Pops

By: Michael Chabon

Narrated by: Michael Chabon

Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Magical prose stylist" Michael Chabon (Michiko Kakutani, New York Times) delivers a collection of essays - heartfelt, humorous, insightful, wise - on the meaning of fatherhood.

For the September 2016 issue of GQ, Michael Chabon wrote a piece about accompanying his son Abraham Chabon, then 13, to Paris Men's Fashion Week. Possessed with a precocious sense of style, Abe was in his element chatting with designers he idolized and turning a critical eye to the freshest runway looks of the season; Chabon Sr., whose interest in clothing stops at "thrift-shopping for vintage western shirts or Hermès neckties," sat idly by, staving off yawns and fighting the impulse that the whole thing was a massive waste of time. Despite his own indifference, however, what gradually emerged as Chabon ferried his son to and from fashion shows was a deep respect for his son's passion. The piece quickly became a viral sensation.

With the GQ story as its centerpiece, and featuring six additional essays plus an introduction, Pops illuminates the meaning, magic, and mysteries of fatherhood as only Michael Chabon can.

©2018 Michael Chabon (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Manhood for Amateurs, Part Deux

"Once they're written, my books, unlike my children, hold no wonder for me; no mystery resides in them."
- Michael Chabon, Pops

Fundamentally, this seems like a leaner, thinner, Manhood for Amateurs, (Part II: Fatherhood). It was good, and some of the essays were great even. But like a lame, untwisting of the old the Woody Allen joke from Annie Hall, "Boy, the stories in this book weren't bad," "Yeah, I know; and such small portions." Well, that's essentially how I feel about the book. I love Chabon, love his prose and his wacky metaphors. I sometimes even get the feels with these stories. But, just about when I'm getting all Chaboned-up, the book is over. [the end]

Anyway, the book contains the followings stories:

1. Little Man (in GQ as 'My Son the Prince of Fashion')
2. Adventures in Euphamism
3. The Bubble People
4. Against Dickitude
5. The Old Ball Game
6. Be Cool or Be Cast Out
7. Pops (in the New Yorker as 'The Recipe for Life')

A Very Thoughtful Reflection on Fatherhood.

I thought it was very good. The author's writing style is comfortable and descriptive at the same time. he makes you think that you are there with him. I thought it was very good.

m'eh. a father about his kid's. A bit twee.

somewhat interesting but a bit too personal I guess I could relate but it is just a story of a talented proud father recognizing that he loves his children who are unique in their own right. It seemed a little self-congratulatory

Excellent Reflections on Fatherhood

I’ve only read a bit of his other work, mostly the non fiction Dad-stuff. This stands up as a set of great essays dealing with the complicated interactions between a child and their Father - especially the ways in which being a Dad is also a self-centered experience. Michael Chabon does a great job of exploring how his own thoughts and feelings color his role in his family life. Thought provoking, witty, at times hilarious, and generally enjoyable.

Charon knocks it out of the park.

It's a book filled with love of a father for his children. It's tremendous, I loved it so much ,I went back and ordered it for my son and my son in law for Father's Day. It' the perfect gift.