Finding Dad

by Alma J. Yates

Book by Alma J Yates

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Fiction, Religion

253 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story of a man that divorced his wife, left his son behind and even tho' they had some contact during the ten years he had been gone it was not enough when his ex-wife suddenly died. His son Alma is now 16 and hardly knows his dad. However, the dad has straighten his life out and goes back to Utah to get his son.
His son agrees to go with him to Arizona if he can bring a broken down truck with him. Interesting the changes both have to make to make their relationship work. Forgiveness is a big step for both.

[AnnaMay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I began listening to this one and decided it's a 'no-go' after the first CD (of 7). I found the characters to be really confrontational and the author to be very slow in getting into the real story. 7 chapters in and I've not felt the pull yet. Reminded me of that Nerftiti disaster (a book I read recently) Too many chapters of introduction and too much telling and 'filling in' in kind of lame ways that weren't natural. I learned my lesson on Nefertiti. I'm NOT wasting more time on this one. Sorry, Yates. Better luck next time.

Much of my annoyance with this book could have been due to two factors: 1) I had just finished O Pioneers! by Willa Cather (this simply doesn't compare). 2) the reader did a terrible job with the women's voices and was way too catty with them (Picture a deep man's voice kind of going falsetto and trying to sound annoyed.) I tried to imagine reading the words instead of listening to his rendition, and I think this could have passed for a fun little novel were I to read it in a day at my speed-read pace.

I didn't like how predictable the characters were. It's as if Yates was trying to write a book that has already been written instead of coming up with his own material. The main character is tall, dark and handsome with a rough past, another is a spunky little farm wife with real spitfire that rubs him the wrong way, etc. So predictable, thus not enlightening or enjoyable for me, I guess. Willa Cather's characters seemed like real people with real features and flaws, in contrast. I hope this doesn't leave to bad of a taste in my mouth and ruin my appetite for other LDS fiction. That's why I'm not spending more time on it. I'm hoping I can just move on and forget the sillyness/stupidness of the four hours of listening I wasted on this :) and that I can remember there are other fun LDS novels out there.

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alma Yates is one of my heroes, as an author, a teacher, and as a person. He is a man of integrity and intelligence. I have yet to meet a teacher who inspires me more. So I always look forward to his books. I gave this one to my husband for Father's Day, and after he read it, it was on his bookshelf. One day I was organizing his books, I ran across Finding Dad, and thought, "Why haven't I read this one yet?" I started it one night, and enjoyed the story developing, but it didn't immediately "grab" me, but in a few days as I read a little each day, I couldn't wait till I had time to read more. I couldn't wait to see how the story would conclude, and I wasn't disappointed as the story drew to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. I learned so many things about relationships and life in the dialogue between the characters. I was taught about forgiveness, agency, love, redemption, and more. I am grateful to Alma Yates for his taking time to write such uplifting, good literature for those of us who yearn for it. This was a story to remember. Thank you.

[Chas · Rating 4 out of 5]

PG6: Some of the dad's past is a little rough, he having been unfaithful and excommunicated from the church, but the book does an excellent job dealing with the consequences and his path back to activity.

This is my second Alma Yates read, and I loved it just as much as the other one. I read Race to Eden about a year ago.
I liked the manner in which the book dealt with the consequences of the dad's mistakes, as well as how it dealt with the budding romance that was taking place. A great book that encourages strong family ties, and helps you see how great it is to have those you love.

The storytelling is very good, too. I was pulled into the story right away, and it kept my attention the whole time.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Porter Huggins got off track when he decided to desert his wife and son for another woman. After seven years of going in the wrong direction, he finally realized how messed up his life was and decided to turn his life around. However, it was a little late to establish any kind of relationship with his son, who was now 13. And he did turn his life around and start over.

Three years later when his ex-wife was killed in a car accident, he decided it was time to become a real father, but soon found out his son, Alma, had different ideas. How can he prove to his 16-year old son that he really has changed?

This was a heart-warming, realistic book about the effect of sin on the person and his entire family, and about repentance and reparation--and was a real tear jerker at the end.

