Tommy and Me: The Making of a Dad

Ben Stein's book was just wonderful in an entirely pleasant, decent and thoughtful way. His devotion to his family and household is not much more than what everyone's should be, but on a little reflection it is a marvelous and almost unheard of example of what ought to be but seldom is today. Mr. Stein's pursuits and accomplishments are too numerous and varied to repeat here, but he surpasses all of them in his level of (I say it again) decency. More importantly, his stories and reflections about Tommy and other friends serve as a genuine model for others to live up to and Stein never in the least part succumbs to a temptation to preach or talk down. After reading Tommy and Me, I get the impression that in addition to being a writer, television host, lawyer and economist he could have done quite well as a clergyman too.

a refreshingly candid look at a (formerly) jaded"boomer" whose perspective is altered and made richer by the inclusion of a joyously rich father- son bond. A delightful read on many levels, and one that will leave the reader deeply moved.Ben Stein has shown himself to be a top notch memoirist with this truly splendid work.

Ben Stein has proven more (as if there wasn't enough) talents as he teaches you about the best job you can be a father. Heartwarming and helpful this is a great book that has Ben's dry wit humour and knowledge to get you to appreciate your child/children.

Ben Stein's intelligence, charm, and wit have given him the opportunity to do many things in life -- serve in the Nixon White House, practice law, teach law, write speeches, write columns, and write books. But most of us know him through his unforgettable portrayal of a monotone high school teacher in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Wonder Years" or his new Comedy Central game show "Win Ben Stein's Money," where he combines Jeopardy-like knowledge with none of the pretension.Many people would use the blessings Mr. Stein has received for pure monetary gain. While he seems to have done some of that (this is, after all, America) he has focused the most important gifts he has -- his time and attention -- where they are needed most: on a child who might have otherwise gone unfathered. This book is squarely about how, when, and why Ben Stein and his wife adopted a young boy named Tommy -- and, more particularly, how Mr. Stein came to appreciate the joy and responsibility of fatherhood.Mr. Stein readily admits his youthful mistake of revelling in self-absorption, but allows the reader to journey with him through as he comes to a realization that many parents miss. That is, "quality time" with children is too often a dodge for parents who put their own emotional needs ahead of the precious child they brought into this world. He advocates for "quantities" of time over the oft-cited "quality time." Ben Stein makes the powerful case that should be (but is sadly not) self-evident -- young children need to be with their parents as much as possible. The foundation of parent-child bonding over thousands of hours of play, talk, and other interaction is the salve needed for some of our society's deepest wounds -- increased crime rates, more divorces, and weaker family bonds. If you are a parent, want to be a parent, or love a parent, "Tommy and Me" is the perfect book. Mr. Stein's aggressive advocacy for the parent-child bond is tempered with humor, insight, and self-deprecation.Bravo, Ben Stein.

Ben Stein who is a lawyer, actor, economist and most of all father writes this warm affirmation of fatherhood that all fathers and future fathers should read. There is too much negativism in our society about the burdens of parenthood and the joys of the career. Stein proves that it's just the opposite. Good parenting and being a great father is the most rewarding job there is. Who ever said in old age that they wished they'd spent more time at the office? The costs to our society and world of the absent father, which virtually every boy grows up with (without really) are unreal. Stein shows how fatherhood changed himself and changed his life. Kudos for his courage and bravery in making this transformation. Want to be a "real man"? Really "macho"? Don't lift weights, get into fights, build buildings, raid companies... Be a good father to your own children who need and admire you...!