Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First Time

Kendall Smith knocks it out of the park with Rookie Father. This book is both informative and inspiring for new dads. I only wish that it existed when I first became a father as so many of the lessons I had to figure out for myself - and some I never did! Kendall ‘s writing style is crisp, at times funny and always insightful. Full disclosure: Kendall interviewed me in the book and, aside from being a father, I’m also a filmmaker who made a movie called the Evolution of Dad that came out 12 years ago. I have known Kendall for the past 20 years, but after reading his book, I feel that I know him in a deeper way than previously. Kendall’s coming to terms with his father’s absence is what makes this such a touching and useful read. No doubt this book will be of incredible service to the new dads (and frankly anyone else) who reads it. Bravo, Kendall!

A very useful book, which surpassed my expectations. Being an experienced parent, I was unsure if Rookie Father would provide a new perspective—it did, and the overarching theme is empowering and optimistic.The ‘Playbook’ approach, which the author takes, is distinct compared to other self-help titles I’ve come across. It provides succinct advice in bite-size pieces – perfect for new dads who want to the heart of the matter, and each chapter is 1-2 pages long. That was very useful, especially the section on how to manage in-law relationships. Choice advice!This is the perfect book for new dads who may questions themselves, and every parent does so when they enter the parenting stage of their lives. This is not only a terrific book for oneself, it’s the perfect gift – baby showers, in particular, come to mind.

Smith does a wonderful job in combining personal insights, with more macro trends in the ever changing role of being a Dad. There are elements here which go beyond the standard "key points" with real, definitive, personalized suggestions. The perfect gift to give any new Dad.

Rookie Father is a playbook on major aspects of navigating fatherhood. I highly recommend it for all fathers, rookies or not.It’s an enjoyable read that is both insightful and often funny. Not to miss - the author’s encounter with a monk in Bangkok.The author’s personal accounts of growing up without a father figure and navigating his first child, plus his touching interviews with several fathers, gives you insight into the breadth and depth of the impacts fathers have on their children, and how crucial it can be to be a good father from the get-go.Again, this original take on fatherhood offers essential, easy-to-follow and priceless advice, in a readable and enjoyable package.

Bought this book for my husband as he was having a rough time adapting to fatherhood because he did not have a great role model as a father. I also read a few chapters to see what I was getting into. The advice is direct and to the point. I do not hesitate to recommend to new fathers even if you had a strong role model in a father or father like figure, the information is helpful.

Rookie Father is a very insightful, practical and even funny book for all types of experienced fathers and future dads to be. I loved the play book concept and it really allows the reader to soak in the advice and apply it to everyday father life. I’m a dad to 2 boys and I could really relate to the challenges of being a busy father and husband and trying to make it all work, while also trying to be a great dad! Rookie Father empowers the reader to take a step back and think about the kind of father they want to be with real life examples and applicable advice to overcome almost any challenges. Great book and a fast and enjoyable read. Highly recommended!

I’ve read this book a few times now, and as a dad of 3 myself I can say it’s loaded with helpful tips and advice. I’m a big believer in continuing education, and there’s no arena more important than parenthood in that regard. Just when we think we’ve got it all figured out, along comes a book like Rookie Father that teaches you there’s still things to improve upon. Kudos to the author. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to be a better dad… new or experienced.

I was expecting more of an instruction or reference manual, but it's really a series of pep talks on general subjects such as examining your own history, your wife, your child, finances, work life, in-laws, etc. It's aimed at a man who did not have a father when he was a child, and so may not understand the role of a husband and father in a traditional family unit. The pep talks are generally only a couple pages long on various subjects in each general category. It appears like these are 'discoveries' that the author had while learning or researching how to parent when he had no father role model to draw from. The pep talks could apply to any new father actually, but is geared toward someone who comes from a divorced or otherwise fatherless family.I found the pep talks interesting and taking on some important subjects like (regarding marriage issues) "When it's time to call in the Referee", (regarding perseverance) "When you have zero patience", (regarding father/mother unity) "Solidarity is a MUST", (regarding being physically involved in your child's life) "Leadership and showing up", (regarding adultery) "There is nothing worse...". There are many good topics that deal with your behavior in the role of a Father and Husband, and I appreciate the traditional values that the author holds.If you need some insight from someone who has gone through the learning process that you are about to embark on, then I think this book will help you think about subjects you will encounter in the coming years. The topics are relevant and useful, and the book is in a format that is easy to pick up and read for a few minutes when you have some free moments.