Daditude: The Joys & Absurdities of Modern Fatherhood

by Chris Erskine

Wise, wry, and witty essays on fatherhood from Chris Erskine, the beloved columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune . “Charming, well written, concise, and to the point. Perfect for anyone who enjoys stories of fatherhood.”
— Library Journal Life is never peaceful in Chris Erskine's house, what with the four kids, 300-pound beagle, chronically leaky roof, and long-suffering wife, Posh. And that's exactly the way he likes it, except when he doesn't. Every week in the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune (and now and then in many other papers), Erskine distills, mocks, and makes us laugh at the absurdities of suburban fatherhood. And now, he's gathered the very best of these witty and wise essays—and invited his kids (and maybe even Posh) to annotate them with updated commentary, which they promise won't be too snarky. This handsome book is the perfect gift for the father who would have everything—if he hadn't already given it all to his kids.

Genres: Audiobook, Parenting, Nonfiction

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2017

Reviews

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Daditude is a series of essays by a father. The essays are about different events / experiences from the dad's life with his wife and kids. Some of the essays also have commentary from the kiddos and wife.

With any of these types of books, some of the chapters are better than others. Unfortunately, I found this book mostly boring. I didn't know much about this author before this book, but apparently he writes articles for a living.

Honestly, this book just ... didn't entertain me or keep me engaged. I wish i could say better things.

[Jonathan Maas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. Chris Erskine has a dad way of looking at the world, but he's up there with the greats, from Dave Barry to Bill Bryson. Great gift as well - just great!

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to meet this guy. I write like him in my head.

[Alvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve been missing out on something special in Chris Erskine. I’ve never read any of his columns and probably would never come across any if not for this book. A simple but heartfelt writing style that resonates with me. This book is filled with stories that reflect the way I wish I could write about the mundane but special aspect of my life. I will definitely start reading more of his work.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book, I picked it up from the publisher at the ALA Midwinter Conference with my brother in law in mind. Had to read it first, of course. It’s a selection of columns from Erskine’s work organized into groups. It’s not in chronological order at all and since I don’t read his columns I was a little confused about his kids names. They’re not mentioned in the same way throughout the book. I still found myself laughing out loud at some parts and reading some one liners aloud to my husband. Good for a new dad or someone interested in raising a family.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after learning of Posh's death--one of my relatives was on her oncology team.

As an LA native, some of these stories were very reminiscent of my life in SoCal. As a mom of four, so were a lot of the stories.

I wish Chris and his remaining family the best--I cannot imagine the grief of 2018.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mediocre book made worse by a lackluster narrator who sounded completely bored by what he was reading.

[Kevin Harber · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great lines in this book and so many laughs and earnest moments.

[Gary Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading Chris Erskine in the LA time when we're home for the holidays. He has the humor of Dave Barry with the wit of Garrison Keillor and David Sedaris.

Daditude chronicles some of life's journey as a dad. He make the blase entertaining and make even the most mundane interactions memorable. In this book, his kids have a footnote on his stories which make an especially poignant perspective on funny and even heavy topics.

[Laura Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and relatable, easy to read a bit at a time or to sit all at once on a lazy day.
I listened to this via audiobook, and it seemed a bit strange to have a narrator versus the author telling about his life, but I liked his voice. His voice reminded me of the character Ron Swanson
from Parks and Recreation.

[Jaysen Huculak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection filled with both humor and touching stories. This book gives glimpses into the real richness of life. It isn't chasing money or fame. Instead it is enjoying your most average days and loving the people around you. If a book makes you laugh, tear up and remind you to reach out to those you love it is a 5 in my book.

[Geoffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on my phone over a course of 6 months, as it is simply a compilation of chosen articles. I was not familiar with Chris before reading this. This is a nice book to keep on a phone, as you can read an article here and there. He has a funny take from a dad's perspective - so a good choice for dad's to read this. Tragic that his wife becomes sick, hoping that she is recovering.

[Jim Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just didn't work for me. I had to stop.

[Clint Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read! As a dad of 2 grown kids, it's very funny but pretty touching as well.

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

wonderful collections of articles from LA Times columnist. Read it in anticipation to our San Clemente's Friend of the Library Meet the Author Luncheon. Cannot wait to hear him speak.

[Jadenpaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who is known in many friend circles as the 'dad friend', it feels great to actually see snippets from the experience of an actual dad. I can confidently say that I have teared up at least four times while reading this, though I have not actually found myself to the point of tears falling. Chris Erskine seems to effectively capture his own experiences, which I am glad to see have been fine as a whole. This was a good read for me; I would like to thank the universe for leading me to this publication which I found in a thrift store with some friends.

[Ada Andrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at first read

The first time I read one of his columns, I was hooked. Humor, love and truth all in a newspaper column. The only part of any newspaper worth reading today. So when I found out there was a whole book, I bought it. I did not want it to end. I'm not sure if I want Chris as a husband, brother or father. I know I would have loved to have him as my Friend.

[Cheryl Drymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knows what I’m thinking

The readers IN L.A. have been blessed to read Chris for many years in the newspaper.Now he has shared his talent in book form. I enjoyed seeing some of my thoughts echoed in this sweet book. Thank you Chris for sharing your life with us.

[Reynolds Darke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook on CD
Chris Erskine is excellent, of course.
I read most or all of these in the LA Times column, but listening is a different experience.
Well worth your time either way.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ Stars

[Nolan pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books that is a collection of things previously written by the author. However, very entertaining overall

[Wendy Kennar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, fun read. A collection of Mr. Erskine's columns. Most I had not read before. Sprinkled throughout were some truly great (aka wonderfully written) sentences!

[David Matheny · Rating 2 out of 5]

my wife bought me this book as a gift. as we are expecting our 1st child so i was looking for advice. all i got was a Dudes Diary. it's cool tho

[Craig Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read, and enjoyed the “updated” comments from those in the stories.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Great read and always enjoy Chris. One of my favorite writers and great perspective on life’s daily challenges along with footnotes too.