Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate and show appreciation to all the fathers and paternal influences for the important role they play in our lives. Each of these books spans different genres, from contemporary and young adult fiction to speculative and non-fiction. Whether it’s dealing with family trauma, confronting ancient predators, or navigating the complexities of parenting, these stories explore diverse experiences of fatherhood, and we hope you’ll get to share in the joy with the paternal figure in your own life today.
Bruise by Adrian Markle (TouchWood Editions)
Adrian Markle’s debut novel, Bruise, follows Jamie Stuart, an injured MMA fighter who reluctantly returns to his coastal hometown for his father’s funeral, six months late. Reconnecting with his troubled brother and haunted by past family traumas, Jamie struggles to find his place. As he grapples with his future, an opportunity arises, promising financial stability but with unforeseen risks. Set against a backdrop of nostalgia and athletic glory, Bruise is a poignant tale of family, sports, and coming of age.
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Dark Tide by Sean Rodman (Orca Book Publishers)
A remote bay in the Pacific Northwest that has held a secret for thousands of years is finally unveiled in Dark Tide. Kai is angry when he’s forced to join his new stepfather, Rick, on a research trip to Blind Bay. On a floating lab in the middle of nowhere. Rick, a marine biologist, is using sound waves to explore deep underwater caves. But they discover that the sound pulses have awakened something. Something that is now hunting them—an ancient predator from the depths of the caves. Soon the tide will turn, unleashing the creature out into the open ocean… and upon the world. Kai and his stepdad need to find a way to work together to stop the creature before the tide turns.
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Speaking Through the Night by Wajdi Mouawad (Talon Books)
Speaking through the Night is a memoir that takes readers on a journey from the author’s own surroundings in Nogent-sur-Marne to the depths of the cosmos. From reminiscing about his father’s retirement home to reflecting on childhood memories in Lebanon, Mouawad’s introspective exploration spans diverse landscapes and influences, touching on everything from literature to mythology. Through this odyssey, Mouawad delves into the complexities of human existence, confronting madness, shared dreams, and the darker aspects of everyday life. Speaking through the Night offers profound musings on the mysteries of the universe, emerging from the solitude of introspection.
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My Life Off-Key by Gail Anderson-Dargatz (Orca Book Publishers)
Seventeen-year-old Jen loves to sing. But the rest of her family can’t carry a tune. When a stranger named Mike gives her roses at her concert and reveals that he is her birth father, Jen’s world flips upside down. Mike is a musician, just like Jen, and now she understands why she looks nothing like Steve, the only dad she’s ever known. When Steve learns the truth Jen’s mom has been hiding all these years, he moves out, and Jen can’t help but feel responsible. Worse, she doesn’t know who she is anymore. It feels like her whole life has been a lie. Is Steve still her dad? What about Mike? When it feels like her family is falling apart, Jen doesn’t know where she belongs.
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Special Topics in Being a Parent by S. Bear Bergman, illustrated by Saul-Freedman-Lawson (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Special Topics in Being a Parent is a practical and humorous guide for parents seeking advice informed by queer experiences. Drawing from fifteen years of parenting as a queer dad, Bergman offers realistic tips for navigating the challenges of raising children. From making decisions about screens and lunches to discussing diversity and gender expectations, this witty guide provides insight and compassion for progressive parents. With charming illustrations by Saul Freedman-Lawson, Bergman’s book empowers parents to live their values while fostering connection and love in their families.
Available July 30, 2024