Book Review: What A Son Needs From His Dad

What A Son Needs From His Dad by Michael A. O’Donnell, PhD.
ISBN: 978-0764209697
Publisher: Bethany House
Retail: $9.99

Michael A. O’Donnell served on the National Council of Family Relations, presented internationally acclaimed research on adolescence and is a headmaster of a Christian school. This book takes the experience and expertise of O’Donnell and puts it in the hands of those who need it- families. This book was originally published under the title How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life.

I’m not a dad –shocking, I know - but I do have a son who needs something from his dad. Something that no matter how I try, I cannot give him. It is only a ‘book’ and not a magic pill or wand that can make sure a father helps his son through the things that life brings but the way I look at it, a little bit of help can’t hurt.

The book starts in the first chapter with a bit that I think is very spot on: a good father-son relationship is something you know how to do…or don’t. It’s based on experiences that the father has had in his life. If his father was there for him, whatever the circumstance, and handled things well, then he will also be able to do these things. If, however, the father was not taught to do these things by his father…there will be moments of uncertainty and uncomfortableness. (Proverbs 22:6)

This book is separated into 10 chapters:

1. Before Your Son Faces the World
2. Effective Fathering
3. What’s Happening to My Son?
4. The Bird That Gets the Worm: Preparing Your Son to Work
5. “All Work and No Play…”Helping Your Son to Enjoy Life
6. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: Helping Your Son to be a Disciple of Christ
7. Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals: Helping Your Son to Choose the Right Friends
8. “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You…” Helping Your Son to Be a Good Citizen
9. The Birds and the Bees: Helping Your Son to Understand His Sexuality and to Prepare for Marriage
10. Behold My Beloved Son…Presenting Your Son to the World

Every chapter ends with For Thought and Discussion which are questions to help reflect more on what was talked about in the chapter.

I will admit that I did not have a ‘father’ growing up (nothing against my mother in that statement at all) so I don’t know what they are supposed to be like. I also didn’t have any brothers in my life, just sisters and my mom. Having a boy and his father is still ‘new’ to me (it’s been 12 years lol). Of course I have a stereotypical ideal of what a father-son relationship is supposed to be like. But I really have no idea.

This book, although only 144 pages, was difficult to read. Don’t misunderstand me- this is an easy to read book. There is nothing in this that the average person could not take in and learn from. It was just difficult for me. My background doesn’t allow for understanding (well, that’s a cop-out if I ever heard one) as I think others could understand. It all makes perfect sense. But I’m not a father to a son- I’m his mother. This book just tugged at my heart so much. My relationship is different and therefore this book was difficult to read. Make sense?

I like this book, honestly. I enjoyed the different people that we are introduced to and their circumstances all fit in well with the chapters purpose. O’Donnell has also filled this book with scriptural backing. Every page (practically) has applicable verses that deal with the subject. I also really enjoyed O’Donnell’s inclusion of his own experiences. He also has implemented different tactics to present each theme. It isn’t dry and boring.

There will most likely be parts of this book, opinions of the author, that readers will not agree with. Is there an author of books such as these that a person can agree with everything? With all of this, I believe it is best to turn to God for the answers, not man. I did find some different views than I personally hold but not to the point of making me want to toss the whole book. 

This is definitely being put into my husband’s hands for reading. What he does with it…well, we will see. Again, the book is short and easy to read. It’s the taking to heart that may be difficult. For some men, the ‘know how’ just is not there…but maybe there is learning to be had and the ‘know how’ can be had and applied.

***Disclaimer: This book was received from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own. See my Disclosure/Policies.***