November 2014’s Book is a Keeper

After dumping October 2014’s book in favor of one that exposed my nonexistent ability to market a blog (doesn’t speak much for my recent book choices, does it?), I wanted to give my choice for November more than a trial run before I posted what it was going to be.  Furthermore, feeling untrustworthy in the book-picking department, I even left the final decision to a higher power:  the library circulation desk.  Or more accurately, the faster reader who brings books back on time.

After putting a hold on two books I simply waited for the first of the two to be returned and that became the read for this month.  And it doesn’t disappoint.  Dad is Fat by “clean” comedian Jim Gaffigan has caused me to snort and giggle in quiet waiting rooms and lobbies and my kids to wonder why I would read a book that so accurately describes their own father.  Which is totally untrue (that is him in the above picture).  Gaffigan, the father of five, writes short essays about parenting with total self-deprication and he is darn funny and darn accurate.  What sold me on this book was his comment in his chapter called “Anti-Family,” about the challenges of parenting:

You joke about it.  That’s how you deal.  If parents don’t like being a parent, they don’t talk about being a parent.  … Failing and laughing at your own shortcomings are the hallmarks of a sane parent.

Well, what a relief.  Even if I make inappropriate noises while reading in public at least I am “a sane parent.”  If I can’t laugh at the stupid things I’ve done in the name of trying to be a good mom, then what can I laugh at?

Jim Gaffigan’s terribly funny perspective on parenting.