Readers Write

Best of What Dads Are Reading 2013

by Meagan Frank

In our May 2013 issue, we celebrated the power of mom blogs. We started to wonder about whether dads engage with books and blogs in the same way as moms. We found, just like parenthood, dads do things a little differently, but what they do is not better or worse. We also remembered…dads like competition. So we asked reading dads to help us compile a list of 25 books, blogs, and Facebook pages where dads are finding inspiration. And we’re asking you to vote for the best!

Dads write and read about the business of fatherhood, and they write using humor and blunt honesty. Dads like to engage with all types of media. They often use video or photos enhanced with graphics to support what they are putting out for people to read. (Just like if you could plug in a comic book and bring it to life.) The men may not necessarily get emotional or mushy (go figure), but they do support and encourage one another in the same inspirational way women do.

We had the distinct pleasure of interviewing one of the first voices in the Dad blog movement, Bobblehead Dad, a.k.a.  Jim Higley. Jim shared his thoughts about blogging, books, the advances in technology and media, and how he uses all of it to make a difference for people. We couldn’t think of a better way to start the conversation about the difference being made by what dads are reading. (Did you miss Jim’s exclusive interview in the June 1 Readers Write email? Subscribe and you’ll receive the link in your July 1 inbox.)

We are pleased to introduce, in random order, the 25 nominees (nominated by dads for dads) for Books Make a Difference “Best of What Dads are Reading” 2013:

Dadmissions
Pete Wilgoren’s book and Facebook page

Like a Dad
Michael Cusden’s blog

Dad and Buried
Mike Julianelle’s blog

Daddy’s in Charge
John Willey’s blog

Daddy Knows Less blog

Dads Round Table blog

Founding a Father
Jimmy Ettele’s blog

Proactive Dad Facebook page

Bobblehead Dad
Jim Higley’s blog and book

NYC Dad’s Group blog

Stay at Home Brad
Bradley Gordon’s blog

Dad’s Book of Awesome Projects: From Stilts and Super-Hero Capes to Tinker Boxes and Seesaws, 25+ Fun Do-It-Yourself Projects for Families
Book by Mike Adamick (nominated 3 times)

Dad Bloggers Facebook page and Twitter

Writing Pad Dad
Justin Knight’s blog

Daddy Doctrines
Chris Routly’s blog

Men Can, The Changing Image and Reality of Fatherhood in America
Book by Don Unger

Happiest Daddy blog

Dads Who Change Diapers blog

Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less
Book by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest

Beta Dad Blog
Andy Hinds’ blog

I Simply Am
Josh Becker’s blog

Black Dads Rock Facebook page

Busy Dad Blog Jim Lin’s blog

The Daddy Shift: How Stay-at-Home Dads, Breadwinning Moms, and Shared Parenting are Transforming the American Family
Book by Jeremy Adam Smith

The Daily Love
Mastin Kip’s blog

Take a read and cast your vote. Voting closes June 21, 2013.

If you know there is a blog, book, or FB page that should have been included in this list, we would still love to hear about it. Just post a comment below or send an email to read@booksmakeadifference.com with the subject header “You totally missed this guy.”

2 Comments

  1. Let Her Eat Dirt says:

    Here’s a new blog especially for dads of girls:
    http://www.lethereatdirt.com — one dad’s take on raising tough, adventurous girls

  2. Great piece. I think Great Dads Society could get a mention. I work with them. They are young but already doing great things for great dads. Also, I think my book for expectant dads to read to the womb could get a mention – “Hello My Little One, It’s Me Your Father.” Thanks and happy fathers day to all the great dads!

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