Mean Dads for a Better America: The Generous Rewards of an Old-Fashioned Childhood – A Comedian's Celebration of Cultural San
4.5 | 196 ratings
Price: 10.99
Last update: 01-18-2026
Product details
- Publisher : Dey Street Books
- Publication date : April 3, 2018
- Edition : Reprint
- Language : English
- Print length : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 006265618X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062656186
- Item Weight : 7.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.65 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank:#250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Fashion (Books)
- Parenting Boys
- American Literature Criticism
- Customer Reviews:4.54.5 out of 5 stars(196)
Top reviews from the United States
- Martha J. OrlandoA Fun, Nostalgic and Funny ReadTom Shillue has a magic way with words as he recalls growing up in the early 70s in a 50s-oriented family. His adventures and insights are delightful, and you will be entertained and enlightened with every turn of a page.
- LizGreat Book!This book is so much more than just a book about being a traditional father. The author really takes you on a journey. You’ll be laughing out loud on one page and then turn the page and find yourself feeling moved and inspired. The author’s perspective on parenting is really funny and insightful. If you were a child or teen in the 70's and 80's, you will be flooded with memories sparked by Tom Shillue's stories of his youth. Tales of his pursuit of a career in show biz are extremely entertaining. Tom Shillue is now one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for him to write another book. #LovedIt #Genius
- joseph kosogloveasy read, amusingQuick delivery, correct product
- BettySo refreshing to see that one today at least one man has lifes values figured out.This book should be mandatory reading for all the teenagers of today. Everyone thought his Dad was the meanest man in the neighborhood and at the end of the book, he told how much he appreciated the way he was raised. I loved this book and would recommend it for all to read.. Funny with a lot of life lesson enclosed. Patriotism, faith, and family values.
- LaurieEveryone should grow up in a NorwoodI loved this book! Such a heartfelt tribute to Tom's parents. I grew up in a Norwood, too...in PA where there were many similarities to the one in MA. The book brought back memories from my own childhood, which made reading it all the more fun. The only disappointment is that the book wasn't 300 pages longer.
- C. MillerParents, prepare to laugh and learn.What a winner of a book! Tom Shillue tells the story of his growing up in Boston in the 70's. He writes with great humor and a good deal of pathos and insight as well, making his case for why all kids would benefit from having a dad like his. Parents can learn a thing or two from Tom Shillue.
- Momma T of T town.Good readingIt's a shame the kids today won't ever read this book. They then might understand what their parents went through growing up and what all we did and it wasn't racial or any sort of discriminatory ways at all. It simply was what it was. Enjoyed
reading about Tom's adventures growing up in the 70's and 80's. - GracieEvery once in a while I enjoy a light book to relax withEvery once in a while I enjoy a light book to relax with. This one did that for me. I felt that I learned about a devout Catholic family and also liked learning about life with a New Jersey city family. It reminded me a little about my childhood. Now I enjoy seeing Tom on TV even more than I did before. He did not try to preach to the reader or make any philosophical statements or compare his life to anyone else. I would guess that his daughters are nice and happy girls