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Editorial Reviews
After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, twenty-eight-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his seventy-three-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him:
"That woman was sexy. . . . Out of your league? Son, let women figure out why they won't screw you. Don't do it for them."
"Do people your age know how to comb their hair? It looks like two squirrels crawled on their heads and started fucking."
"The worst thing you can be is a liar. . . . Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is liar. Nazi one, liar two."
More than a million people now follow Mr. Halpern's philosophical musings on Twitter, and in this book, his son weaves a brilliantly funny, touching coming-of-age memoir around the best of his quotes. An all-American story that unfolds on the Little League field, in Denny's, during excruciating family road trips, and, most frequently, in the Halperns' kitchen over bowls of Grape-Nuts, Sh*t My Dad Says is a chaotic, hilarious, true portrait of a father-son relationship from a major new comic voice.
Related Reviews
A father and son's love knows no boundaries. Four letter words yes, boundaries no.
Political Correctness Quotient = Zero
To echo what others have said this book is hilarious. It's also sweet and touching. Justin's dad is a gruff Vietnam vet, retired research doctor who is honest to a fault. He's someone who knows himself and has the courage and a burning need to speak his mind. He also loves his family to distraction. Justin's dad is Jewish and his mom a quiet, loving Catholic and though their child rearing approaches seem as different as their religions they make a good parenting team.
Here are a few quotes which are NOT the funniest in the book but one's that are relatively lacking in four letter words:
On Getting an Internship at Quentin Tarantino's Production Company:
"That is one ugly son of a `gun'.....Oh, yeah, no congratulations. If you see him, try not to stare at his face if you've eaten anything."
After Justin moves out"
"You just barge in and take whatever you want, whenever you want it. It's like you're the ********* SS I'm living in ******* Nazi Germany...."
At the End of the Day, at Least You a Have a Family:
"So, there you go. Your mother thinks you're handsome. This should be an exciting day for you."
On a hypothesized life of crime:
"You always got us. We're family. We ain't going anywhere. Unless you go on a ******* killing spree or something."
"I would still love you Justy. I would just want to know why you did it," my mom said earnestly.
All these quotes can seem a bit over the top when you read them out of context but they never come across as glib or hate filled.....just honest. Justin was the youngest of three sons and the last chapter of the book is the story of one of Justin's love affairs gone awry and his dad comforting by telling the story of his first wife's life and death. The best thing about this book, besides the humor of course, is the emotional honestly.
Here are a few quotes which are NOT the funniest in the book but one's that are relatively lacking in four letter words:
On Getting an Internship at Quentin Tarantino's Production Company:
"That is one ugly son of a `gun'.....Oh, yeah, no congratulations. If you see him, try not to stare at his face if you've eaten anything."
After Justin moves out"
"You just barge in and take whatever you want, whenever you want it. It's like you're the ********* SS I'm living in ******* Nazi Germany...."
At the End of the Day, at Least You a Have a Family:
"So, there you go. Your mother thinks you're handsome. This should be an exciting day for you."
On a hypothesized life of crime:
"You always got us. We're family. We ain't going anywhere. Unless you go on a ******* killing spree or something."
"I would still love you Justy. I would just want to know why you did it," my mom said earnestly.
All these quotes can seem a bit over the top when you read them out of context but they never come across as glib or hate filled.....just honest. Justin was the youngest of three sons and the last chapter of the book is the story of one of Justin's love affairs gone awry and his dad comforting by telling the story of his first wife's life and death. The best thing about this book, besides the humor of course, is the emotional honestly.
I opened this book last night, and didn't put it down until I read it through. A quick, easy read, this book is gut bustingly funny...and it's not just a bunch of hilarious quotes, it's also a good, heartfelt story with family values and moral components intertwined. The language is very raw, so if you are offended by any or all of the entire curse word dictionary, this book may not be for you.
I found it refreshing that there is someone out there who is all about being completely honest and transparent, and doesn't beat around the bush, especially in society's current state, where everything offends someone somewhere.
Must read.
I found it refreshing that there is someone out there who is all about being completely honest and transparent, and doesn't beat around the bush, especially in society's current state, where everything offends someone somewhere.
Must read.
I sat in bed one night reading this book aloud to my husband, well tried to, I laughed so much at one point that I couldn't go on, just laid there laughing hysterically! It's not often you get to experience uncontrollable laughter, so when you do you often want to share the experience with others for days to follow. But, unfortunately, this is not the book you can do this with, not without possibly offending others with the colourful language...which in my view makes the story. So I will just say that I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish, enjoyed laughing out loud, and for a long time to come will remember Mr Halpern with the cheekiest of grins.
4 stars on content and 2 stars on value
I thought this book was just great. I got to know dad (Sam) very well and at the end of the book just loved him. I recieved this book as a gift and it was a good one. My only gripe is a very small hardcover book at 150 pages (1/2 of which are not filled) does not constitute a book. If the book price was the price of a paperback that would make sense. It took me slightly over an hour to finish and while I throughly enjoyed it, I dont believe 15.95 is a fair price to read a few short stories. I felt that the author was just giving us a hint of his family and there is more to come, which would be great as I wanted to get to know his family better.. But the value just isnt there. If I were you, I would borrow the book, wait until it comes out on paperback or get it from the library.
I laughed to hard that I was afraid I wouldn't be allowed on my flight.
I picked this book because it came up as a recommendation and recently someone had mentioned the blog wwhich had inspired this book.
