Know When to Hold 'em: The High Stakes Game of Fatherhood

by John Blase

Far from the conventional parenting book, Know When to Hold 'Em will encourage readers as they see parenting and fatherhood through a new lens--that of adventurer, risk-taker. Blase moves into new territory to invite fathers and parents to look at the risk and challenge--and great rewards of parenting--as he invites readers into his imperfect, yet loveable home

Written with the raw prose of one who is there, smack dab in the middle of possibly the greatest challenge of a person's life, Blase says, "What I've seen so far has convinced me that being a father is a lot like gambling--fatherhood is a risk-tasking venture

Featuring an intensely personal voice and filtered through a brass-knuckled optimism, this book offers what very few books on parenting do--the real, true, raw reality and joys of fatherhood.

Genres: Parenting, Christian Living

ebook

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

So simple. True. Heartfelt. Funny. Beautiful. Poetic. Rich.

A joy to read ❤️

[Matt Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes John Blase's book stand apart from other books on fatherhood is his poet's eye and urging to all readers to see what it is too easy to miss. This is not a how to book or one that will only appeal to fathers. This book is for all of us who need that extra nudge to see the beauty and the sacred in the everyday. This is a beautiful book and one I'll return to during the next eighteen years or so. Probably beyond that as well.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget a "free" package of diapers when you leave the hospital with your new born, this should be what the nurse puts in your hand just before driving into the rest of your life. This is the sort of book you can read over and over and each time learn something new. I'm both blessed and challenged by having read this book.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and I wished there was more. Really good writing and thought provoking.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought this book for $1 from CBD.com and wasted my money. Weak useless blather. Its telling that the cover has 3 sections on it which are "from the book." The author simply write how he feels, whatever he feels. Could be a series of journal entries. Maybe I missed the point. However for a book on how to be a dad, A REAL DAD, check out Point Man by Steve Farrar and don't waste your time with this one.

[LMG · Rating 4 out of 5]

John is a fellow ODB writer and I really appreciate his perpsective and style of writing. So, I was drawn to this book. It is a lovely guide to parenting through stories and examples. I found encouragement and understanding in the pages.

[Kristin Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A christian-leaning poet wrote a book of parenting observations. Nothing ground breaking, but it was often beautiful and just what I needed.

[Anya McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all of John Blase's writings, this book is a lilting, lovely read. Tender, lighthearted, reassuring - not your typical parenting book by any means, but one to cheer us on the journey.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Frederick Buechneresque: stories told in a relaxed and lazy manner with common and idiom-filled language. Some of the stories and points they illustrate are more helpful and intersesting than others, and they all require lots of thought towards how to apply them.