Tiny Father

by Mike Lew

Daniel is a freelancer without health insurance or a committed relationship when he suddenly finds himself as the sole caregiver for his dangerously premature daughter. As he grapples with whether he will run from responsibility or grow into fatherhood, he befriends an outspoken neonatal intensive care unit nurse struggling to balance the demands of her job and her own family. Penned by playwright Mike Lew and directed by Moritz Von Stuelpnagel, tiny father explores the humorous truth about parenting and the fear that comes from an emotionally exhausting health scare.

Audible Audio

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really detailed and interesting story about a guy who gets his FWB pregnant and then finds himself in sole charge of a premature baby daughter.

It follows their journey through the special care baby unit and the journey that people with prem babies go through. In the beginning he is initially not interested in being there watching his daughter for days on end. He has his own life he needs to attend to and can't just sit and watch a baby all day.

He strikes up a friendship of sorts with one of the nurses and often challenges the advice she gives him. He goes from being disinterested to an expert in his field of being a prem parent. I really enjoyed this transformation as he came to terms with his new life path and grew to love his little girl.

The time just flew by listening to this and I really enjoyed it.

[Katrina Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the performances of Ali Ahn and William Jackson. It really felt real. I appreciate this story of loss, love, hope, and perseverance. A delightfully quick and heartwarming listen.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story showed up as part of my Audible Plus catalog and it was a quick and emotional listen.

I enjoyed the narration as it is told in dual POV and each actor performed emotionally and superbly.

The ONLY reason this story does not get 5 stars from me is because of the drop off ending. While everything is tied up and I'm not left with any questions it is very abrupt and I honestly thought there was something wrong with the recording. I wanted more :D

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The attitude of and treatment by the NICU nurse in this story was, frankly, not convincing. I understand stories and plays need some form of conflict, but I just didn't buy it in this one. After personally having a baby in the NICU for more than two months, I can say that in my experience as a rule NICU nurses are exceptionally empathetic and sensitive to the extreme difficulty that parents are experiencing. I believe the author felt that he was treating the nurse character sympathetically, but there were many moments of insensitive and inappropriate bedside manner that just rang false. Additionally, I didn't speak to a single other NICU parent who had anywhere near the disagreements with or lack of gratitude for the nursing staff that the father in this story did. Again, I believe the author felt he was showing this father in a sympathetic light, but ultimately it just wasn't believable characterization.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Audible Plus quick listen to put another checkmark on my done books. The reason this book got 3 stars was not for performance. I think the actor portraying the father did a spectacular job. The story had a couple of issues which plague novellas. The first is character development. While the author nailed the father being a general PITA to the NICU nurse, he didn't go as deeply into the emotional causes behind it that I felt would have truly flushed it out. Instead, the father just came across as a PITA. Second, a truly abrupt ending. A quick afterward would have resolved and maybe added 5 minutes to the book. All and all it was free and I am one more book down!

[Amanda Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute... quick little audio book about a new father with a NICU baby - who’s mama didn’t make it. It was quirky and sometimes made you laugh. Not bad for a free download and something to listen to why you wait for you next audible credit to renew!

[Rich Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job of telling the continuing story of a father and his premature baby daughter and the nurse who cared for the child in the hospital. Lots of emotions in the three months plus. The narrators were excellent with the back and forth dialogue between them.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

super smart dialogue and a moving story. heart-warming. hopeful.

[Amy Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet short story that made me want to know what happens next!

[LaDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story. Could have done without the swearing.

[Matthew Chaloux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into a complicated birth situation. Broke immersion a couple times with some odd choices of words/scenarios, but overall it conveyed the emotions of the situation well.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and sweet with a lot of emotion packed in. It wrapped up a little to abruptly or I would have gone for 5 stars.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept expecting it to go somewhere but it never really did. Enjoyable and heartwarming.

[Ian Hefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audible performance of this. As an uncle of a premie and a new dad of adopted kids, I really enjoyed this performance.

[Angelika Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof this was hilarious, heart-breaking and heart-warming.

[Christopher Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short book on fatherhood and how life just happens sometimes. I suggest every new dad or expecting dad read this book.

[Kate O’Carroll]

U my tiny little boyfriend

Wtf reading

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book from a father's perspective in dealing with a preemie, loss and unexpectant fatherhood!

[Titia Sjenitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story. We listened to the audio version which was well performed.

Very touching.

[Thalia Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⬇️

The performances were genuinely exceptional, my favourite part of it, especially William Jackson, will check out more of his work!