This was a really quick, funny, and touching read. Initially I thought this was just going to be about the outrageous things the author's father spouted, but it became the portrait of a wise. loving dad who seems unable to speak without referencing defecation in some way. When you read the book you really get the idea that the author is learning from his dad, who is admittedly a little rough around the edges, how to be a decent human being. Mr. Halpern doesn't sound like Ward Cleaver, but he values honesty and fair play, and he loves his family, and this is abundantly clear in what a likable person the author seems to be. I think it's also a deft touch that the author lets his fathers words, and the stories surrounding those words, tell the tale without underlining The Point, like some sort of Wonder Years voice over.
Not every word the senior Halpern utters is politically correct, which is part of the humor, and he obviously embarrassed his son on occasion, but this book seems like a loving tribute to a guy who clearly loves his son even while calling him a dummy. (Believe it or not.)The author's father might not be a model parent by the standards of parenting books, but underneath the abrasiveness is the type of parent that raises kids who know they're loved and supported.
I truly laughed out loud at least a dozen times, most of them while waiting to board a plane. I was a little concerned they might think I'd spent too much time at the airport bar, but I was having a hard time holding back the most obvious sign of my enjoyment. The title says it all about the language contained inside though, and much of the humor comes from a quite colorful vocabulary. Remember Ralphie in A Christmas Story saying his father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay? That!
Please note this is a pretty quick read with the print version being 176 pages as I'm aware this might figure into whether or not a potential reader might find it worth the current cost. I thought this was a great read, but folks on a budget or who have a set price might want to wait.
This was a really quick, funny, and touching read. Initially I thought this was just going to be about the outrageous things the author's father spouted, but it became the portrait of a wise. loving dad who seems unable to speak without referencing defecation in some way. When you read the book you really get the idea that the author is learning from his dad, who is admittedly a little rough around the edges, how to be a decent human being. Mr. Halpern doesn't sound like Ward Cleaver, but he values honesty and fair play, and he loves his family, and this is abundantly clear in what a likable person the author seems to be. I think it's also a deft touch that the author lets his fathers words, and the stories surrounding those words, tell the tale without underlining The Point, like some sort of Wonder Years voice over.
Not every word the senior Halpern utters is politically correct, which is part of the humor, and he obviously embarrassed his son on occasion, but this book seems like a loving tribute to a guy who clearly loves his son even while calling him a dummy. (Believe it or not.)The author's father might not be a model parent by the standards of parenting books, but underneath the abrasiveness is the type of parent that raises kids who know they're loved and supported.
I truly laughed out loud at least a dozen times, most of them while waiting to board a plane. I was a little concerned they might think I'd spent too much time at the airport bar, but I was having a hard time holding back the most obvious sign of my enjoyment. The title says it all about the language contained inside though, and much of the humor comes from a quite colorful vocabulary. Remember Ralphie in A Christmas Story saying his father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay? That!
Please note this is a pretty quick read with the print version being 176 pages as I'm aware this might figure into whether or not a potential reader might find it worth the current cost. I thought this was a great read, but folks on a budget or who have a set price might want to wait.
Funniest book I've read in a long time
I'm sure a most people feel this way, but I think the reason this book is so funny to me is because I can hear all of the quotes coming out of my Dad's mouth as I read them. Justin's story telling method is quick and to the point, which keeps the book all the more engaging and interesting. Typically a book like this would be something you'd read every once in a while... I found myself reading it non-stop and then going back for more when I was done with a "chapter". Great book, perfect light reading, and hopefully not the last we hear from Justin's Dad.
If you like the quotes (and who doesn't???) then you will LOVE this book. There are even more gems from Sam, some of the best yet, plus stories that provide context and touching moments, as well as more hilarity. I seriously couldn't put it down and I will definitely be giving at as a gift all year...
I loved this book. I heard my old man and my grandpa in some of the quotes. I am happy to see that so far all of the reveiws are 5 stars - I am sure there will be a poor review sooner or later, but you can ignore those.
My dad never used language quite as salty as Justin's dad, but his point was the same. My dad did not say I love you on a regular basis, however, he would show up at your house ready to build a shed, pour a sidewalk, install a patio, or build a deck at 6am ready to roll and wondering what the hell you were doing since you weren't already half done. Which would not have been any good anyway since you would have been doing it wrong. THAT is how a DAD shows love - a Father can only say I love you.
When I get together with friends, my dad always comes up as a topic of conversation. Stories about my dad are always popular and always end in laughter. This is a book full of dad stories and I am happy to say they are every bit as good (and some quite a bit better than) stories I tell about my dad.
If you don't think this book is funny and heartwarming, I truly feel sorry for you - you have missed out in life. Justin's dad is not mean, he just tells it like it is. The truth is rarely pretty, and life is not rated G.
This book is not just random quotes, it has several short, easy to read chapters that tell you a bit about life in the Halpern home and how Dr. Halpern shaped the boys' lives. Each chapter ends with a dozen or so hilarious quotes from Justin's dad.
I bought one for my dad and one for my wife's dad - this is a can't miss Father's Day gift - provided of course, your Father is also a DAD.
My dad never used language quite as salty as Justin's dad, but his point was the same. My dad did not say I love you on a regular basis, however, he would show up at your house ready to build a shed, pour a sidewalk, install a patio, or build a deck at 6am ready to roll and wondering what the hell you were doing since you weren't already half done. Which would not have been any good anyway since you would have been doing it wrong. THAT is how a DAD shows love - a Father can only say I love you.
When I get together with friends, my dad always comes up as a topic of conversation. Stories about my dad are always popular and always end in laughter. This is a book full of dad stories and I am happy to say they are every bit as good (and some quite a bit better than) stories I tell about my dad.
If you don't think this book is funny and heartwarming, I truly feel sorry for you - you have missed out in life. Justin's dad is not mean, he just tells it like it is. The truth is rarely pretty, and life is not rated G.
