- An engaging and entertaining look at modern fatherhood
- Humerous anecdotes appealing to new and veteran dads
- An enjoyable collection of essays on parenting
- A reflection on his relationship with his own father
- Some of the language in essays is a little rough
- Some imagery, while realistic, may offend some readers
- Author Robert Wilder takes a playful look at fatherhood in today's world.
- Wilder and his family experience life in New Mexico and its diverse ethnic culture.
- Warning to sensitive readers: Some of the language and imagery may be offensive.
Wilder has a wry sense of humor and a flippant look at many aspects of fatherhood. Early in the book, Wilder and his wife Lala go through the process of choosing a baby name, and trying to avoid having other prospective parents find--and take--a name on their list before they do. Lala even obsesses about creating a faux list of names to share with her friends. His commentary reflects an everyman view of such issues while still obviously enjoying his partner's angst.
One of the essays I enjoyed most related to Wilder's experience when he took his two children on vacation without their mom. He prided himself on taking this challenge as a super-dad, and relished his experience on the beach with his (and others') children while a tanned and toned trophy mom looked on admiringly.
However, one of the things I disliked about the book was the frequent use of profanity, which while realistic for many fathers, can offend others. An early essay in the book related to the Wilder's new nursery monitor picking up the amorous but graphic adventures of their apartment complex neighbors.
I enjoyed Daddy Needs a Drink as a pleasant and entertaining read, and recommend it to other dads with a wry view of fatherhood.
