I wrote “Dear Father, Dear Son — Two Lives … Eight Hours” a few years ago. It is about an eight-hour conversation with my father, after not having spoken to him for 10 years. (The paperback is called “A Lot Like Me.”) It was cathartic for me to write it, as well as for many who read it. At this time of the year, consider it a stocking stuffer.

Here are just a few of the reader reviews:

“A memoir that reads like a novel. This was an amazing book. It was raw and well told. I laughed and cried.”

“This book is incredibly insightful and moving. Loved, loved, loved this book. I’ve read it several times, and each time I get something else out of it. A great gift from a truly extraordinary human being. Do yourself a favor and buy several copies — one to keep and the rest to give away. It’s awesome.”

“Impressed! This book was incredibly well written. I enjoyed every second of it: the angst, and the glory. I was so impressed at the dire circumstances in which a father and son relationship being out the worst in the 2 human beings involved … and perhaps, the best. Perhaps.”

“Nothing but love for this book! I can relate to this book on so many levels. The end had me bawling but in a really good way. A great read about forgiveness, reconciliation, love, and coming to understand someone who are the way they are because of each step of life they’ve gone through.”

“Great read, very good and inspiring book. It helped me self-reflect as a young man. I can relate to this in some ways.”

“Will tear you apart. Cried more times than I want to admit. Thankful for the goodness of God in my life and the time I have left with my family. Never take any of it for granted.”

“Real. I greatly appreciated the author’s pursuit of authenticity. I can relate to the author’s relationship with his dad. I enjoyed this book immensely. Thank you Mr. Elder.”

“Wonderful. Loved hearing this read by the author. Couldn’t put it down. Should be required for all seniors. Great life lessons.”

“Silence is not golden. Two incredible, hardworking, honest, determined, loving, bullheaded husband and wife spent too many years of their lives in marital isolation denying their true identity as soulmates. Their son cracks open the rock and exposes the jewel.”

“Very good book. My 92-year-old uncle bought me this book. Enjoy.”

“Enjoyed this book. Really liked this very honest book. I found myself laughing at some parts because it rang true with some of my own family experiences. … As a former child welfare worker … I was amazed at how his father succeeded with his life.”

“Working it out. Have come to appreciate Mr. Elder’s wisdom on contemporary issues. His talk about his dad intrigued me and I wanted to know more. I had issues with my father and wanted to compare notes.

"What impressed me was both men listened to the other. The son refused to play the victim and welcomed the chance to learn more about his dad and what motivated him. The father did not get defensive and shut his son out. This is how all adult interactions should be handled.

"The younger Elder is a product of his upbringing, someone whose parents can be proud. No doubt he would have appreciated a softer touch. In the end, father and son come together and build the relationship that they should have had all along. An inspirational story.”

“I couldn’t stop reading it. This book could be about any one of us. I saw much of my own life in it. You don’t know what your parents had to do just to feed and clothe you until you put down your pride and sit down with them and listen. The style was so easy to read. You can put yourself into it.”

My father died at 95 years old right before the book came out. While writing it, I asked him question after question. He said, “Why are you writing a book about my little life?” I said, “No, Dad. Your life was epic. You just don’t know it.”

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