Daughters: On Family and Fatherhood

...whether they grow up with them around or not. If today's young people could only understand that. Even a girl without a father may wonder, whether she realizes it herself eventually or not, what kind of a person she shares her chromosomes with. Luckily, Linnet and Rosalind don't have to wonder. This book is a dad's-eye view of his girls, but even more remarkably, it's a girl's-eye view of their father, as told by the father. The author does a great job of presenting both sides, and of showing not only his daughters' growth, but his own.And woven throughout the book like a black thread in a tartan skirt is the everyday dealings with race. Each member has their own very poignant coping mechanisms, and the truth isn't always very pretty to read. Still, I recommend the book, because it illustrates the special understanding a man can have of his girls and vice-versa.

I picked up Daughters and was skeptical about it. Another book about how great parenting was, painting over the bad parts of it with rosy nostalgia. But, I started reading the book and found that it was different. Early writes with grace and style about parenthood, the good and the bad. He is candid and sincere in his style and story. Early is a truly gifted writer. And his book is a must read for any parent.