This book is not just random quotes, it has several short, easy to read chapters that tell you a bit about life in the Halpern home and how Dr. Halpern shaped the boys' lives. Each chapter ends with a dozen or so hilarious quotes from Justin's dad.
I bought one for my dad and one for my wife's dad - this is a can't miss Father's Day gift - provided of course, your Father is also a DAD.
Justin Halpern's dad is a guy who immediately says what's on his mind, and doesn't give a crap about anyone who happens to be within earshot. He's a grumpy old guy with the smarts of a rocket scientist and the mouth of a Kentucky moonshiner. He drops pearls of wisdom in the crassest possible terms, but his comments are always dead on and endlessly hilarious. This is one of the funniest books I've ever read, and I read an awful lot. If you like four-letter humor that tells it like it is, this book is for you. Highly recommended.
Hysterical. I tried reading it on the subway and I was laughing so hard I was afraid people were going to think I was crazy (Justin's father is thinking "why do you care what other people think, Weenie?").
Justin is a funny guy and his father is so unbelievably blunt, he is hard to believe. The best part though, was as the book went on, you realized how much of a good guy Sam Halpern is and how much he loved his son and family.
A story of fatherhood from a man's man perspective.
Justin is a funny guy and his father is so unbelievably blunt, he is hard to believe. The best part though, was as the book went on, you realized how much of a good guy Sam Halpern is and how much he loved his son and family.
A story of fatherhood from a man's man perspective.
Caution! Do NOT read this book...
...while you are eating. Especially not popcorn. It is laugh-the-hell-out-loud-funny and if you laugh while you're eating, you're gonna hurt yourself. Also, if you're one of those people who gets embarrassed easily, don't read this book in public. Some people can handle the irate looks of other people who aren't reading something so damn funny that you can't help but laugh out loud until tears are being squeezed out of your eyes. Just get this book and read it. But remember about the popcorn.
If the title of this review doesn't perk your attention, here's some more info:
Justin Halpern had a huge following on Twitter, the site where he first started quoting his father's words. He mainly wrote down what his Dad said - or had said. The actor Levar Burton even followed Justin Halpern and (for a time) Halpern followed only Levar Burton. The Twitter site took off like crazy and it is no surprise the book became a bestseller. It is reader friendly, hilarious, and catchy.
In time, word of mouth spread about Halpern's Twitter space. He'd become a Twitter sensation but he hadn't worked up the courage to tell his father - yet. After awhile,television producers came calling. This book goes far beyond the limited space allowed by Twitter and fills in many of the details about his father, growing up with him, family life, etc. I am skeptical about how they are going to keep the flavor and tone of what Halpern's father says, especially on a television show. Clearly, some of the profanity will be edited out. But back to the book...
The book still contains plenty of short saying from Justin's father. But there is so much more! Halpern includes hilarious anecdotes from his family life, including the eccentric way his father dealt with possible intruders to his mother's experiments with food. At the heart of the book, of course, is Justin's father, the guy who gets straight to the point and pretty much does things his own way. He is very blunt and one of the more touching parts of the book is when Justin confesses that he once felt his father was a bit frightening and then came to believe in his wisdom. IMPORTANT - buy the edition with the photos, if possible. Some editions don't have them.
Impossible to describe, this book is laugh out loud funny. Of course, it is like most comedy. Once you've read it, you may want to pass it along to a friend or relative. When the punch lines are read or the anecdotes lead up to their climax....you really can't read them again and get the same effect. Some of the one liners still make me laugh, though, so I think I'll keep a copy and pass one along.
Some other points worth noting:
1. This book is 158 pages long and retails for $15.99. You can get it for significantly less, either from sellers on Amazon or elsewhere.
2. It has a super introduction, with Halpern explaining how and why he started his Twitter page dedicated to his father as well as the mixed results of fame. This intro is very funny - and the book gets better from there.
3. It is divided into sections so that there is a bit of continuity from one part to the next. Sections focus (loosely) on manners, the importance of telling the truth and related ethics and behavior, money, romance and more.
Justin's father is one of a kind and that makes for a book you'll want to read at least once - maybe several times. It is also a book where you can read one section at a time, not necessarily in chronological order. So browse through it when you want...and, considering the title and contents, what better book for bathroom reading?
Justin Halpern had a huge following on Twitter, the site where he first started quoting his father's words. He mainly wrote down what his Dad said - or had said. The actor Levar Burton even followed Justin Halpern and (for a time) Halpern followed only Levar Burton. The Twitter site took off like crazy and it is no surprise the book became a bestseller. It is reader friendly, hilarious, and catchy.
In time, word of mouth spread about Halpern's Twitter space. He'd become a Twitter sensation but he hadn't worked up the courage to tell his father - yet. After awhile,television producers came calling. This book goes far beyond the limited space allowed by Twitter and fills in many of the details about his father, growing up with him, family life, etc. I am skeptical about how they are going to keep the flavor and tone of what Halpern's father says, especially on a television show. Clearly, some of the profanity will be edited out. But back to the book...
The book still contains plenty of short saying from Justin's father. But there is so much more! Halpern includes hilarious anecdotes from his family life, including the eccentric way his father dealt with possible intruders to his mother's experiments with food. At the heart of the book, of course, is Justin's father, the guy who gets straight to the point and pretty much does things his own way. He is very blunt and one of the more touching parts of the book is when Justin confesses that he once felt his father was a bit frightening and then came to believe in his wisdom. IMPORTANT - buy the edition with the photos, if possible. Some editions don't have them.