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Porter Huggins left his wife and young son for another woman. For years he lived selfishly and now suffers from regret. When his exwife Alison dies in a car crash he is forced to return to his hometown for his son Alma who is now 16 (where he is not well received). Porter moves Alma from Panguitch Utah to Eager Arizona It is a story of rebuilding relationships after many difficult trials and separation. While also starting new relationships (Porter and Darby). A connection for the two men is the restoration of an old truck that holds memories for both. Darby a neighbor and friend also helps to bridge the gap. This is an LDS author that discusses some religion in the book.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I actually read the book version of this, not listened to the CD, but there was no picture of the book available. I've always enjoyed Mr. Yates writing(I had "Independent Reading" from him in High School). He writes about areas where I've been and types of people I've known and so the books become a little more real for me. This exploration of a good teenager's journey to love his irresponsible dad was sometimes painful, but always kept the subtle power of redemption flowing in the background.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

the author did a great job in relating the emotions and reactions of a teenage son whose parents are divorced and journey of bringing son and father back together after the death of the mother. Sometimes we don't understand why we make the choices we do and to explain that to others is rather difficult, we really need to search deep for the meaning behind what we do. loving someone sometimes means letting them go to make their own choices even at the expense of our own heart.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alma Yates has written a great story of a father and son getting to know each other again. The dialogues between the father and son were realistic, often funny, and really captured the personalities of the characters. I especially liked Alma, the son. He felt like a real teenager, yet still very likeable. I listened to the audio version of this and thought the narrator did a really nice job with most of the voices.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting contrast between repairing an old truck and repairing a broken relationship between father and son. The two learn individually that both have to be willing to work on a relationship in order to heal it because one person cannot do it on their own.

I would have given it a few more stars, but the pace seemed to drag in a few parts of the book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good with no swearing, bed scenes or anything! Wonderfully refreshing to read someone who writes clean books. I liked the father-son relationship that worked out through all that they went through. I like how Alma writes...very much like home and family...without getting way out there.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a formula I see often in books that I dislike...it's when the main character fights something through the whole book and resolves it in the end. That was this book for me. I did like that the 2 main characters worked through their problems and grew from them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very nostalgic book, a quick read but one that made you realize there is hope after making mistakes and that you can make things right if that is really what you want to do. I enjoyed it, very quick, but meaningful read. Especially for those of us that don't have our dad's here anymore.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 16 year-old young man's mother dies and his divorced Dad takes over the responsibility for him. Alma, refuses to move with the father unless he can bring his grandpa's old truck.
A good story about fathers, sons, divorce, forgiveness, starting over, and what is important. Almost a 4.

[Patra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alma J. Yates is my favorite LDS author and he didn't disappoint me with this new book. The story drew me in immediately and I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I like his books because I always walk away feeling like I know more about how to be a better person.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and thought it was well written. I enjoyed the story of a father connecting with his son, although sometimes the tension between the two of them was a little relentless and repetitive as a reader. I liked the message and recommend it as a good, light read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book on relationships between fathers and sons. After the death of his ex-wife the father picks up his son and moves him to another state. The father and son then have to find a way to live and work together. The son testing the father love at every turn.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself taking it with me everywhere to listen to and finish. Gave me a lot to think about, was a good, real story without being too sad or too unbelievable either. Dialogue was a touch cheesy at times, but again, overall really enjoyed this.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book on CD. A Dad that made some poor choices is now trying to reconnect with his son. They both have to learn a few things along the way, and the story kept my interest. Nice, clean, happy ending.

[Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the eye of the author, a man rediscovers the true meaning of life, and finally learns how to live; a very touching story.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book. It was pretty good. It was a quick read. It took me a bit to get into it but by the end I was hooked.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Alma Yates did not disappoint. I think this book might even be better than the Miracle of Miss Willie!!

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second half of the book. The first half was a little forced to me, but turned around about half-way through. Ending was nice.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books by Alma J. Yates -- my former bishop in Snowflake

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Nothing more important than a relationship between a Father and Son. Listened via Audiobook. I love the reader.

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of bickering between the characters so it isn't one of those feel good books. It was interesting to see how the father and son interacted though.

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great story about a father and a son who are reunited at the death of the mother. It is about forgiveness and love.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a nice story with a tear jerker ending.

[Rachel Robins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good LDS fiction, this one is by Alma Yates. It's a heartfelt story of a father and son making peace. Really good for teens but interesting for adults too.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on how divorce can affect both children and parents but in a novel form. Not being from a family of divorce I learned some valuable insights.