, it was a personal story, with shared memories of getting around the Redcliffe Peninsula with my father, and some of the gems of life he would try to impart to myself and my sisters. Hearing stories about the same places and similar experiences was a nostalgic sometimes teary walk down memory lane, but ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting journey.
I can't wait to go back and read more
October 24, 2020
McInnes reflects upon his own journey as a father but also, with the benefit of passing years, upon childhood experiences and his dad’s parenting. Discursive but always with purpose; wistful yet laugh-out-loud funny; McInnes is a natural storyteller (and narrator). Highly recommended.
September 22, 2018
William McInnes you never disappoint. I loved this beautiful book from this big hearted, loudly spoken but incredibly engaging man. I recently went to an authors book talk where William spoke about this fabulous book, Fatherhood. My own father passed away 5 months ago and this book had me laughing and crying until the very end. The people and the experiences in this book remind you in some way of different people or experiences in our own lives. William, thank you for putting so many thoughts that we all have, so beautifully into words. Your children must be so incredibly proud of calling you their Dad.X
April 24, 2020
William's particular skill set includes being able to write brilliant,sometimes funny, sometimes sad stories and he has done it again with this book. As happened with his books 'Full Bore" and "Holidays", I intended just to dip my toe into it this morning, but found it so entertaining, I'd finished it by lunch time and spent the rest of the afternoon reading my various favourite bits to my partner. ( That actually drives him crazy because he can't understand what I'm saying because I'm laughing at the same time). Looking forward to his next one.
October 4, 2018
The author's a RCNR and wants to form a support group. I reckon I'm a bit of a one too. I'm fairly okay with my own, but over the years I've had great issues with my beautiful lady's. It's the colours you see. She likes grey tones – and so it seems do most of the rest of the population. On occasions I've been sent to deposit or collect and that's when the RCNR thing hits me. It has done so to the degree that I have at times found myself attempting to break-in and enter. So for a serial RCNRer like William McInnes and those as far along the spectrum as he is, it's a terrific move that the wordsmith-come-actor is considering. I may join as an associate member.
As one may readily discern from his current work in 'Rake', the star of stage and screen is no longer the epitome of manliness that gave Laura Gibson the will to live again after the departure of Diver Dan in the iconic 'SeaChange'. He's still picking up roles, but is no longer leading man material. He’s the first to admit this, as he does several times in 'Fatherhood: Stories About Being a Dad'. Maybe writing should become his main gig in light of that, although, in terms of memoirs, it is hard to imagine that there are many more guffaw inducing tales from his life remaining to tell. His first collection, 'A Man's Got to Have a Hobby' (2005) was a cracker. 'Holidays' (2014), together with 2016's 'Full Bore', were not far behind. In this one he tells many more, often self-deprecating, yarns, but there seems now much 'boofheaded' philosophising as filler.
McInnes never takes himself too seriously and regales us with delightful memories of teaching his kids to drive, their errors producing 'the underhand of involuntary self-protection'. Then there's the explaining as to how, at his stage of life, one goes about engaging in a sex scene with a comely actress for television. Perhaps it's the one on display in the latest season of Cleaver Greene's misadventures – not a pretty sight. He riffs on sunsets, the delicious taste of the much maligned mullet and the confusion that can come when he is repeatedly mistaken for fellow thesps Ben Mendelsohn and Noah Taylor by the punters. Once he was even mistaken for himself, a hilarious recollection. It reflects the downside of being both writer and actor. In the tome are also included the touching missives he wrote to both his offspring on the completion of their secondary education. He also recalls some more of the crazy characters he met during his formative years growing up in Queensland. Not the least of these was his own father, so prominently featured in previous publications. He writes on death and dying before informing us that going orienteering is perhaps not the best cover for having an affair.
No book of the non-fiction variety from this Aussie larrikin can be passed up by me, even if the laughs were not as forthcoming as previous efforts. Perhaps they are even more precious for that.
