My Dad Lives in a Downtown Hotel

by Peggy Mann, Richard Cuffari (Illustrator)

When Joey's parents decide to separate, he feels that he is to blame and tries to change his father's mind

Genres: Literature

92 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- For me, weeding a school library is very necessary, but it is also very difficult (this is my 4th year in this position). I try to value published works for as long as possible while also honoring my library shelf space. As I browsed my shelves yesterday, I realized this one had slipped through the cracks. I read it, and for several reasons, I will be discarding the title. First of all, its illustrations reflect its 1973 publishing date. They do not appeal to kids of today. Second, that lack of appeal is apparent because this has not been checked out since 2008. I am a little surprised that it went out twice that year! Third, I am the only one in my district & in the local public library system to own this book. And while this is not always a bad thing, in this case, it is. Fourth, it does come across as a bit dated. Prices, music, 'fun' are all different. Finally, in just 92 large print pages, there are two glaring grammar errors. On pg. 52, "I just put my both arms around her neck..." Huh. On pg. 71, "It was the first time in my life that my dad had ever gone over a list of movies to figure out what him & me could see together." Huh. If Joey consistently used bad grammar, that would be one thing, but he doesn't. Even with all of these negatives, I did like the way the story handles the breakup of Joey's mom & dad and their resulting divorce. All of the characters' reactions and feelings ring true, but this one is leaving the library. (Stay tuned for more of these gems over the next few months, sadly enough.)

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beat up old LFL find. Looks like it may have been read lots of times... may have been popular with kids back in the day. There are a few interesting bits that make it stand out, but mostly it's too dated to recommend. Esp. the circus and the zoo; I just cannot rec. anything that implies those are good things.

And I'm very bothered by the implication that dad will always make time for the boy, when we know how easy it is to drift away. In fact, it's pointed out that the boy loves Grandpa when visiting the old man, but forgets about him, and even neglects to send him letters, when the visit is over. That's human nature. Dad has love and good intentions, but I sure don't trust him.

So, yeah, the only good thing is that the boy finds out there are lots of other kids who don't have a father at home either, he's not alone.

[Gale · Rating 2 out of 5]

CAN LOVE BE EARNED--OR BOUGHT?

A quick read this story provides poignant insight into the mind-games which run through a child's brain when faced with personal disaster. What could be more devastating to a child's security than the sudden realization that his parents have decided to divorce? Young Joey is faced with the painful fact that his father has abruptly moved out--never to return to the family unit. While stubbornly refusing to accept his own helplessness to restore the unsatisfactory status quo, he actually blames himself for the break-up of his parents' marriage.

This short book (only 78 pp) can serve as a springboard for serious Reality discussions, both in homes and classrooms. Children need to be reassured that they could not have prevented the dissolution of marital relationships; to be aware of parental maneuvering for their love or loyalty; to have their parents' love for them--their offspring--reinforced. Written in the first person, this book reads easily, revealing the mental gymnastics and emotional stretching from a boy's viewpoint, despite the author's gender. I also recommend this book for the category of City Kids, with its sound advice on getting around town alone.

(February 8, 2012. I welcome dialgoue with teachers.)

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

The timing of the book shows, the thoughts and actions reflect the thinking of the 1970's. Mom and dad are getting a divorce and the child feels at fault and takes steps to make dad come home.

I would like to think we know a little better now and act better. Mom doesn't always dress up and put on make up when in a divorce situation and dad comes over. Dad doesn't always get mad cause mom didn't tell child about things like he thought.

Not a bad read but dated for sure.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's okay if your parents get divorced

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child's struggle!!

[Matthew Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot twist: Your dad is Royal Tenenbaum