What’s on My Nightstand? Dinner with Dad
August 26, 2008 by Kimberly · 8 Comments
I read an excerpt from Dinner with Dad written by Cameron Stracher in the June issue of New York Family. It was excellent. I thought that it would make a great book to review and/or be a giveaway on our site. Fortunately, Random House agreed. They sent me a copy to review and they will be giving away a copy to one lucky Mom in the City member. (Mom in the City newsletter subscribers can enter to win by leaving your name in the “Comments” section below or by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with “Dinner” in the Subject line by September 15th).
Normally, I’m reading three to four books at a time. This month though, with all of the school prep going on, I haven’t been reading as much. Dinner with Dad is worth the read though! Basically, the book is about Mr. Stracher’s attempt to be home for dinner with his family five nights a week (and to cook some of the nights!) in an effort to strengthen relationships with his family members/create more “balance” in their lives. To put it lightly, the transition is not easy for his “Type A” personality. Along the way, he learns (what most of us moms already know!) that his sacrifices (shopping, cooking, simply being there) aren’t always acknowledged or appreciated. Sometimes, he slips into self-pity, but for the most part, he is a good sport. While reflecting on his efforts, Mr. Stracher did well in actually getting home for dinner; not so great in cooking half of the meals that he was home for; and he realizes the financial consequences of changing his work schedule.
As someone who really values family dinners, I found this book both realistic and humorous. Hands-on parenting is not easy/for the faint of heart, but it is SO worth it. I’m very grateful that my husband has a family-friendly job (teacher) and schedule. Eating dinner together most nights of the week is one of the greatest gifts that I think we have been able to give to our kids so far!
(To read about what others are reading, visit What’s on Your Nightstand.)
Thanks for joining in this month!
I’d love to win that book. It sounds right up my alley.
Sounds like a good book. Although in my family it’s me that’s working until 7 while my husband is at home making dinner. Definitely not ideal but it’s what we have to do for now. Maybe I should read it for myself!
sounds… yummy. thanks!
That books sounds very neat. I am lucky and thankful that my husband his home for dinner almost every night. However, growing up my Dad made a huge effort to make it home for dinner and it meant the world to my sister and I.
Sounds like a good book. Sometimes I wonder if my husband ever feels like supper is a battle. Between the one year old throwing food on the floor and the two year old putting his feet on the table, I wouldn’t blame him if he wanted to put in a late night once in a while!
Sounds like my kinda book!
cute
would love to read it