Alternadad For A Better Life?
Though the number of people who check this space every month is probably down to the single-digits at this point, there's no better place for me to announce that Alternadad is a finalist in the childcare/parenting category of the Books For A Better Life awards, sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. "The Awards recognize excellence in self-help, motivational, and self-improvement books," according to Bookreporter.com, and who am I to argue? If you want to improve yourself by founding a doomed punk-rock band, stumbling your way through the early years of parenthood stoned out of your gills, doing battle in online parenting flame-wars, and forming an intermittently-successful neighborhood association, then Alternadad is the book for you.
In all seriousness, I'm very flattered to be nominated, though bemused at being placed in the same cultural nexus as Suze Orman and Dr. Wayne Dyer. Not to diminish their works, of course, but I never set out to inspire anyone. I do, from time to time, get emails from people who say that Alternadad helped get them through the first months of parenthood, or prepare for the reality of what's about to hit, and that always feels nice to hear. I tried to write as honest a story as possible.
Personally, I think I'll be hard-pressed to knock off Peggy Orenstein's Waiting For Daisy, but then again, I've been wrong when handicapping the Books For A Better Life award before.
Comments
But you have 94 subscribers on bloglines...
Congrats!
Posted by: Alan | January 4, 2008 1:24 PM
The Pollack Invasion: I purchased your book online while I was stationed in Baghdad. Through both the good and bad times of war, I read your book. When I would come back on base, I would be excited for a couple things 1)I was alive 2) I could finally eat actual food and 3)That I would be able to continue reading Alternadad. I commented on here once before, and currently have the book in front of me. My humvee was hit by a roadside bomb in June, and I was unable to finish reading. My personal gear finally made its way back this past weekend and in my tough box was my hard copy edition.
I just wanted to say thank you and you're awesome man!
Posted by: Sgt. McCallum | February 1, 2008 9:15 AM
Thank you, Sergeant. Glad you and your book survived. We salute you!
Posted by: Neal Pollack | February 5, 2008 9:04 AM
Think he has one more championship run in him?
Posted by: SHAQ ATTAQ | February 6, 2008 4:04 AM
We need some basketball commentary now that you can finally be happy with your dog's name.
Posted by: Barkin | February 6, 2008 3:46 PM
I'm an expecting father and have Been reading your book "Alternadad". I sat down and read the first 150 pages at a coffee shop. It's refreshing to know that my thoughts on fatherhood aren't crazy. I live in New Hampshire and I'm an avid snowboarder. I've been trying to convince my wife to name our child "Shredder" but have recieved little enthusiasm. I found your book really entertaining and can see my lifestyle heading in a very similar direction as yours changed. It kind of takes the anxiety out of the whole epxerience. Anyway, thanks for telling your story. Peace.
Posted by: Adam Theriault | February 9, 2008 9:16 AM
I'm an expecting father and have Been reading your book "Alternadad". I sat down and read the first 150 pages at a coffee shop. It's refreshing to know that my thoughts on fatherhood aren't crazy. I live in New Hampshire and I'm an avid snowboarder. I've been trying to convince my wife to name our child "Shredder" but have recieved little enthusiasm. I found your book really entertaining and can see my lifestyle heading in a very similar direction as yours changed. It kind of takes the anxiety out of the whole epxerience. Anyway, thanks for telling your story. Peace.
Posted by: Adam Theriault | February 9, 2008 9:16 AM