He's Just My Dad: Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Father's Day Present
Review: Dianne Long's "He's Just My Dad" is an example of a good idea done with perfect execution by the perfect person. This coffee table book about famous athletes and their kids is great fun. And, while the kids quotes and the pictures and the terrific short biographies are colorful and upbeat; there is also a sense of poignancy in the book. Reading Dianne's description of her husband Howie as a father is moving...As is seeing the late 19 year old Adam Petty in the book with his dad Kyle. One note: several of the athletes find great comfort in the fact that when they come home from work, their young children don't care about the outcome of the game. They love them regardless. It is this unconditional love that shines through every page of this text. I also like how no mention is made of adopted children (like Dan Marino's child), or dads in the book who have been divorced (Bill Walton, for one). This book could have been called "Daddy Dearest"..except there would be no sarcasm attached. This book is really is about the deeply attached fathers. Who happen to be great active or retired athletes. Buy it for Father's Day. Even if your dad isn't a sports fan.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Father's Day Present
Review: Dianne Long's "He's Just My Dad" is an example of a good idea done with perfect execution by the perfect person. This coffee table book about famous athletes and their kids is great fun. And, while the kids quotes and the pictures and the terrific short biographies are colorful and upbeat; there is also a sense of poignancy in the book. Reading Dianne's description of her husband Howie as a father is moving...As is seeing the late 19 year old Adam Petty in the book with his dad Kyle. One note: several of the athletes find great comfort in the fact that when they come home from work, their young children don't care about the outcome of the game. They love them regardless. It is this unconditional love that shines through every page of this text. I also like how no mention is made of adopted children (like Dan Marino's child), or dads in the book who have been divorced (Bill Walton, for one). This book could have been called "Daddy Dearest"..except there would be no sarcasm attached. This book is really is about the deeply attached fathers. Who happen to be great active or retired athletes. Buy it for Father's Day. Even if your dad isn't a sports fan.