Impossible to describe, this book is laugh out loud funny. Of course, it is like most comedy. Once you've read it, you may want to pass it along to a friend or relative. When the punch lines are read or the anecdotes lead up to their climax....you really can't read them again and get the same effect. Some of the one liners still make me laugh, though, so I think I'll keep a copy and pass one along.
Some other points worth noting:
1. This book is 158 pages long and retails for $15.99. You can get it for significantly less, either from sellers on Amazon or elsewhere.
2. It has a super introduction, with Halpern explaining how and why he started his Twitter page dedicated to his father as well as the mixed results of fame. This intro is very funny - and the book gets better from there.
3. It is divided into sections so that there is a bit of continuity from one part to the next. Sections focus (loosely) on manners, the importance of telling the truth and related ethics and behavior, money, romance and more.
Justin's father is one of a kind and that makes for a book you'll want to read at least once - maybe several times. It is also a book where you can read one section at a time, not necessarily in chronological order. So browse through it when you want...and, considering the title and contents, what better book for bathroom reading?
I don't know who I love more, Justin or his Dad!
My husband and I are currently going through a particularly stressful time and were looking for some textbooks for an upcoming test he will be taking soon. I came across this book and read a tiny bit inside and began laughing so loud that I actually embarrassed myself. Of course we bought this along with the textbooks and what we've done with it is this...each night as we're in bed and my husband is finishing his last minute "cram session" in a textbook and I'm doing paperwork we put our serious stuff aside and take turns reading aloud to each other from Justin's book. This has given such levity to an otherwise arduous time in our life. We just open any page and begin reading. Of course, by now we've read all of the book but it's so damn funny it just doesn't matter. Still laughing ourselves to sleep. If you're one of those authors who happen to read your reviews here, thanks so much Justin for getting us through an intense period by sharing your hilarious father with us. Now can you ask him if he'll adopt us?
hey, consider it cultural research if you need to; because the author is a freakin' twitter phenom -- well over 1.6 million followers when he's only tweeted 127 times? and a book deal? and a tv show starting this fall, starring bill shatner? `nuf said. and, here's the skinny: i laughed my butt off reading this thing. it goes way beyond the funny, albeit courser than sandpaper, stuff his dad actually says. it's a book about fathers and sons. and, seriously, the love of halpern's crasser-than-crass dad comes through loud and clear in-between the soundbites. it's unconventional, to be sure; but it's clearly real. and that's encouraging to me as a dad. maybe my mouth isn't as crass, but my fathering is easily as flawed; and maybe i'm doing ok, if my love for my kids can leak through my insufficiencies in a similar way.
Laugh out loud and expect tears to run down your cheeks!
I figured a NYT best seller would be good but never expected to laugh as hard and often as I did. This loving irreverent look at parent/child relationships is one of those "go to when you need a lift" kind of books. In a small way it reminds me of Erma Bombeck's style: parents love their children but there are moments of utter frustration with the little things that build up to explosive levels. What parent hasn't confronted the teacher that seems to hate children and teaching and not wanted to react the way Justin's dad did? That and everything from cleanliness and eating habits is covered in a realistic and humorous manner. The book is clearly this year's Christmas present for special friends and family members. Buy it for yourself...it's a great "gift."
So Funny I Cannot Even Breathe!
Okay, so I have a Blackberry 9700 and I have the Kindle application on my phone. I was browsing through the library and found this book. It sounded remarkably like the guy I followed on Twitter so I decided to read the excerpt and realized it was! So I purchased the book and have been reading it in my downtime at work and I have to say that I have been laughing all day! I could not believe that someone's dad was this vulgar but at the same time at least you always knew what he was talking about and did not try to push things under the carpet like a lot of sensitive people tend to do these days. I am enjoying every moment and cannot wait to get home and order a pizza and finish this book.
For the people who are complaining that the book was too vulgar, I refer you to the title. If you have profanity in the title, what made you think it was going to be innocent like "A River Runs through It"? In this day and age it seems that everyone is so uptight. You can't say this; you can't say that, etc. It's nice to see someone who was not afraid of his own shadow in his own house and who was not afraid to stick up for his son's when needed-be. My mother was not as frank as he was but she certainly has had her time or two down at the schools defending me and my siblings. I say that times, work, economy is so hard on everyone right now. Sometimes you need to just sit back and ask yourself "what did he just say??" and have a good long laugh instead of bringing more unhappiness in your life by over-analyzing and complaining all the time. You have enough of that and I certainly do. We call this sort of humor close to what is termed "grave-yard humor", especially with the line about the dog. So stop complaining, sit back, grab a beer and some pizza, and laugh!
I know this is not supposed to be a literary genius book and I am good with that. Again, my life is stressful and I am tired and I just like the fact that I could just laugh because I have not genuinely done so in a very long time! Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! 5 stars all the way!
For the people who are complaining that the book was too vulgar, I refer you to the title. If you have profanity in the title, what made you think it was going to be innocent like "A River Runs through It"? In this day and age it seems that everyone is so uptight. You can't say this; you can't say that, etc. It's nice to see someone who was not afraid of his own shadow in his own house and who was not afraid to stick up for his son's when needed-be. My mother was not as frank as he was but she certainly has had her time or two down at the schools defending me and my siblings. I say that times, work, economy is so hard on everyone right now. Sometimes you need to just sit back and ask yourself "what did he just say??" and have a good long laugh instead of bringing more unhappiness in your life by over-analyzing and complaining all the time. You have enough of that and I certainly do. We call this sort of humor close to what is termed "grave-yard humor", especially with the line about the dog. So stop complaining, sit back, grab a beer and some pizza, and laugh!
I know this is not supposed to be a literary genius book and I am good with that. Again, my life is stressful and I am tired and I just like the fact that I could just laugh because I have not genuinely done so in a very long time! Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! 5 stars all the way!
