Reference Librarian Buffy McDonald recommends Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan.
If you are looking to add some humor to your life this holiday season, consider reading Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan. In short essays, this well-respected comedian shares his experiences as a parent as he goes through the process of raising five small children in a two-bedroom apartment in New York City.
It is a fun read even if you are not a parent. And, if you are a parent, you may recognize some of the humor from your own experiences. One of the book’s greatest charms is its authenticity and Gaffigan’s ability to find humor in the ordinary experiences of being a parent.
Whether it is a humorous observation about potty training to the craziness of trying to travel with a baby and several small children in New York City. Or, something as simple as having one thing to do that day and still not having enough time to get it done.
Along with the admission that powerlessness is the defining characteristic of fatherhood, he acknowledges parenting as being in a cult—a cult of people who are sleep deprived and poorly dressed.
He also explains that children behave as poorly as the most poorly behaved child in the room and that if something is labeled as “kid-friendly,” it might as well be labeled as “adult-unfriendly.” Gaffigan loves his kids and that shines through in this book as well as his heartfelt exploration of the joys and frustrations of being a parent.
Gaffigan has a unique blend of humor and honesty that makes this book a great read and is ultimately a celebration of parenthood. He is able to recognize the humor in a situation even if it is as unpleasant as changing diapers. Come to the library soon and pick up the book or stream the eaudiobook free on Libby. You will be glad that you did.
Happy reading and laughing!
