James Patterson, the literary titan behind a staggering 319 books and 450 million copies sold worldwide, is embarking on a new, deeply personal venture. He readily acknowledges that financial gain is not the driving force behind his latest project. "I really don’t," he states, emphasizing that this book stems from a different kind of motivation.
His new book, titled "The #1 Dad Book: Be the Best Dad You Can Be – In 1 Hour!", is a departure from his signature thrillers. It is a heartfelt "labor of love," a tribute to fatherhood and a guide for men seeking to navigate its complexities. While the title might evoke the feel of a late-night infomercial, the book promises practical advice and genuine insights.
The book’s core appeal lies in its brevity and accessibility. Designed to be read in approximately one hour, it offers a collection of short, digestible chapters. These chapters feature titles such as "Be Consistent, Consistently" and share dad-experience quotes gleaned from Patterson’s friends, like "Sometimes you have to let them sink to learn how to swim." The book employs a friendly, encouraging tone, steering clear of lectures or harsh criticism. As Patterson puts it, "You’ve probably figured out that not everyone is in love with the sound of your voice, but guess what? Your baby is."
For Patterson, a devoted father to his 27-year-old son, Jack, with his wife Susan, this book is a way to bridge a communication gap among men. He recognizes that many men "just don’t know how to talk about such things with other guys, but they need someone to talk to, and I just figured I’d offer some advice, that’s all."
Patterson suggests that his own father might have benefited from this book. He recounts, "The only time I got a hug from my father was on his death bed. That was just the era. He grew up in a poor house, he didn’t have a father, didn’t know how to be a father. He was a good guy in his own way, but you talk about distance." This distance, he notes, remains a challenge for some fathers today, those who struggle to express affection or say "I love you."
"The #1 Dad Book" directly addresses the importance of physical affection, including hugs. In the chapter "You’re Not a Hugger? You Will Be in a Minute," Patterson shares a story about visiting a friend with two imposing football-player sons. As the sons prepared to leave, their father called them back for hugs, establishing a routine that Patterson adopted with his own son, Jack. He proudly mentions, "Jack’s a good kid, he calls us every day."
Many fathers and fathers-to-be will likely find familiar themes within the book. Patterson emphasizes the importance of being fully present with children, discouraging distractions like phones during interactions. He also stresses the need for fathers to embrace the responsibilities that come with parenthood and mature accordingly.
In the chapter titled "Tattoo This Behind Your Eyeballs," Patterson speaks candidly to dads. "We’re pals now, right? So you can take it when I give you some bad news. It’s time to grow… No more BASE jumping, no more treks to Burning Man, no more swimming with sharks, no more beer league softball tournaments or all-day golf outings." He acknowledges his own passion for golf but underscores the need to prioritize parental duties. "It’s just hugely important, because you’re taking on a big new responsibility and you have to step up. And hopefully you’re cool with it."
Patterson also encourages men to cultivate friendships with other fathers who are open to discussing the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood, rather than solely focusing on sports. He observes that shifting societal roles, where women are often the primary breadwinners, can leave some men feeling lost and unsure of their place. "It’s often women that are the primary breadwinners, and some guys are just lost as a result, they don’t know what their role is, and sometimes there’s a lot of anger, which is not useful for anyone."
When asked if there’s any advice in "The #1 Dad Book" that he wishes he had received earlier in his fatherhood journey, Patterson pauses to reflect. He concludes that he could have been more attentive to his son, Jack. "I was always home and around for him, but I could have been more present," he admits. "I was there, but I wasn’t… I could have done more trips I didn’t want to do, like going to the Galapagos, things like that. I’m not big on it, but Jack, he would have liked that."
Patterson claims that he "won’t make money on" this book due to its structure. He expresses hope that wives and daughters will purchase it for "husbands and fathers and maybe those two knuckle-headed brothers."
Leaning back in his chair, Patterson declares, "This honestly could be the most important book I’ve done by far. It doesn’t matter if someone reads an Alex Cross book. I mean, of course, it’s nice, but you know."
Finally, Patterson issues a challenge to fathers everywhere: "It’s one hour, dude. One hour… you can’t improve your golf game in an hour, but here, maybe you can learn a few things in that short amount of time that will make you a little bit better father, or partner. And that’s a good thing." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Patterson’s mission: to empower men to embrace their roles as fathers and partners, fostering stronger families and a more connected society.
