Reading Time: Dad is Fat

I was looking for something light to read, so when I heard John Oliver going on and on during The Daily Show about how great Jim Gaffigan's parenting/comedy book, Dad is Fat, is, I quickly downloaded it. 

The chapters were a bit short. I think it would translate well to the stage in a stand-up routine, but it felt a bit bald on the page. Maybe the audio version would be a better way to experience this book.

There were a few things I loved about Dad is Fat. The first is his description of living with his five kids in their two bedroom NYC apartment. There is an entire chapter dedicated to the intricate process of putting all of his kids to bed that blew my mind. There are crazy descriptions of getting his kids to their different schools around the city on the subway and taking all five of them to the park by himself with no car, which just shows what a commitment it is to live and raise your kids in New York City.  

The second thing I loved is Gaffigan's descriptions of his work and romantic relationship with his wife. She is his co-writer and producer. Every page is a testament to his devotion to her, and it makes his so gosh darn like-able. 

He writes:

"Jeannie was unlike any woman I had ever met or have yet to meet. She was part girl next door, part superstar, part insane-asylum inpatient. Jeannie was the oldest of nine children and when I met her she was directing a Shakespearean play with a hip-hop score featuring about fifty inner-city kids. For free. Here was this funny, sexy, smart woman who was passionate about her art and, for some reason, children. Working with kids inspired Jeannie's creativity, and being with her inspired me. It was an amazing relationship. Jeannie literally wanted to take care of me, and in turn I had this crazy, almost biological desire to provide her with, well, someone to take care of."

Aww. 

What are you reading this summer? I have a few more books I'm just finishing that I want to write about, but I'm always looking for something interesting to read before bed. I get bored easily, but ebooks have made it possible for me to read eight things at once without a cluttered bed side table. I love it, but because I'm reading so many things at once it takes me ages longer to finish a book. Oh well. 

Have a good weekend!