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Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Wisdom of Our Fathers


Effort of resurrection: After a very long time trying to catch up with the world that I was missing so far. I happened to read couple of books in the past few months which include ‘Wisdom of Our Fathers’. The book inspired me to write a review about it.
Pages: 275+
Title: Wisdom of our Fathers
Author: Tim Russert

The first few pages explain how this book came into existence. Tim wrote a book titled ‘Big Russ and me’ in the year 2004 which carved way for this book. The later chapters are collection of letters that were written by the readers of the first book. Tim has taken great effort in categorizing the letters from the readers. Publishing all the letters is no big deal but choosing the appropriate title and presenting it in a way that’s readable and enjoyable takes a great deal of time and effort. Also the book doesn’t restrict the views only by sons but as well daughters. For some strange reason when I started reading this book I was expecting more contribution from the Sons of the Fathers than from the Daughters, but as I flipped couple of pages and reached to the chapter -‘Daddy’s Girl’ I was proved that my presumption was wrong.

There is one chapter ‘Loss’ in the entire book which I really didn’t want to read. While reading this chapter eventually you will notice yourself laughing out loud with wet eyes. May be I would categorize it as the most sentimental pages in the book.

Choice of the words and the subject are pretty good that you will not feel like laying the book down. I would say the most difficult task while jotting your thoughts is when you try to explain a relationship that you cherish/cherished with a person who is intimate to you by heart and soul. It is even more difficult if it happens to be with a person to whom you have high respect and unconditional love. As I have noticed, in this book this most difficult task was made so easy. All the contributors have explained their natural feeling about their father which includes both the positive and negative aspects with ease. This would be the highlight of the book since the book doesn’t speak just about Perfect Dads but also about the dad’s who had their own weaknesses and who also contributed to the disappointment of the family at some point in life and still they are the best for their kids. May be I would say ‘The prerequisite to be loved is not being the best but being yourself’ in any relationship.
There are two chapters which I really enjoyed reading- ‘Being there’ and ‘Loan’. ‘Being there’ explains that a kid doesn’t expect anything more than a father’s presence at any circumstance. All that it matters to a kid is the very assurance of ‘being there’. ‘Loan’ epitomizes that what seems minor to one can be monumental to the other. Sounds absurd? May be you have to catch hold of the book to know more.

On a final note, this is a book which should be a must read for all the Fathers and for all those who has/had a father-son/daughter relationship. If you do not fall in either of the above two categories then feel free to ignore, it’s just waste of time. ;)

On a serious note, Tim the Book is indeed a tribute to the Fatherhood! Thank you for such a great contribution. I Look forward to read the book ‘Big Russ and Me’ pretty soon.

Dads are always great. My personal opinion is I should be really lucky to get a dad for being there always and for being supportive in all the decision that I make. Dad has never stopped me from doing anything rather he would explain the Pros and Cons and leave the final decision as mine. When you are given the liberty to make decision on your own you will eventually be more responsible than ever. And I would always love to show off that My dad is the best. Love you Dad!

43 comments:

sanjayan said...

This is a record... First comment by me. Though you told me about the blog, the fact is a fact that im the first he he !!!

This reminded of the movie "Thavamai thavamirunthu" by Cheran. I just loved the movie. I could picturise my dad in that and my brother's role in cheran's character.

Its true that the father need not be perfect but has to just take care of the basic things. My dad was not very good at education, he struggled hard to earn a living. He worked as a maintenance fitter for almost 30 years. One thing he never compromised is on our studies. Today me and my brother are at very good state and the main credit goes to him.

From your blog I could feel the essence of the book and it has inspired me to read it. I will surely read it and then leave a big comment.

Unknown said...

I am intrigued. Will try to read it. Danke.

Unknown said...

vanakkam Pk-ammaa

Ennamo pongo... book review ellaam pinni edukkareenga... final note nu onnu, aprom serious note nu vera thaniyaa... overaa notes eduthurukkeenga pola.. And on a lighter note (naangalum note podanum la!!), the way you expressed your love for your dad was beautiful than the silly blabbering of suriya in Varanam 1000. Keep writing!

Vidya said...

Ponnarasi,

I have made my blog private because of some "stalkers" on the internet! Can you please provide me with your email address so that I can grant you access?

:D Thank you for asking about my blog! I am very flattered!

Vidya

Balaji said...

Nice review!!
Good that ur trying to resurrect!!

Take care!!

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Neo
Sure. Please read and lemme know your view! And your dad must be happy to know your comments! :)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ BSK
Sure! Waiting to know your comments about the book once you read it!

