The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness, and the Men Who Could Be Me (original 2010; edition 2010)

This was a very difficult book to read. The subject matter is one I am very familiar with. In the end I was glad that I got through it.

Bruce Feiler's book The Council of the Dads tells the story of his illness and his search for men who could help raise his girls should he pass on. It was interesting to hear his history with the men he chose and what impact he hoped they would have on his girls. I was fascinated by the book although I have to say I was a little disappointed he didn't go into more detail about how his illness affected him and his family. ( )

Bruce Feiler has written a wonderful book about facing mortality and the prospect of leaving his family behind after being diagnosed with cancer. I thought this book was well written, easy to read and authentic. It was a refreshing perspective by the author to revisit old friendships and ask for help from those friends in keeping his memory alive for his girls if he should die. It amazes me that Mr Feiler could actually have the clarity to offer this gift to his family as he dealt with such a difficult diagnosis. I would highly recommend this book!! ( )

A touching story about a father's fight to survive and plans for his children in case he didn't. Author Bruce Fieler received devastating news that he had a rare bone cancer in his femur. With two very young daughters to raise he planned to win the battle against his illness but prepared to provide them with father figures if he had to leave. This book chronicles how he tackles chemotherapy and surgery with the help of a great support team. He includes emails and letters he wrote to update family and friends about his condition. He also dedicates chapters to a small group of men who had special meaning to him in different times of his life. Each of these six individuals represent something different, each of great importance. It's because of their significance that he chooses them to be a part of his Council of Dads. These men know him well and share his values so he knows that they will be exceptional father figures to his children. If they lose their dad they will not lose his voice.

The book was so well written, the fear was offset by humor and hope. Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way so Feiler's story strikes a personal note. I was in tears on more than one page. The back stories for his father, grandfathers and other father figures were thoughtful and interesting. I liked knowing what made them special to him. As a parent myself I understood his determination to take care of his children whether he was with them or not. His words were inspirational and I'm sure his daughters will cherish this book forever.

Thank you to LibraryThings Early Reviewers for an advanced copy of this book. ( )

Facing the possibility of your own death in a matter of months, with a wife and family left behind, is difficult to comprehend. A responsible father would want someone or some people to help fill the gap and be role models for his children. Mr. Feiler examined his acquaintences present and past to arrive at six men who he trusted would step in at the appropriate times in his children's lives.
Mr. Feiler's battle with his cancer and treatments, his home life, the effect all of this had on his relationships at work and home, make for a difficult read. There are times to laugh, be angry and be sad while reading. ( )