But now, getting back to being a Recidivist Carpark Non-Rememberer, it is worth noting that Leigh and I are about to head, at time of writing, to the Gold Coast, scene of our worst case of echoing the proposed founding member's exhortation of frustration, 'Who designs these bloody carparks!' Our story of a lost car in the vast expanse of the Pacific Fair parking facility will serve as my opening gambit to apply for membership. If that's not enough, there's the time I opened a door to a sedan and proceeded to sit in the passenger seat, only to discover there was a young lady aside me who, indeed, was not my Leigh. There are, added on, the countless times I’ve attempted to open the boots of vehicles that, on closer examination, were patently not hers. I think joining my fellow RCNR is a given.
As one may readily discern from his current work in 'Rake', the star of stage and screen is no longer the epitome of manliness that gave Laura Gibson the will to live again after the departure of Diver Dan in the iconic 'SeaChange'. He's still picking up roles, but is no longer leading man material. He’s the first to admit this, as he does several times in 'Fatherhood: Stories About Being a Dad'. Maybe writing should become his main gig in light of that, although, in terms of memoirs, it is hard to imagine that there are many more guffaw inducing tales from his life remaining to tell. His first collection, 'A Man's Got to Have a Hobby' (2005) was a cracker. 'Holidays' (2014), together with 2016's 'Full Bore', were not far behind. In this one he tells many more, often self-deprecating, yarns, but there seems now much 'boofheaded' philosophising as filler.
McInnes never takes himself too seriously and regales us with delightful memories of teaching his kids to drive, their errors producing 'the underhand of involuntary self-protection'. Then there's the explaining as to how, at his stage of life, one goes about engaging in a sex scene with a comely actress for television. Perhaps it's the one on display in the latest season of Cleaver Greene's misadventures – not a pretty sight. He riffs on sunsets, the delicious taste of the much maligned mullet and the confusion that can come when he is repeatedly mistaken for fellow thesps Ben Mendelsohn and Noah Taylor by the punters. Once he was even mistaken for himself, a hilarious recollection. It reflects the downside of being both writer and actor. In the tome are also included the touching missives he wrote to both his offspring on the completion of their secondary education. He also recalls some more of the crazy characters he met during his formative years growing up in Queensland. Not the least of these was his own father, so prominently featured in previous publications. He writes on death and dying before informing us that going orienteering is perhaps not the best cover for having an affair.
No book of the non-fiction variety from this Aussie larrikin can be passed up by me, even if the laughs were not as forthcoming as previous efforts. Perhaps they are even more precious for that.
But now, getting back to being a Recidivist Carpark Non-Rememberer, it is worth noting that Leigh and I are about to head, at time of writing, to the Gold Coast, scene of our worst case of echoing the proposed founding member's exhortation of frustration, 'Who designs these bloody carparks!' Our story of a lost car in the vast expanse of the Pacific Fair parking facility will serve as my opening gambit to apply for membership. If that's not enough, there's the time I opened a door to a sedan and proceeded to sit in the passenger seat, only to discover there was a young lady aside me who, indeed, was not my Leigh. There are, added on, the countless times I’ve attempted to open the boots of vehicles that, on closer examination, were patently not hers. I think joining my fellow RCNR is a given.
November 25, 2019
I have often read William McInnes’ articles in the QWeekend magazine from Saturday’s Courier Mail. I always enjoy them as they are spot on. Fatherhood is the first book of his that I have read. I purchased this book after listening to him on ABC Conversations. I laughed listening to William McInnes talking about his father purchasing a “deeply unreliable and shiftless Holden Ute…’A Canny Buy!’”.
This book is filled with many equally great Australian moments and many touching stories about what it means to be a father. I have two boys of my own, 15 and 12, and related to many of these stories.
I particularly liked William McInnes’ thoughts on Christmas.
“Christmas is a chance, if you are willing to take it, to have a little period in the year to say to yourself and others that life is wonderful. There is a sentiment of generosity and a sense of goodwill generated to others in this world that we share.”
This book is filled with many equally great Australian moments and many touching stories about what it means to be a father. I have two boys of my own, 15 and 12, and related to many of these stories.
I particularly liked William McInnes’ thoughts on Christmas.
