A Touching Memoir You Won’t Soon Forget
ABOUT THE BOOK
- Publisher: Spark Press
- Publication Date: August 16, 2022
- Pages: 256
A self-involved academic struggling to cope with his own neurological problems, Jeff could hardly take care of himself, let alone a child with special needs, when his son, Ethan, was born. But despite multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, serious breathing and swallowing problems, hearing loss, and a challenging social environment in his first months of life, Ethan thrived—all the while teaching Jeff to take things as they came. And eight years later, the arrival from China of adopted baby sister Penelope took Jeff’s on-the-job training to a whole new level.
Ethan’s instinct for fun proved the perfect complement to Jeff’s determination to live life fully. He died too young, but not before he, Penelope, and their mother, Janet, taught Jeff that the true path to happiness was putting other people’s needs before his own—and living in the moment rather than trying to control it.
What Jeff Has To Say
My Thoughts
If you like memoirs that are written beautifully and manage to quickly tug at your heartstrings, then you won’t want to overlook The Fun Master: A Memoir.
While it’s not unusual to read a memoir about a child who has special needs, this book offers one more layer: a father who suffers from his own health concerns.
As an author, many of us might choose to paint ourselves in a little better light, however, Seitzer appears to gloss nothing over. He readily admits his shortcomings, which takes us on a journey that at times feels too much to travel. Yet, we also glimpse a powerful, sweet story of life.
It’s a trip that everyone will glean something from.
My Concerns
None
Final Thoughts
Memoirs such as this aren’t for everyone. Yet, by passing over them you will be missing a story of growth, determination, love, challenges, growth, pain, inspiration, and growth. Yes, I mentioned growth several times. I’m a strong believer that we all grow when we read books showing others’ determination and strength.
I highly recommend this memoir. It’s a father/son story that will touch you in a way that you won’t soon forget. There is much to be learned from this book if we just allow ourselves to be students.
My thanks to Books Forward Friends and the Publisher for a copy of this book and the ability to freely post my thoughts.
About the Author
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, I live now in Chicago with my family after a number of years in Washington, D.C., Germany, and London. Bartender, truck driver, nursing assistant, and college professor are just a few of the jobs I’ve held besides my primary occupation of stay-at-home dad. I survived encephalitis and a number of life-threatening accidents only to acquire a severe degenerative condition, which miraculously has had only a minor effect on me. I’ve authored, edited, and translated several books and many articles on law and philosophy, and I have several new projects underway. However, I devote most of my energy now to writing short stories, personal essays, and creative nonfiction. Drill deeper to find information about and links to recent and forthcoming publications in literary journals, magazines, and newspapers as well as about a memoir, The Fun Master (SparkPress August 2022).
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