12 Hot Father's Day Books

American Parent By Sam Apple 320 pages. Ballantine Books. $16.50 American Parent
by Sam Apple

What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a book that airs the grievances of parenthood down to every last spit-up? In American Parent, Sam Apple combines journalism with his own trials and tribulations in what he calls “modern babyland” to address some of the biggest issues in child rearing, from Lamaze class conspiracy theories to the false advertising of “no more tears” baby shampoo.

The Film Club by David Gilmour 240 pages. Twelve. $13.99 The Film Club
by David Gilmour

In this funny and poignant memoir, former film critic and TV host David Gilmour strikes a deal with his 15-year-old son: Gilmour will allow him to drop out of high school—and not work, not pay rent—if he promises to watch three movies a week with him, every week, and discuss them intellectually. The book chronicles the Canadian father and son’s cinematic journey, one that ultimately teaches them both more enduring life lessons than, perhaps, can ever be learned in a classroom.

Brothers Edited by Andrew Blauner (Foreword by Frank McCourt) 304 pages. Jossey-Bass. $24.95 Brothers
Edited by Andrew Blauner (Foreword by Frank McCourt)

Bringing together 26 acclaimed male writers—from Dominick Dunne and David Sedaris to Phillip Lopate and Tobias Wolff—this intimate collection offers rare insight into brothers’ sometimes chummy, often complex relationships with one another. A compelling read for any dad who grew up with a brother, for better or worse, it sheds new light on a relationship that is as old as the Bible, yet often overlooked.

Home Game By Michael Lewis 192 pages. W.W. Norton & Co. $23.95 Home Game
by Michael Lewis

Lewis has left the sports and finance worlds behind in his most recent book, tackling an even higher-stakes game: parenthood. This quick read, adapted from a series of Slate essays, chronicles the bestselling authors’ triumphs and travails as a dad of three, pulling back the curtain on modern fatherhood. For sensitive dads who don’t want to lose their street cred, Lewis’ book may be a smart buy.

Satchel By Larry Tye 416 pages. Random House. $26.00 Satchel
by Larry Tye

This compelling biography reveals the myth, mystery and boundary breaker who was Leroy “Satchel” Paige. Born in pre-civil rights Alabama, Paige earned a name as a superstar hurler in the Negro Leagues, before pitching his way into the Major Leagues, helping propel the Cleveland Indians to a World Series. Through hundreds of interviews and tireless detective work, Tye—a prize-winning journalist and avid baseball fan—reveals a fascinating life story, sure to be appreciated by sports fans of all ranks.