Rookie Father

by Kendall Smith

If you grew up without a father figure, you might worry whether you have what it takes to be a great dad. Author Kendall Smith, son of a single mother, takes you under his wing, sharing wisdom he has gathered from his own experience as a father, from observing father figures in his life, and from interviewing fathers from all walks of life. This playbook for men who, like Smith, did not have a regular and dependable father figure is packed with short lessons to answer questions new dads will face, from choosing your parenting style to what it means to really be the “man of the house” (spoiler alert: it’s not the 1950s) to managing your expectations as your child grows into a unique person. With hilarious examples and a straightforward approach, The Father Apprentice is the mentor-in-a-book every new father needs to be the dad you wished you had.

212 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Kendall Smith’s foray into the writing world began with his self-published debut novel Double-Edged Justice in 2007. His experience sharpened his perspective on the business and craft itself. After a brief stint as a political-satire blogger, he returned to his roots within the thriller and mystery genre when Vault 21-12 was released in 2015.

Shortly thereafter, he put pen to paper about a subject where his passion lies as a parent: Fatherhood. His forthcoming book, Rookie Father, will be released by Familius Publishing. The book is available today at major online book retailers and will be distributed nationally in early January 2022.

Reviews

[Cynthia Muchnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

New dads, here’s your instruction manual to get you started and on your way! Kendall Smith has created a playbook for almost any situation as you become a first-time dad of an infant and toddler. Whether you read his book cover to cover or use it to look up situations as they arise, this useful manual is chock-full of nuts and bolts of being a rookie dad from A to Z.

[Ziad H]

Rookie Father is a playbook on major aspects of navigating fatherhood. I highly recommend it for all fathers, rookies or not.

It’s an enjoyable read that is both insightful and often funny. Not to miss - the author’s encounter with a monk in Bangkok.

The author’s personal accounts of growing up without a father figure and navigating his first child, plus his touching interviews with several fathers, gives you insight into the breadth and depth of the impacts fathers have on their children, and how crucial it can be to be a good father from the get-go.

Again, this original take on fatherhood offers essential, easy-to-follow and priceless advice, in a readable and enjoyable package.

[Dana Glazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall Smith knocks it out of the park with Rookie Father. This book is both informative and inspiring for new dads. I only wish that it existed when I first became a father as so many of the lessons I had to figure out for myself - and some I never did! Kendall ‘s writing style is crisp, at times funny and always insightful. Full disclosure: Kendall interviewed me in the book and, aside from being a father, I’m also a filmmaker who made a movie called the Evolution of Dad that came out 12 years ago. I have known Kendall for the past 20 years, but after reading his book, I feel that I know him in a deeper way than previously. Kendall’s coming to terms with his father’s absence is what makes this such a touching and useful read. No doubt this book will be of incredible service to the new dads (and frankly anyone else) who reads it. Bravo, Kendall!

[Carla Manly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TRULY FABULOUS BOOK! I was blessed to receive an advance copy and have found Kendall Smith's "Rookie Father" well worth the read. Broken down into small chapters that are easy to digest, "Rookie Father" is truly one of the most insightful, supportive parenting books I've encountered. Every father (and mother) will benefit from reading this hearty, inviting book that's filled with gems of wisdom at every turn. From affirming the importance of relationship-saving psychotherapy to the essential gift of compassion, Kendall's honest, loving approach to parenting and family relationships is affirming and truly valuable. Books such as this are all too rare; "Rookie Father" has the power to change children's and parents' lives for the better.

[Presley Acuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall's book is filled with short but salient nuggets of practical advice for the Rookie Dad (but aren't we all at the end of the day? - how many of us can actually say we followed in our Father's footsteps?) mixed with interesting and sometimes moving insights from his own childhood memories and experiences. I would go so far as to say it's a tome of advice on not only how to be a good Dad but how to be a good Person. Kendall is humble, intelligent, and very caring of his wife and child and it comes across on every page. Anyone who reads this book will benefit from it.

[Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, the personal stories from Kendall’s own experience are both funny and informative. His observations and interviews are awesome also. I’d recommend this to new and experienced dads. New dads will get some great advice, tips and tricks and experienced dads can be reminded how great it is to experience our kids growing up. Parenting is a an amazing and frustrating experience, reading Rookie Father helped me know I’m on the right track. Highly recommend this book!

[Steven R Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for brand new dads, especially for dads who grew up without their own fathers. If you’re a first time dad then this book is for you!!