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Family Man: The Biography of Dr. James Dobson
A former Wall Street Journal reporter offers the first-ever complete biography of one of America's most influential men, Dr. James Dobson. Author Dale Buss examines his many achievements and challenges, as well as his role in the 2004 election, evangelicalism, and the larger culture. Dr. Dobson is a psychologist, the host of a daily radio program (with an audience exceeded only by Rush Limbaugh's and Paul Harvey's), the author of multiple best-selling books, and founder of Focus on the Family, one of the largest parachurch ministries in the world. His advice is sought out by presidents and other national leaders. Family Man is a fully developed account of Dobson's life, giving both friends and detractors glimpses into his beliefs, accomplishments, and influence.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 25, 2007
One of the many I'm currently reading - got it in the mail for free! Great book about a great man!
May 31, 2017
A look into the mind and life of a great man. Dr Dobson's life is quite intriguing and his accomplishment and influence gives hope that God can do so much through those who are committed to Him.
April 13, 2015
I don’t think author Dale Buss meant to reveal a key insight into Doctor James Dobson’s personality, but, he did when he described the psychologist’s “experience dealing with a difficult TV host.” Buss writes that Dobson’s regular appearances on The Dinah Shore Show ended when Shore refused to hold up one of Dobson’s books in front of the camera. For that indiscretion, apparently, Dobson reportedly called Shore “a prima donna.” Later, Dobson had a falling out with Phil Donahue when the host allegedly refused to let his guest share his views on spanking children. Buss claims that “James Dobson can’t stand Phil Donahue.”
Buss calls Dobson “a born entrepreneur.” Dobson is driven, according to Buss, by “a desire to affirm his father’s legacy, by his prodigious creative and organizational talents, and by a dead-reckoning inner compass for directing the growth of the ministry.” Dobson’s own cousin, H.B. London reports his famous relative “transfers his high expectations of himself to others.” He’s one who’s willing to forgive other’s mistakes when confessed, but Dobson doesn’t expect those same mistakes to be made again. One insider told Buss that his boss “worshipped at the throne of integrity.”
Dobson’s friends describe him as one who can laugh at crude pranks, such as the time a staffer covered toilet bowls with Saran Wrap. Buss gives us examples, however, when Dobson “has been known to carry things too far.” Other real life vignettes reported here describe “a few episodes where Dobson’s patience has worn thin.” The author also reports the time, “from a distance,” Dobson allegedly diagnosed William Bennett’s gambling problem as an addiction.
Is or was Dobson “the preeminent family-relationship guru of our time?” His wife of 54 years, Shirley believes her husband “doesn’t have a lot of faults.” The Dobson’s son, Ryan, calls his father a man who works too much. As a lobbyist on Capitol Hill, Dobson, according to Buss, emerged as a man who “doesn’t waste much time humoring his enemies.” Dobson’s blatant snubbing of former Senators Tom Daschle, Joseph Lieberman and Joseph Biden speak volumes about the Christian broadcaster’s true character.
This 2005 release could not have foreseen what later happened to the evangelical Christian community’s favorite psychologist. Less than four years after Buss published this biography, Dobson stepped down as chairman of his ministry’s board of directors. In November of that same year, the board asked Dobson to resign from the program he pioneered. In late February of 2010, America’s “Family Man” delivered his final Focus broadcast.
A prominent friend and supporter of James Dobson told Talking Points Memo that Dobson was pushed aside by the new leadership of Focus on the Family, who wanted the powerhouse evangelical ministry to project a softer image on issues ranging from abortion to gay marriage to relations with President Obama.
Buss calls Dobson “a born entrepreneur.” Dobson is driven, according to Buss, by “a desire to affirm his father’s legacy, by his prodigious creative and organizational talents, and by a dead-reckoning inner compass for directing the growth of the ministry.” Dobson’s own cousin, H.B. London reports his famous relative “transfers his high expectations of himself to others.” He’s one who’s willing to forgive other’s mistakes when confessed, but Dobson doesn’t expect those same mistakes to be made again. One insider told Buss that his boss “worshipped at the throne of integrity.”
Dobson’s friends describe him as one who can laugh at crude pranks, such as the time a staffer covered toilet bowls with Saran Wrap. Buss gives us examples, however, when Dobson “has been known to carry things too far.” Other real life vignettes reported here describe “a few episodes where Dobson’s patience has worn thin.” The author also reports the time, “from a distance,” Dobson allegedly diagnosed William Bennett’s gambling problem as an addiction.
Is or was Dobson “the preeminent family-relationship guru of our time?” His wife of 54 years, Shirley believes her husband “doesn’t have a lot of faults.” The Dobson’s son, Ryan, calls his father a man who works too much. As a lobbyist on Capitol Hill, Dobson, according to Buss, emerged as a man who “doesn’t waste much time humoring his enemies.” Dobson’s blatant snubbing of former Senators Tom Daschle, Joseph Lieberman and Joseph Biden speak volumes about the Christian broadcaster’s true character.
This 2005 release could not have foreseen what later happened to the evangelical Christian community’s favorite psychologist. Less than four years after Buss published this biography, Dobson stepped down as chairman of his ministry’s board of directors. In November of that same year, the board asked Dobson to resign from the program he pioneered. In late February of 2010, America’s “Family Man” delivered his final Focus broadcast.
A prominent friend and supporter of James Dobson told Talking Points Memo that Dobson was pushed aside by the new leadership of Focus on the Family, who wanted the powerhouse evangelical ministry to project a softer image on issues ranging from abortion to gay marriage to relations with President Obama.
December 24, 2020
This is not a book I would have selected for myself, but it's been sitting on our shelves for years and as I am challenging myself to read the books I already have, I picked it up. I enjoyed it; I felt like I was reading recent history about a man not unlike the kinds of men who founded this nation. Whether or not I agree with all of Dr. James Dobson's ideas or methods, I appreciate and respect the courage and faith through which he has lived his life. He has used his God-given influence for good and even though opposed. I would love to have learned even more about the personal Dr. Dobson; this book expounds much on the public man. A good, solid biography.
December 31, 2020
A bit too long. I admire the dedication & passion. I just found the book a bit too long.
August 6, 2008
Prior to reading this book there were a lot of things I liked and respected about Dobson, and a few that made me nervous. After reading this book there are a lot of things I like and respect about Dobson and a few that make me nervous.
February 9, 2016
Interesting Godky man with an interesting life
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews