Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces: A Review

Michael Chabon wrote a piece about accompanying his son Abraham Chabon, then thirteen, to Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Possessed with a precocious sense of style, Abe was in his element chatting with designers he idolized and turning a critical eye to the freshest runway looks of the season; Chabon Sr., whose interest in clothing stops at “thrift-shopping for vintage western shirts or Hermès neckties,” sat idly by, staving off yawns and fighting the impulse that the whole thing was a massive waste of time. Despite his own indifference, however, what gradually emerged as Chabon ferried his son to and from fashion shows was a deep respect for his son’s passion. The piece quickly became a viral sensation.

With the GQ story as its centerpiece, and featuring six additional essays plus an introduction, Pops illuminates the meaning, magic, and mysteries of fatherhood as only Michael Chabon can.

Michael Chabon has always been on my TBR.  I have always been extremely curious about his writing yet I always pass up reading his books.  The ever present excuse of “I can read that anytime” always trumps my picking up a book.  When I was presented with the opportunity of reading his upcoming essay collection I jumped at the chance.  I knew that this would be a great way to gain a sense of his writing style.

Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces is showcases various insights into Chabon’s life as a father.  He shares observations that he has made in his life.  I must say that it is actually a very insightful method of sharing the experiences of fatherhood.  I would happily recommend this to any fathers out there who are searching for other perspectives of fatherhood; for anyone who wishes to champion the uniqueness of their children.

Chabon enthusiastically champions the uniqueness of his children.  He remarks on the pleasure it gives him to be able to raise them in an environment that nurtures the odd.  He is happy to recognize that a break with societal traditions and allowing  your children to be who they are is by fair the most important duty you have as a father.

This is a very short collection of essays.  It can be read in one sitting.  It is also something that you can go back to and pick out new things from the essays Chabon writes.  All of the essays work brilliantly together.  Thank you Harper Books for providing a galley!

Pops will be released on May 15th.