My Father's Footprints: A Memoir

Rating:
Summary: Hartford radio host considers his genetic &spiritual legacy
Review: I really resent having to work until 5 everyday because it means I miss two hours of Colin McEnroe on WTIC-AM. He doesn't mention anywhere in "My Father's Footprints" that he has a radio job, but I hope he never gives it up...when he does I'll have to switch to Books on Tape. I pre-ordered this to find out more about the private Colin, who I assumed came from Old Money. Aha, his background is as much emotionally-savaged-immigrant-white-collar-miserable-socially-shamed-let's-not-talk-about -it as mine.
McEnroe's father is such an extraordinary character this book really had to be written. He bequeathed a lot of the content himself...the priceless, desperate fey humor of the the genius under siege...right down to titles for bizarre, sardonic fruit pies..
And then there is reliving the experience of the offspring...realizing that your difficult parent was struggling with mental illness -- and that that is part of who you are, too -- joyous, troubled and gifted yourself, but with the wisdom to ground your own kid's self-esteem with firmer cement.
I would recommend this book especially for anyone mourning a parent while raising their own heir to the family curses.

Rating:
Summary: A story you will read aloud to others
Review: I stayed up late during a three-day black-out and read this slim, powerful story by candlelight , hunched on the edge of my bed. When I came upon a passage so true and funny and searing, I woke my wife up to read it to her, because someone else had to revel with me in this story.
It's an odd and unusual book (with a very odd and unusual man that it chases), one that feels too short and incomplete and in places still raw and unresolved. But it's real and funny and moving and one of a kind. You may think you have had your fill of memoirs, but you have room for this one.
Days later, its mysteries and lessons and pain and wry humour stay with me, and I know I'll go back to it. And I'll keep buying copies to give as gifts. It's that affecting.

Rating:
Summary: A story you will read aloud to others
Review: I stayed up late during a three-day black-out and read this slim, powerful story by candlelight , hunched on the edge of my bed. When I came upon a passage so true and funny and searing, I woke my wife up to read it to her, because someone else had to revel with me in this story.
It's an odd and unusual book (with a very odd and unusual man that it chases), one that feels too short and incomplete and in places still raw and unresolved. But it's real and funny and moving and one of a kind. You may think you have had your fill of memoirs, but you have room for this one.
Days later, its mysteries and lessons and pain and wry humour stay with me, and I know I'll go back to it. And I'll keep buying copies to give as gifts. It's that affecting.