This book is unreadable in public - you will be laughing too loud too often.
...for the same reason I wanted them to take driving lessons from the Motor Association, because maybe they will listen when someone else tells them something I think is important...and the profanity, while not really my style, is a good attention-getter. Actually, the quaintness and shock value of the fatherly advice in this book distracts from what a clever writer Justin Halpern is...which is actually pretty clever, at that.
This "book" is immensely entertaining and even a bit insightful perhaps, but it's also the shortest "book" I've ever read. More a (small) collection of (short) anecdotes interspersed with quotations - many of which are, admittedly, laugh-out-loud funny - I just can't believe it costs the same as a full-length novel. Not sorry I bought or read it, but be advised what you're getting before you buy it.
...to wipe up runny mascara!!! I am usually not into the humor/satire stories.
But. This book changed that. This is THE funniest book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I have tried numerous times to read this out loud to others, but I cannot stop laughing to get the words out.
Sam, you are awesome!
But. This book changed that. This is THE funniest book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I have tried numerous times to read this out loud to others, but I cannot stop laughing to get the words out.
Sam, you are awesome!
Hilarious and very well written
I don't laugh out loud much. It's just not in my nature. I have a great sense of humor, I just don't find many things to get all worked up about.
But this book is a great exception. Thank you, Justin, for writing this book and sharing all of this with us. I can't tell you how many times I've laughed out loud reading this.
The style in which it is written is engaging and smooth. The stories are priceless. I just wish my dad had cared enough about me to give me priceless lifetime advice like this.
I've already bought two copies for friends. I suggest you buy this book. Now.
But this book is a great exception. Thank you, Justin, for writing this book and sharing all of this with us. I can't tell you how many times I've laughed out loud reading this.
The style in which it is written is engaging and smooth. The stories are priceless. I just wish my dad had cared enough about me to give me priceless lifetime advice like this.
I've already bought two copies for friends. I suggest you buy this book. Now.
Okay book but don't expect a gut buster
Been a follower of the Twitter variant for some time. Saw the book in a bookstore, but they wanted $15+ for it, so I didn't bother. For the $8 or whatever I paid for my Kindle, it was alright.
The book is good in that it adds some context and history to the Twitter sensation. While there were some LOL moments in the book (people in a airport look at you strange when you almost spit Starbucks out your nose!), the book is not a side-splitter by any stretch. Nor is this book in any way a deep look into anything...it's really just fluff.
I'm not sure what I was really expecting from the book, but this book is not a collection of quotes from Twitter with some new stuff, if that's what you are expecting. This book is the story of how it all came to be and some great little stories of the author's childhood that provide an opportunity to share some of his father's quotes.
Overall, it's a quick read that is good for a few laughs and some decent insight into how this whole notion started. It's probably still a bit pricey considering the length and content, but still better than the $15+ they want for the print version. I wouldn't say rush out and get it now, but if someone was interested in it, I wouldn't deter them either. Just don't pay the insane price for the print version!
The book is good in that it adds some context and history to the Twitter sensation. While there were some LOL moments in the book (people in a airport look at you strange when you almost spit Starbucks out your nose!), the book is not a side-splitter by any stretch. Nor is this book in any way a deep look into anything...it's really just fluff.
I'm not sure what I was really expecting from the book, but this book is not a collection of quotes from Twitter with some new stuff, if that's what you are expecting. This book is the story of how it all came to be and some great little stories of the author's childhood that provide an opportunity to share some of his father's quotes.
Overall, it's a quick read that is good for a few laughs and some decent insight into how this whole notion started. It's probably still a bit pricey considering the length and content, but still better than the $15+ they want for the print version. I wouldn't say rush out and get it now, but if someone was interested in it, I wouldn't deter them either. Just don't pay the insane price for the print version!
Refreshingly free of political correctness; not so free of 4 letter words
It's profane. It's crass. It's very funny. And it's absent any semblance of political correctness, which in this day and age of having PC rammed down our throats, is quite refreshing.
About anyone who reads this - and can look beyond the pervasive profanity - is likely to develop an affection for the author's father. The anecdotes shared portray the genuine bonds of father/son love, a unique love in its own right. And in these profanity-laced and often hilarious stories of this father and son duo are some gems that at their core offer real wisdom about life that the young (and the old) should consider.
That being said, those out there who can't get beyond foul language will likely fail to find the humor and the wisdom in these stories.
About anyone who reads this - and can look beyond the pervasive profanity - is likely to develop an affection for the author's father. The anecdotes shared portray the genuine bonds of father/son love, a unique love in its own right. And in these profanity-laced and often hilarious stories of this father and son duo are some gems that at their core offer real wisdom about life that the young (and the old) should consider.
That being said, those out there who can't get beyond foul language will likely fail to find the humor and the wisdom in these stories.
Laughing out loud with every single page
I've been reading this to my husband, and as I do we're both doubled over in gasping, shreaking fits of pure belly laughs. This may well be the funniest book I've ever read. Absolute f*ing perfection!!!
Book was extremely funny. Easy to read. Language would make your momma blush, but a fun & sweet read nonetheless. I had tears of laughter rolling down my face a couple of times reading this.
I love this book. It's old school and familiar and easy to get sucked in to his dad's tough love.
I needed something humorous to read to keep my mind off of my pet's surgery. I read the reviews and picked it up so that I could find a way to pass the time without driving myself crazy. --- I'm so happy that I did. It's hilarious, and true, and comforting. I was a nervous wreck but this book made me laugh continuously, and it made it 100 times easier to forget where I was while i read it. My cats doing fine, and this book is now one of my favorites. It's been a good day. :)
I've recommended this book to friends and family alike on lj and fb. I really can't say enough good things about it.
