Rookie Dad: Thoughts on First-Time Fatherhood

by David Jacobsen

When I found out my wife, Christine, was pregnant, I had no idea what I was thinking or feeling, and no clue what I should be thinking or feeling. Christine had daily heart-to-hearts with her girlfriends and a stack of parenting books by her bed. I had lots of questions with no answers. So I started writing. It was either that, or try to ignore the whole thing – a choice that became increasingly difficult as Christine’s belly became increasingly swollen.Rookie Dad is the story of a young husband and father learning how to pay attention to his family’s changing size and shape. It’s a story filled with hard questions, with laughter and tears, and with the unexpected joy of first-time fatherhood. It’s my story – the story of how I became a dad.

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2007

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well-written, honest, and a fast read. The author is some sort of Christian, but a sort who talks about joking with his wife because they can't pay attention in Church and getting angry and flipping off drivers with her on walks with their son. I understand why he got angry but I don't understand how he would find those behaviors compatible with his Christianity, in that those are things he writes about casually and not in the mode of things he wishes were different or knew he needed to improve - and he does mention things like that. I understand his somewhat lackadaisical notions of sexuality are a feature not a bug of his brand of Laodicean liberal Protestant Christianity so, while I don't agree with them, I am less able to fault him for them. All in all, a slightly puzzling and mostly eh read, as well-written and reflective as it was. I may have liked it more if he hadn't identified as a Christian!

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, definitely an honest and at times humorous account of fatherhood, though the middle chapters were a little hard to get through because he listed anecdote after anecdote and felt a little like a daily journal. The beginning and end of the book were more interesting/refreshing reflections on fatherhood and marriage. I appreciated the small snippets about prayer and God as well.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unfortunate title (from a marketing standpoint) as the book is neither an instruction manual for "rookie" parents, or specifically about dads. Jacobsen somehow captures all of the hopes, fears, joys, and frustrations of being a parent. Should be read by veteran parents as well as rookies, both moms and dads. Read it as a couple and use the chapters as discussion starters about your own thoughts/experiences as a family. This book could be used as a textbook in high school health classes or college level marriage and family courses.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave captures moments in his family's life that make you want to smile. He communicates well those moments when your sitting back on the couch watching your kids and are in complete awe of the miracle of life and consequently the responsibility it brings you. It's refreshingly honest and makes you want to be friends with the jacobsens. Now, get off the couch and buy a copy!

[Karen Hsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband met the author during his MFA program, so we picked up his book.

It was a great reflection on 1st-time parenthood, highlighting the doubts and not mincing words when it came to those doubts. There were "happy" parts, too, but I really appreciated the 1st-person perspective on new fatherhood.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and interesting stories of one guys experience of becoming a Dad. Although I found it fairly enjoyable, I didn't really take anything away from it which is a real shame. From the title and back cover I wrongly assumed it would have some more pointers on how to be better at being a rookie dad, but not so much.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, well written. Nice memoir from the "other side"> I was glad to hear about his great heart for his wife. Not a lot of spiritual insights though. Quick read. the good thing about it is that there is so much for moms (but still not enought) but Not much. for dads really. Nice start

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a few laughs. Easy to read and easy to relate to, I could really see a lot of the thoughts and feelings that I am going through as a first time father. Sometimes loses me a bit in the diary style intimacy, but overall was a lot of fun.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good/quick read. I don't think anyone sould begin reading this story in the hopes of unlocking fatherhood. And I'm sure that wasn't Jacobsen's purpose, either. It's just a light read about one man's life. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

[Danika Amusin]

Kinda cute. Couldn’t convince Savva to read it, though.