FUMBLE: A MEMOIR: Just a Dad Trying Not to Drop the Ball

by Jason K. Bussman, Alien Buddha (Contributor)

188 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2025

Reviews

[Joan Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Jason at an author event, and he was engaging, relatable and funny. I purchased his book and immediately went home to start reading it. So many stories, some cute, some touching, some laugh out loud funny, but all of them completely genuine. This book is for everyone who has raised a child, whether you are a mother or father, a grandparent, a stepmother or father, a foster parent. My daughter is now approaching forty, and his stories took me back in time. By far, one of the best books I have read this year.

[Melinda Sipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, laugh out loud, wild adventure that is raw and unapologetic. You’re invited for a seat at the dinning room table or a ride in the backseat of whatever car is relevant. It’s a front row seat to those tough parenting moments we all have, because let’s face it it’s hard. (And seriously what is it with little boys and their fussiness over toothpaste flavors?)
It’s a series of flashbacks on those classic boyhood moments during the 80s. Along with it comes references to all the heros and sidekicks of classic 80s movies (Jaws, Star Wars and Indiana Jones). Those boyhood memories and current fatherhood stories will unlock your own relatable thoughts.
The book is a reminder to hit pause on some of the ordinary days and find the laughter. It’s those iconic memories of mom and dad and a love for local sports. It’s a collection of the stories we tell, the ones we pass on, the stories that “define”.
A gift to each member of his family. Hoping he fumbles his way a little less while keeping the fun for a second book.

[Holly Reslink · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun yet deep read! Fumble is a compilation of memoir essays, offering skillfully woven together observations of life as a son, father, and husband. Through introspective, descriptive prose, the reader is privy to the internal processing of the author as a child through adulthood. I found myself witnessing his growth—one of the best parts of the book for me. This is the right memoir for our times. The author shares vivid memories of situations as a kid in the '80s through today, and we see him make space for funny moments that are intertwined with the deep emotion that builds unbreakable family bonds. I highly enjoyed it.

[L.M. Pampuro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing and crying.
A beautiful series of short stories centering on family, relationships, and the Buffalo Bills.
Bussman uses sports analogies as a backdrop for his life, making the connections to his most important relationships.
Even a New England fan would love this book!

[Erin Sleasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fumble is a peek inside the life of a really relatable family. The reader will journey through some of the author's mistakes he made, as both a parent and a child, and what comes from them. Bussman sets us up for the mistake crossroad in each recollection. The reader could imagine both ways things can pan out for the family, but instead of going left or right, as we would expect, the mistakes stop in their tracks and grow. In those moments the spotlight shifts from the mistake to a beautiful new understanding of human nature. It's refreshing to see how these micro real-life character arcs can shape a person. This memoir is both honest and hopeful. A great read to anyone who plays a part in family life.

[Tiffany Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. The author brings you into a chaotic, comedic, and family focused world of all the fun of being an amazing father, husband, and son. So relatable and full of fun growing up in the 80s. From finding his love to navigating the waters of fatherhood, this will have you waiting for the next adventure.

[Brandie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

GO BILLS!!!