by Beks
Every once in a while, I try to read a book that isn’t somehow related to the economy, personal finance, or motivation. While I don’t write reviews of these books here, they are a big part of the reason I’m still sane…or at least a version of sane anyway.
I rented ‘Sh*t My Dad Says’ by Justin Halpern from the library and didn’t anticipate sharing it with you based on the fact that it isn’t about finance AND, let’s be honest, the name of the book makes it a rough sell – but hear me out.
Halpern moved home with his father at 29 after a particularly difficult break-up. Eternally amused and occasionally miffed by lessons from his father, he decided to write them down. The stories and quotes are funny and weirdly touching. Don’t tell anyone but – I cried during the last chapter.
It seemed like a good idea to read it on the train. ‘Seemed’ being the operative word.
I laughed so hard, people started to stare. Once I realized this, I attempted to stifle my laughter by closing my mouth… which only made my giggles come loudly out my nose as snorts. What seemed like 10 minutes into my commute, I looked up and realized I had missed my stop…3 stops ago.
After work, on the way home, I thought I fought the urge to burst into laughter a little better but when I went to exit the train, a gentleman touched my arm and asked what book I was reading. A little embarrassed, I showed him the cover and he said, ‘I have never seen someone laugh so much in a 45 minute period. I’m buying that book. Thanks for the afternoon entertainment.’
Here are some of the reasons I couldn’t stop laughing…
ON THE DEATH OF OUR FIRST DOG
He was a good dog. Your brother is pretty broken up about it, so go easy on him. He had a nice last moment with Brownie before the vet tossed him in the garbage.
ON MY BLOODY NOSE
What happened? Did somebody punch you in the face?!… The what? The air is dry? Do me a favor and tell people you got punched in the face.
ON SHOPPING FOR PRESENTS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY
If it’s not bourbon or sweatpants, it’s going in the garbage… No, don’t get creative. Now is not a creative time. Now is a bourbon and sweatpants time.
The worst thing you can be is a liar… Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is a liar. Nazi one, liar two.”
“Are you wearing perfume? …Son, there ain’t any cologne in this house, only your mother’s perfume. I know that scent, and let me tell you, it’s disturbing to smell your wife on your thirteen-year-old son.”
WARNING WARNING WARNING: This book contains profuse use of profanity. If you are at all sensitive, don’t read it.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
Thanks for the review. This is the first review that I’ve read that’s made me want to read this book. I’ve already reserved a copy thanks to your review.
Heard they have turned it into a sitcom starring William Shatner as the dad… hope its as funny as your book!
100% agree this is a great book, my daughter got it for me for my birthday, not sure if she was trying to tell me something or not.
I had to keep putting the book down because I would laugh so hard I would start crying and was then not able to see the words anymore.
I was sitting in a restaurant by myself reading the book. One of the employees asked what I was reading since I had been laughing the entire time.
I can’t wait to see the sitcom!
I saw this in the bookstore and took a look. It’s on my To Read list. I think I may also get it for my brother for Christmas.
Yeah, considering it is one of the most anticipated sitcoms of the new season, what is confusing is why you’d think people would think you were weird for reading it! Very popular right now.
I started reading him on Twitter, and borrowed the book from the library as soon as it came out! And I agree – it was surprisingly touching. I wasn’t expecting the stories that wove the quotes together when I first picked it up.
Ok I have been ill for about a month .I just am feeling a little better . Really bad cough still. I ran into town to pick up an order and there was the book . Sh*t my dad says . Well I had just read your blog and thought my son would love it . I get home and thought I would just flip through it . My son comes running in my roon and he hears a severe coughing fit to find me with a red face ,tears and I can’t catch my breath. BECAUSE I an laughing so hard. Darn at that point I had to hand over the book to him and told him I would read it when I felt better . I was to sick to laugh that much . thanks for the review. Pam
Thanks for the review. I just added it to my must read list.
I agree, this book was HILARIOUS!
All my co-workers are looking weird at me from laughing so hard at Pam’s story! Love it…
Shoot, I laughed just reading your little excerpt here.
The tv show premiered tonight. I didn’t see it but look forward to from now on.
Mikey , Thanks for laughing ,because I can’t right now . Maybe next month when I am better. Read the book ….Please and laugh for me Pam