I needed something humorous to read to keep my mind off of my pet's surgery. I read the reviews and picked it up so that I could find a way to pass the time without driving myself crazy. --- I'm so happy that I did. It's hilarious, and true, and comforting. I was a nervous wreck but this book made me laugh continuously, and it made it 100 times easier to forget where I was while i read it. My cats doing fine, and this book is now one of my favorites. It's been a good day. :)
I've recommended this book to friends and family alike on lj and fb. I really can't say enough good things about it.
Guess I had a different take on this one. As the author writes at the end: you just dont know whether others will think your life is funny. This account was amusing but not hilarious. Lots of common parent/child interactions. Heavy profanity. Glad to know what all the buzz is about but not sure the read was worth the price.
This book is f*$!ing hilarious
This book is for everyone:
If you grew up with a parent with "colorful" language, you'll appreciate how a child can find wisdom among his father's endless stream of vulgarities.
If your parents only used the Queen's English at home, take a peek into how the other half live and learn.
Warning: don't leave this book lying around the house for young readers to peruse -- you might just create another Mr. Halpern!
If you grew up with a parent with "colorful" language, you'll appreciate how a child can find wisdom among his father's endless stream of vulgarities.
If your parents only used the Queen's English at home, take a peek into how the other half live and learn.
Warning: don't leave this book lying around the house for young readers to peruse -- you might just create another Mr. Halpern!
A lifetime of wisdom through funny examples
A very good book indeed. I've followed on twitter and I really wanted to know more abut his dad. When I read about the book, really thought it's going to be all the quotes printed on paper, put on a shelf in a book store. But it's much more than that, it's a great story about the relationship between a wise father and son. It made me think much about my relationship with my father, it really did.
This is an amazingly funny book about the things a sardonic, brutally honest, and genuinely affectionate father says to his son. It is a cross between one of the funniest books I have ever read, "Catch-22," and one of the funniest TV shows ever aired, "All in the Family." I laughed out loud half the time I was reading it. I gave this book to my own father for Father's Day, asked for a copy of my own from my sons, and immediately gave it to one of my grown sons after reading it. If you want to spend a day laughing, buy this book. It has been, literally, thirty years since I have read or watched original writing this funny.
Give yourself a little reward - read this book.
I've been reading the blog and enjoying it, sending and sharing it with everyone I know. I figured the book would be along the same lines - it's not, it's even better.
When I first opened the book and saw that each chapter was a story followed by several of Dad's quotes, I grimaced. No, it's the quotes I love, that's what I wanted! Then I found out, I love Justin's stories as much as Dad's quotes.
A as soon as I finished reading it, I brought it to my twenty-one year old son. Of course he gave me that, "Ugh, a book mom wants me to read look," and asked me the title. When I told him, he laughed, and took the book with a smile.
Treat yourself, read this book. Then share it with someone else that deserves a treat.
When I first opened the book and saw that each chapter was a story followed by several of Dad's quotes, I grimaced. No, it's the quotes I love, that's what I wanted! Then I found out, I love Justin's stories as much as Dad's quotes.
A as soon as I finished reading it, I brought it to my twenty-one year old son. Of course he gave me that, "Ugh, a book mom wants me to read look," and asked me the title. When I told him, he laughed, and took the book with a smile.
Treat yourself, read this book. Then share it with someone else that deserves a treat.
Comedic genius with a surprising side poignance
Loved the twitter feed when I found it, so jumped at the chance to read the book and I'm glad that I did. It's not as punchy as a bunch of tweets, but it's filled with just as many laughs. The fact that it's interlaced with anecdotes that provide more context and flashes of brilliant insight only serve to make it better. I would have been satisfied if it had been just a bunch of quotes, but I'm even more happy that it provides an intimate picture of a wonderful father and son relationship.
This book was easily the funniest book I've read in years! If this guys dad really says this crazy stuff then he is unintentially the funniest human being on the planet. I got alot of strange looks while reading this book due to my cracking up laughing roughly every 30 seconds but it was worth it. I even paid more for it on my Kindle. It was worth the extra $1.50.
Picked it up at an airport. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one swoop. Incredibly funny. Brought tears to my eyes (I had to close it several times I was laughing so hard). But also a beautiful story about a rough-around-the-edges kind-of-guy who would do anything for his family. In the end, you can tell he succeeded in cultivating the love of his son... A number of truly beautiful moments are in the book too. Best read I had in a loooooong time. Probably more of a "guy" read.
Only For People Who Like to Laugh
I loved this book! I just received my Kindle this morning and the first book I read on it was this one. What a great way to christen my Kindle!
When I read something funny, I don't usually laugh out loud, but I found myself many times doing just that. I also founf myself time and again telling anyone near me some of the best lines in this book.
By the time I was finished it, all I knew is that I would LOVE to sit and have dinner with Justin's father. What an amazing man. Although his language is "spicy", his words carry deep insight and his fierce love for his children shines through all the swearing.
A wonderful book. I recommend everyone to get it and just enjoy.
When I read something funny, I don't usually laugh out loud, but I found myself many times doing just that. I also founf myself time and again telling anyone near me some of the best lines in this book.
By the time I was finished it, all I knew is that I would LOVE to sit and have dinner with Justin's father. What an amazing man. Although his language is "spicy", his words carry deep insight and his fierce love for his children shines through all the swearing.
A wonderful book. I recommend everyone to get it and just enjoy.
I will keep this short because I probably don't have anything to say that someone else didn't already mention. I loved this book. I laughed out loud so many times that my husband kept trying to read over my shoulder...so I bought him his own copy for Father's Day.
