Finished-1/6/11
While the true title of this non-fiction memoir of a 30 year old man with a vociferous father is 'Sh*t My Dad Says', I wont insult you by censoring the word "Shit". Just as the title suggests, this book is about the ramblings of a father, which can be at times brutally direct, yet sagely insightful. I picked up this book out of sheer curiosity, as I had read a few chapters in the bookstore before, and wanted to see if it held up as a continuous narrative. Unfortunately, it doesn't. While it is entertaining and at times a bit heartwarming, it is a stretch to say that the essays and quotes contained in the book warranted a book.
The idea started as a popular Twitter site, in which Justin Halpern would document the inane, angry, and often hilarious things his father would say out loud. It was good for a laugh, and so is the book. Unfortunately, the book tries to be more than that, as it ventures into the territory of warm, sappy family tales. The book is essentially a series of recollections on the youth of Halpern, as well as his father's pivotal role in helping and supporting Halpern, albeit while swearing like a sailor. It is touching that Halpern and his father bond over such vulgar quips, yet it also feels a touch too personal for public consumption. The stories can be heartwarming and funny, but it seems a bit too revealing, and slightly too personal and esoteric for the reading public.
I enjoyed this book, but it was a mistake to read it after reading 'Friends Like These' by Danny Wallace. After that masterpiece, 'Shit My Dad Says' seemed like sentimental filler, lightly sprinkled with vulgar humor. It's good, but not great.
Check out Halpern's Twitter for some funny quotes from his Dad. If you like them, go out and check out the book, myabe you will like it. If not, read some Danny Wallace instead.
http://twitter.com/#!/shitmydadsays
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