Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons
May 2006 · Random House
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About this ebook
What does it really mean to be a good father? What did your father tell you, that has stayed with you throughout your life? Was there a lesson from him, a story, or a moment that helped to make you who you are? Is there a special memory that makes you smile when you least expect it?
After the publication of Tim Russert’s number one New York Times bestseller about his father, Big Russ & Me, he received an avalanche of letters from daughters and sons who wanted to tell him about their own fathers, most of whom were not superdads or heroes but ordinary men who were remembered and cherished for some of their best moments–of advice, tenderness, strength, honor, discipline, and occasional eccentricity.
Most of these daughters and sons were eager to express the gratitude they had carried with them through the years. Others wanted to share lessons and memories and, most important, pass them down to their own children.
This book is for all fathers, young or old, who can learn from the men in these pages how to get it right, and to understand that sometimes it is the little gestures that can make the big difference for your child. For some in this book, the appreciation came later than they would have liked. But as Wisdom of Our Fathers reminds us, it is never too late to embrace it.
From the father who coached his daughter in sports (and life), attending every meet, game, performance, and tournament, to the daughter who, after a fifteen-year estrangement, learned to make peace with her difficult father just before he died, to the son who came, at last, to appreciate the silent way his father could show affection, Wisdom of Our Fathers shares rewarding lessons, immeasurable gifts, and lasting values.
Heartfelt, humorous, engaging, irresistibly readable, and bound to bring back memories of unforgettable moments with our own fathers, Tim Russert’s new book is not only a fitting companion to his own marvelous memoir, but also a celebration of the positive qualities passed down from generation to generation.
After the publication of Tim Russert’s number one New York Times bestseller about his father, Big Russ & Me, he received an avalanche of letters from daughters and sons who wanted to tell him about their own fathers, most of whom were not superdads or heroes but ordinary men who were remembered and cherished for some of their best moments–of advice, tenderness, strength, honor, discipline, and occasional eccentricity.
Most of these daughters and sons were eager to express the gratitude they had carried with them through the years. Others wanted to share lessons and memories and, most important, pass them down to their own children.
This book is for all fathers, young or old, who can learn from the men in these pages how to get it right, and to understand that sometimes it is the little gestures that can make the big difference for your child. For some in this book, the appreciation came later than they would have liked. But as Wisdom of Our Fathers reminds us, it is never too late to embrace it.
From the father who coached his daughter in sports (and life), attending every meet, game, performance, and tournament, to the daughter who, after a fifteen-year estrangement, learned to make peace with her difficult father just before he died, to the son who came, at last, to appreciate the silent way his father could show affection, Wisdom of Our Fathers shares rewarding lessons, immeasurable gifts, and lasting values.
Heartfelt, humorous, engaging, irresistibly readable, and bound to bring back memories of unforgettable moments with our own fathers, Tim Russert’s new book is not only a fitting companion to his own marvelous memoir, but also a celebration of the positive qualities passed down from generation to generation.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
8 reviews
A Google user
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September 13, 2009
Effort of resurrection: After a very long time trying to catch up with the world that I was missing so far. I happened to read couple of books in the past few months which include ‘Wisdom of Our Fathers’. The book inspired me to write a review about it.
Pages: 275+
Title: Wisdom of our Fathers
Author: Tim Russert
The first few pages explain how this book came into existence. Tim wrote a book titled ‘Big Russ and me’ in the year 2004 which carved way for this book. The later chapters are collection of letters that were written by the readers of the first book. Tim has taken great effort in categorizing the letters from the readers. Publishing all the letters is no big deal but choosing the appropriate title and presenting it in a way that’s readable and enjoyable takes a great deal of time and effort. Also the book doesn’t restrict the views only by sons but as well daughters. For some strange reason when I started reading this book I was expecting more contribution from the Sons of the Fathers than from the Daughters, but as I flipped couple of pages and reached to the chapter -‘Daddy’s Girl’ I was proved that my presumption was wrong.
There is one chapter ‘Loss’ in the entire book which I really didn’t want to read. While reading this chapter eventually you will notice yourself laughing out loud with wet eyes. May be I would categorize it as the most sentimental pages in the book.
Choice of the words and the subject are pretty good that you will not feel like laying the book down. I would say the most difficult task while jotting your thoughts is when you try to explain a relationship that you cherish/cherished with a person who is intimate to you by heart and soul. It is even more difficult if it happens to be with a person to whom you have high respect and unconditional love. As I have noticed, in this book this most difficult task was made so easy. All the contributors have explained their natural feeling about their father which includes both the positive and negative aspects with ease. This would be the highlight of the book since the book doesn’t speak just about Perfect Dads but also about the dad’s who had their own weaknesses and who also contributed to the disappointment of the family at some point in life and still they are the best for their kids. May be I would say ‘The prerequisite to be loved is not being the best but being yourself’ in any relationship.
There are two chapters which I really enjoyed reading- ‘Being there’ and ‘Loan’. ‘Being there’ explains that a kid doesn’t expect anything more than a father’s presence at any circumstance. All that it matters to a kid is the very assurance of ‘being there’. ‘Loan’ epitomizes that what seems minor to one can be monumental to the other. Sounds absurd? May be you have to catch hold of the book to know more.
On a final note, this is a book which should be a must read for all the Fathers and for all those who has/had a father-son/daughter relationship. If you do not fall in either of the above two categories then feel free to ignore, it’s just waste of time. ;)
On a serious note, Tim the Book is indeed a tribute to the Fatherhood! Thank you for such a great contribution. I Look forward to read the book ‘Big Russ and Me’ pretty soon.
Dads are always great. My personal opinion is I should be really lucky to get a dad for being there always and for being supportive in all the decision that I make. Dad has never stopped me from doing anything rather he would explain the Pros and Cons and leave the final decision as mine. When you are given the liberty to make decision on your own you will eventually be more responsible than ever. And I would always love to show off that My dad is the best. Love you Dad!
A Google user
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June 16, 2008
This is a beautiful collection, lovingly assembled by the late great Tim Russert. It celebrates the bonds between parents and children which are sometimes joyful and sometimes sad, but always powerful. The collection came from letters written to Russert in response to his first book, "Big Russ and Me", a memoir about his father and himself as the son of a Buffalo blue collar worker. As with "Big Russ and Me", by reading this book, one learns not only about Russert's subjects, but about the author himself.
Jay Williams
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September 2, 2015
Reminded me to share a letter with my own father...before it's too late.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Tim Russert was the moderator and managing editor of Meet the Press, and the Washington bureau chief of NBC News. He was the author of two bestsellers, Big Russ and Me and Wisdom of our Fathers. He passed away on June 13, 2008 and is survived by his wife Maureen Orth, and son, Luke.
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