The book is just the right length to keep you laughing. I finished it in less than a day and felt much happier after reading it. I simply adore Mr. Halpern. He obviously loves his kids more than anything, but at the same time he is not going to take any nonsense from anyone.
P.S. If four-letter-words make you cringe instead of laugh, this book is not for you.
The book is just the right length to keep you laughing. I finished it in less than a day and felt much happier after reading it. I simply adore Mr. Halpern. He obviously loves his kids more than anything, but at the same time he is not going to take any nonsense from anyone.
P.S. If four-letter-words make you cringe instead of laugh, this book is not for you.
Family love first, laughs second
Don't be fooled by the Twitter feed, the book title, or the back cover quotes. This is not a comedy book. Oh sure, it's plenty funny. One of the funniest books I've ever read. But it's a book about some funny dad. It's a book about a father and son, and their relationship. Over the course of the book, there are various stories that cover their dynamic, along with lots of fun quotes. But after I read the book, I didn't think "Oh boy, that is one of the most hilarious books I've ever read". Instead, I thought "That's a father and son pair that really cares for each other", and sometimes, those kind of books are good to read.
A Literary "Modern Family", with cursing
Don't read this in bed while your spouse is sleeping, they won't go undisturbed. I was laughing like a mad man until way past my bedtime because I couldn't put this down. Hilarious, like my favorite show on TV "Modern Family", and sweet with a life lesson, too. Only complaint is that it could have been much longer, but there wasn't a boring paragraph in the book. Awesome first book, I look forward to more from Halpern!
I was reading this book while two aunts and my mother were near. I kept laughing aloud and I would read bits of the book to them. At the end of the evening I had finished the book and the ladies began discussing who would get the book next. My Aunt Rose quietly handed me money and stuck the book in her purse. Needless to say I am now ordering more copies of this book for myself and for other family members. I was a great read.
This book will have you laughing till you cry. Justin's dad, Sam, has a way with words, but the book is much more than just a collection of quotes. Justin has chronicled the story beautifully. Thanks for the great read, Justin! Can't wait for the t.v. show!
Purchased this as a gift for my father, and, after he had read it, he mailed it to me with the following note inside it:
"Son,
This was the funniest damn book I've read all year. Good call.
Also, read it.
Love,
Dad"
Can't give a more glowing review than that, eh?
"Son,
This was the funniest damn book I've read all year. Good call.
Also, read it.
Love,
Dad"
Can't give a more glowing review than that, eh?
All dads impart wisdom in their own way to their kids, some more bluntly than others. The dad in this book is BLUNT. This book has a lot of four letter words in it but it is still a well written book. Short 2 to 7 page stories followed by jokes. Everyone can relate to things said in this book in some way. Overall a very funny book good for passing among siblings.
Justin, Do You Ever Rent Him Out?
This is a fairly short book, long on parental wisdom.
I've tried for 16 years to raise my son in a politically correct, nicey nicey way, and would have probably done him far more favors had I been more like Justin's dad than Mary Poppins.
The sayings are hilarious, crude, and 100% correct; rife with common sense and vulgar perfectionism.
My son did read excerpts, laughed his head off, loved the sayings . . . but still. I wish I could borrow this guy for a week or so.
I've tried for 16 years to raise my son in a politically correct, nicey nicey way, and would have probably done him far more favors had I been more like Justin's dad than Mary Poppins.
The sayings are hilarious, crude, and 100% correct; rife with common sense and vulgar perfectionism.
My son did read excerpts, laughed his head off, loved the sayings . . . but still. I wish I could borrow this guy for a week or so.
Important lessons are being diminished when enveloped in foul language
There are not many pages in Justin Halpern's book SH*T MY DAD DAYS. It narrates briefly Justin's relationship with his father, Sam. Some words or sayings coming from Sam sound to be extremely vulgar, rude and even ridiculous. However, his sayings are occasionally wise and to the point; they are imbued with life experience. The advice and guidance given were in the best interest of his son whom he loved dearly, though not ostensibly so. Our sages said thousands of years ago: "who is a wise person? the one who learns from his experience, but the wisest man is the one who learns from others' experiences." I would like to comment on one advice.
Both of Justin's parents grew up poor. They worried that their sons would grow up not understanding the value of a dollar, or how it feels to struggle (p36). The parents tried to instill in their children the value of appreciation for what they had, and compassion for those who did not have. The mother proclaimed once "We are going to eat today what impoverish families eat." When Justin whined and complained his father reacted: "Eat what Mom serves and be grateful....Your mom spent her whole childhood hungry ...When you get up and throw a fit it is like you are saying you don't care what your mom went through." While watching the movie Schindler's List, Jason asked for candies. His sensitive father said "They are throwing people in the gas chambers and you want a Skittles?!" Many Holocaust survivors' children everywhere or Khmer Rouge survivors' children in Cambodia do not care, or show no consideration for what their parents went through. This hurting phenomenon to the survivors also affects adversely young Americans. Nowadays suicidal kids are mostly those that got everything what they wanted; never exposed to the hardship of others. Thus, they do not know how to cope with trivial difficulties on their path; they give up and kill themselves.
Parents are intrinsically teachers and guides. (The Hebrew word for parents is "horim", which literally means both parents and teachers). Important lessons, coming from a well meaning father to a son, are being diminished when enveloped in crude, vulgar and profane language. Sam Halpern grew up on a farm in Kentucky, where such foul language would not be acceptable. Later on, he became a scientist; doing cancer research as a doctor of nuclear medicine. His foul language, in the book, is not expected from a person of such caliber and status.
