Father’s Day is still a few weeks away, but it’s not too soon to order the perfect gift for the fathers in your life. We’re referring to the fabulous new book edited by our colleague Jonathan V. Last, The Dadly Virtues: Adventures from the Worst Job You’ll Ever Love (Templeton Press). Not since the 1927 Yankees has there been a Murderers’ Row like the writers Jonathan lined up: P. J. O’Rourke, Matthew Continetti, Stephen F. Hayes, James Lileks, Jonah Goldberg, Tucker Carlson, Larry Miller, Joe Queenan, David “Iowahawk” Burge, Toby Young, Matt Labash, Michael Graham, Christopher Caldwell, Andrew Ferguson, Rob Long, and Joseph Epstein.
There is endless enjoyment to be had in these authors’ musings. But it would be remiss of The Scrapbook not to mention that the blurbs (all of which come from children of the writers) are also priceless. Here are a few of them:
“When we left for college, we thought no one could have a more liberating experience. Then we heard the champagne pop before we had closed the door. Apparently the only thing more liberating than getting rid of your parents is getting rid of your kids.” (Gillum and Emily Ferguson, ages 24 and 22.) “Wait, Dad wrote a chapter about his kids getting along? For a guy who makes a living observing things, he’s clueless.” (Grace Hayes, age 10, Conner Hayes, age 8, and Jane Hayes, age 5.) “I thought it was funny. I didn’t understand all of it. I’m glad I have a mother.” (Cliff O’Rourke, age 11.)