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ SK
Vazhkailiye urupadiyana comment from you for the 1st time! :P

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Vidya
Thank You! And its my pleasure indeed!

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Balaji
Thannk yOU! :)

Compassion Unlimitted said...

In this Mom dominated world ( MoMs excuse ) book on father, must read must read must read
Tks for kindling the interest !
TC
CU

Gopalan Ramasubbu said...

Will buy and give the book to my dad first then reaction paarthutu nan padikaren ;)

TTM said...

Thanks for remembering to visit :) Will be back soon, politician promise style :D

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ CU
Hahaha..thats true! :)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Gopalan
Ahh...Trust me.. You will like it! :)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ TTM
Hahaha....Lets see..!

Vasanthan said...

thanks for the good recommendation. now i know what to get for my friend who is going to be a father soon.

Story Teller said...

Evalavu Periya Book (read in Pancha Thanthiram style...)

Vishnu said...

try to read it afta getting married ;)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Vasanthan
I am glad! :) Convey my wishes to your friend!

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ DT
Hehehe...Understood!

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Protector
Ukkum... Nalla kurikkol!

Anonymous said...

paravaliyea , khozhantha periya periya posthagamlam vasikuralay. shemama irukatum.

annieb said...

Thanks for your kind comments on my blog. I also enjoyed browsing your blog and I love to read as well, so will pick up Tim Russert's book. I see by your reading list that you like Sandra Brown as I do- very light reading but I don't always want to read to learn, just to escape for awhile...Drop by my blog and see how my projects are coming along!

kanagu said...

Interesting book... :)

didn't heard about this before... as you have said dads are great..

have you seen 'Dhavamai davamirundhu' movie.. it's just brilliant about dads..

hope to read this book soon..

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ 3RD EYE
Intha kusumbana comment ellam ungalala matumey poda mudiyum :P

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Annieb
Yeah. Sandra is my all time fav. I would love 2 read all her writings.. Just thot am avoiding fiction for some time! :)

And yeah sure.. I would love to follow the progress of your project! Will drop by !

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Kanagu
Yeah..I liked that movie! :) Except for the fact that the movie made me cry in lot of scenes :( Which i dont like obviously... It was way toooooooooooo sentimental!

Marutham said...

WOW!

I loved your last paragraph. I too love your Dad! And he is my Hero.

A beautiful QUALITY writing from you as always! :)

MUAAAAAAAAH

Marutham said...

Sandra Brown - BINGO

RAVI REDDIAR said...

RESPECTED MADAM,

YOU MAY NOT BE KNOWING ME,ME N.RAVI,FAN OF YOUR BLOG.
YOUR BLOG HELPED ME,IN DESPAIR ,INWHICH I ALWAYS,SAD SACK.
FATHER ARTICLE GOOD.
IF YOU LIKE, YOU MAY MENTION, YOUR DETAILS,ABOUT NATURE OF WORK.
EVENTHOUGH I AM VERY SENIOR,I LIKE TO KEEP ABREAST OF MODERN HAPPENING.ME,N.RAVI,MIT ALUMNI.MY BLOG NAMED www.hisnobelwoes.blogspot.com
MAY I EXPECT MAIL
senbaravi@gmail.com

J B Jux said...

Will get hold of the book and read and will let you know if I share the same emotions. Anyway, I am coming here after a long time. Your readership has grown immensely! Good going!

Compassion Unlimitted said...

nalamaa.. neram irundal namma blog pakkam thalai kaatunga
TC
CU

Story Teller said...

Now I know the world is too small :)

Aura said...

I stand by your opinion,
More liberty by parents , more responsible we are

Kudos to you

Ravi said...

hello .. princess of gold ..
epdi irukeenga .. after a loooooong gap .. am back ..
(most probably marnthu irupeenga .. go to my blog .. and think 'F5' .. memories refresh panna sonnane .. :-)

ok .. gotto go and read your wisdom post ... ciao ..

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Ravi
Thank u for the comment. I am glad that my posts are of some help..

Have a nice day
Ponnarasi Kothandaraman

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ J B Jux
Thanku for the nice words..But I am unable to recollect my memory if i have seen ur blog if u have any...I wud b happy 2 know the URL if u have a blog :)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ CU
Sure.. I am on my way :)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ DT
Heehehe..Yeah me too :)

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Aura
Well said :) This is what I have been trying to explain the post but u have made it clear in a sentence :D Awesome!

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

@ Ravi
I very well remember u...Long time no c? :) Pretending to be busy :P ????? Hehehe..

tikno said...

It sound this book is interesting. Thanks for sharing it.