I am an immigrant; I taught myself the English language. Not being familiar with certain words or idioms mentioned in SH*T MY DAD DAYS, I had to refer to a dictionary. I could not find those words in the dictionary. How could I rate this book with five stars?
Both of Justin's parents grew up poor. They worried that their sons would grow up not understanding the value of a dollar, or how it feels to struggle (p36). The parents tried to instill in their children the value of appreciation for what they had, and compassion for those who did not have. The mother proclaimed once "We are going to eat today what impoverish families eat." When Justin whined and complained his father reacted: "Eat what Mom serves and be grateful....Your mom spent her whole childhood hungry ...When you get up and throw a fit it is like you are saying you don't care what your mom went through." While watching the movie Schindler's List, Jason asked for candies. His sensitive father said "They are throwing people in the gas chambers and you want a Skittles?!" Many Holocaust survivors' children everywhere or Khmer Rouge survivors' children in Cambodia do not care, or show no consideration for what their parents went through. This hurting phenomenon to the survivors also affects adversely young Americans. Nowadays suicidal kids are mostly those that got everything what they wanted; never exposed to the hardship of others. Thus, they do not know how to cope with trivial difficulties on their path; they give up and kill themselves.
Parents are intrinsically teachers and guides. (The Hebrew word for parents is "horim", which literally means both parents and teachers). Important lessons, coming from a well meaning father to a son, are being diminished when enveloped in crude, vulgar and profane language. Sam Halpern grew up on a farm in Kentucky, where such foul language would not be acceptable. Later on, he became a scientist; doing cancer research as a doctor of nuclear medicine. His foul language, in the book, is not expected from a person of such caliber and status.
I am an immigrant; I taught myself the English language. Not being familiar with certain words or idioms mentioned in SH*T MY DAD DAYS, I had to refer to a dictionary. I could not find those words in the dictionary. How could I rate this book with five stars?
I LOVE the twitter feed. And after only two sittings (and finishing the book) I love Love LOVE the book. SUPER funny. Also, LOTS of profanity. But if you don't get that from the title, then you're illiterate. Justin's dad truly has a way with words. Wise, and very profane, words...
I bought so many to give out as birthday presents, anything that Amazon cut me off. Apparently they thought I was selling them. Once of the REALLY funny books I've ever read. Wonderfully written.
this book reminded me so much of my relationship with my own father! very funny....my family heard me laughing from outside! i havent laughedthis hard in a long time. not only is this book funny, but it is also heart warming and worth every moment. very quick read. all in all i am very glad i was able to experience the journey!
One of the best comedic books....
Simply, this book is hilarious and I think almost everyone can relate to this. Even if both of your parents were "normal", there is always that one person in your family that resembles the dad in this book. Really great read, and fantastic quotes!
Loved this book, my only complaint is that it was too short! I read it in just a few hours, but laughed so hard, I cried.
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When the author was 28 years old he was suddenly dumped by his girlfriend and needed a place to live when he made the decision to move back in with his mother and his then retired father. Working from his new "home" as a writer for Maxim Magazine gave him the time (an awful lot of time according to the author) to see his father through new, adult eyes. The terror that he had felt in his youth due to his father's "bluntness" began to be replaced by admiration for the only person that he had ever known who really spoke his mind without self-censorship. It was only then that he began to see the wisdom in his father's tersely worded observations and began posting them on his Twitter page with the same title as this book.
Because Mr. Halpern Sr. has the gift of being able to "swear with great expertise" I can't quote many of them on Amazon, but here are a few of my favorite PG rated quips:
ON THE DEATH OF OUR FIRST DOG
He was a good dog. Your brother is pretty broken up about it, so go easy on him. He had a nice last moment with Brownie before the vet tossed him in the garbage.
ON MY BLOODY NOSE
What happened? Did somebody punch you in the face?!... The what? The air is dry? Do me a favor and tell people you got punched in the face.
ON THE MEDICINAL EFFECT OF BACON
You worry too much. Eat some bacon... What? No, I got no idea if it'll make you feel better, I just made too much bacon.
ON SHOPPING FOR PRESENTS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY
If it's not bourbon or sweatpants, it's going in the garbage... No, don't get creative. Now is not a creative time. Now is a bourbon and sweatpants time.
ON BEING ONE WITH THE WILDERNESS
I'm not sure you can call that roughing it son... Well, for one, there was a (EXPLETIVE) minivan parked forty feet from your sleeping bags.
ON SILENCE
I just want silence... Jesus, it doesn't mean I don't like you. It just means right now, I like silence more.
If you grew up with a Ward Cleaver type of father (or wish that you did) you may find Mr. Halpern's way of expressing himself to be crude, unfeeling, or even uncaring. Far from it. The author augments the pithy quotes (some recent, other's from his childhood) with brief essays that gives the reader a little more of the back story of this unique father-and-son relationship. Is it ideal? I have learned that, for me at least, the best way to judge someone's parenting is by the adult it produces. Justin Halpern's book reads to me as a love letter to a father that always tells it like it is and who made you who you are.
My father passed away at age 87 in 2008. At his wake (we are Irish after all so alcohol was involved) his former co-workers, friends and family paid tribute to him by telling our own little stories and quotes from a man who could be described as both taciturn and brutally honest. The recollections from my three brothers, my sons and myself included stories and things that my dad said that to the outside observer might have also seemed acerbic or even caustic, but to us it was the way that he showed us that he cared
This book is not for those addicted to a PC idea of what a father should be or for those who are easily offended by real life conversation. But if you, like me, value frank and seemingly brutal honesty (especially from someone who brought you into this world) this book will delight you as much as it has me. I only wish that I could give this to my dad for Father's Day. He would have laughed his (BLEEP) off!