The Boy He Left Behind: A Man's Search for His Lost Father

Rating:
Summary: Another "Hard to put it down" little book
Review: One of the more frequently occuring mind stretchers that occur as adults is the quest for coming to understand our parents. It is part understanding ourselves, part seeking the reason why we are here and the meaning associated with that why. Mark Matousek has written a searing account of his dysfunctional family, sparing noone in the wake, not even himself. His writing is lucid, poetic, and yet very much in the mode of a mystery chef. He knows how to keep us connected to his style by inserting the detective work of seeking his father who deserted him at an early age, while he succinctly sets about releasing all his autobigraphical data in short chapters that identify why each member of his biological family as well as his extended family is a case study of maladaptation. For me the most enlightening aspect of this book was not about his failed search for his father, but about his discovering the gentle core of his seemingly abusive mother - on her deathbed. This is a well written book, at times bordering on a pity-party, that shows how even the worst of inherited familial traits can be overcome.

Rating:
Summary: Another "Hard to put it down" little book
Review: One of the more frequently occuring mind stretchers that occur as adults is the quest for coming to understand our parents. It is part understanding ourselves, part seeking the reason why we are here and the meaning associated with that why. Mark Matousek has written a searing account of his dysfunctional family, sparing noone in the wake, not even himself. His writing is lucid, poetic, and yet very much in the mode of a mystery chef. He knows how to keep us connected to his style by inserting the detective work of seeking his father who deserted him at an early age, while he succinctly sets about releasing all his autobigraphical data in short chapters that identify why each member of his biological family as well as his extended family is a case study of maladaptation. For me the most enlightening aspect of this book was not about his failed search for his father, but about his discovering the gentle core of his seemingly abusive mother - on her deathbed. This is a well written book, at times bordering on a pity-party, that shows how even the worst of inherited familial traits can be overcome.

Rating:
Summary: Very Poignant
Review: This book was for the most part funny, sad and insightful. Anyone, male or female, who has experienced the Incredible Disappearing Dad would probably enjoy "The Boy He Left Behind". I had a hard time putting it down despite the intermittent vulgarities.

Rating:
Summary: Very Poignant
Review: This book was for the most part funny, sad and insightful. Anyone, male or female, who has experienced the Incredible Disappearing Dad would probably enjoy "The Boy He Left Behind". I had a hard time putting it down despite the intermittent vulgarities.

Rating:
Summary: INSIGHTFUL
Review: While the premise of this book is that the author is looking for his father in reality he is trying to come to terms with the wounds inflicted by an emotionally absent mother. The book is written in an honest and insightful manner which I really enjoyed reading.

Rating:
Summary: INSIGHTFUL
Review: While the premise of this book is that the author is looking for his father in reality he is trying to come to terms with the wounds inflicted by an emotionally absent mother. The book is written in an honest and insightful manner which I really enjoyed reading.