The Odd Dad Guide: Wise-Ass Rules for New Adults

Bold. Authentic. Irreverent. An odd book of wisdom for new adults, graduates, and those who love them.

The heart attack I suffered on my teenage daughter's birthday was a wake-up call. I remember every second. The sudden, intense pain in my chest. The world going dark around the edges as dread consumed me. Afterwards, I started feverishly drafting a book of wisdom for her, in case I didn't make it to her high school graduation. Guess what? I made the deadline! But what began as a manual for her grew into something even more valuable.

The Odd Dad Guide begged to arrive and flowed as catharsis filling a void of unspoken need. Originally intended for my new adult, those of all ages who partook said the rules resonated with them as well. The stories and perspectives here will expose young people to complicated lessons. It is neither pretty nor easy for me to share some of these, but those of us who are more seasoned know that truth is both painful and freeing. In this rare moment, I have arrived at messaging a point of view completely, concisely, and precisely as desired. I wish someone had given this tome to me thirty years prior, but it did not exist. Now I offer it to you and your families with a hope that your new adult might live a life of authenticity and boldness that represents their true selves.

"Clearly, this book needed to be written. I'd give The Odd Dad Guide to every new parent out there. I was worried it was going to be a book for dads only... because of the title. As a single mom whose kids have no dad, I began reading it with bias, but the advice isn't gender specific. I appreciated that."

"I enjoyed the perspective on approaching reality without the sugar. These chapters did a great job of making me reflect and apply this wisdom to my life."
 
"In honesty, I have been a dad since I was 19, then became a single father and divorcee at 26. I did what I felt was necessary to raise my daughter to be a good citizen and provide her an opportunity for a better life. Life hasn't really been about me for years. The book is full of honest information that young and old people need to hear! Thanks for exposing the behaviors where we become prisoners of our own obligations and expectations that we can neither keep nor fulfill."
 
"The book approaches broad life experiences not from the fluffy, squishy, touchy-feely way commonly presented, but from a realistic, 'tell it like it really is' approach."
 
"I read with ease through 28 chapters, interested, smirking, chuckling, nodding, absorbing the whole way. References to zombies and marbles, toxic positivity, faith and abusers, politics and opinions and dissent all hit the mark for me. All the chapters are things I want to share with my daughter if she will listen. As an avid reader, maybe she will listen to these points by reading them in your book."
 
"The personal stories really resonate with a shared 'dad' wisdom."
 
"The Odd Dad Guide resonated with me completely. Such great advice. Don't live someone else's dream. I like to think that life's goal is fulfillment, but the author's take on contentment is more to the point. Everyone needs these words of wisdom."
 
"The author reflects on life, what he has learned, mistakes he has made, and how to be an individual. Irreverent without being crass or juvenile. The Odd Dad Guide eviscerates bullshit arguments and lies, and reminds us of our own mistakes and when childish illusions got wiped away. It's good to read this now as I turn 50 and do some reflecting. The writing is tight with small chapters that stick to the script without bloviating."