“Christmas is a chance, if you are willing to take it, to have a little period in the year to say to yourself and others that life is wonderful. There is a sentiment of generosity and a sense of goodwill generated to others in this world that we share.”
June 7, 2022
If the author makes me laugh out loud, the book is a winner. It's as simple as that. There's so much to like about Fatherhood; the down to earth, slang filled story telling, the wonderful homespun philosophy, the capturing of moments and the growth and learning gained from those moments, and above all how completely relatable it was. It was easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable, but what pushed it from a four star to a five star was how funny it was. I can count on one hand the number of books I've read which have made me laugh.
Fatherhood is very personal, and McInnes children are clearly generous people, and a source of pride for him. This a terrific book which made me want to read more from the author.
Fatherhood is very personal, and McInnes children are clearly generous people, and a source of pride for him. This a terrific book which made me want to read more from the author.
September 23, 2018
Another delightful read from McInnes. He writes with such warmth and that daggy humour which you just can’t ignore because it’s intention is so pure. A loose collaboration of yarns about the effect fathers have, bound as they are by the now trademark reference points which tie up loose ends. McInnes speaks with his own voice, never putting on the pretence of being philosopher or romantic yet manages to be both and more. A lovely read.
November 3, 2018
Another gorgeous book by the Big Fella. As always, I swung between laughing hysterically and ugly crying, most of the time while reading it on public transport. Will finds the perfect balance between hilarious stories of human nature and a tender, sentimental connection to those he loves. What a lovely man with a special gift for writing.
September 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!!
William McInnes writes, and if you listen to the audible version, narrates this book beautifully.
Within the space of minutes, I could be laughing or crying as I heard a meaningful story of fatherhood and its many trials, tribulations and effects that dads have on those around them. Both good and bad...
Certainly, a must-read for the dads and grandads among us.
William McInnes writes, and if you listen to the audible version, narrates this book beautifully.
Within the space of minutes, I could be laughing or crying as I heard a meaningful story of fatherhood and its many trials, tribulations and effects that dads have on those around them. Both good and bad...
Certainly, a must-read for the dads and grandads among us.
April 19, 2019
A pleasant reading experience as McInnes explores his father's, his own and others' fatherhoods. Some amusing anecdotes. Very, very Australian, which should recommend it both to Aussies and to others interested in aspects of life on this island continent.
October 24, 2022
Very enjoyable story of growing up in Australia, then as a son, now as a father. Many times I laughed out loud, sometimes a tear. Great yarn, listen on audible for the extra value of hearing the author read his story. Most enjoyable.
October 2, 2018
Once more, McInnes delivers exactly as expected. A simple joy to read.
January 2, 2019
A fun, easy read with some great stories. Didn't meet how he told the stories on the Conversations podcast.
January 10, 2019
A lovely read - it let me think about my Dad and my childhood. McInnes has such warmth and is sentimental without going over the top and bought his Dad to life with his anecdotes.
January 21, 2019
Beautiful story about being a father.
Read
October 27, 2020Slow moving, gentle series of little stories. Didn't quite finish it before end of Book club period.
January 19, 2021
Narrates his own audio book and it just makes it all the more better. Laughed out loud many times and smiled at everything else.
June 12, 2021
Audio. What a treat. Laughed and cried. So good to hear his voice telling the stories from his life.
September 16, 2021
A second reading and I still I enjoyed it. It bought up lots of good memories of my father. Loved the chapter "My Rife, My Pony and Me".
August 28, 2022
啰啰嗦嗦讓人昏昏欲睡。
November 22, 2023
Excellent listen on audio
December 13, 2024
Loved it. A collection of stories about father's.
August 14, 2025
An enjoyable read as William McInness writes about his experiences as a father and son. At times numerous, sad and poignant. This book brings back many nostalgic memories for readers.
February 20, 2019
Such a good read. William McInnes is a wonderful story teller. I found myself LOLing and near to tears throughout.
August 22, 2022
authentic, funny, heart-warming and Australian. I enjoy the way McInnes shares these stories from his life. Some of the stories here highlight the benefits of being open to talking to strangers and noticing the interactions around you. Thoroughly enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews