Edward Streeter (1891–1976)

The Father of the Bride by Edward Streeter is Stanley Banks, an ordinary suburban father who, to his shock, learns that his eldest daughter is going to be a bride. Not certain exactly what his role is to be in this, he is soon to begin to find out that often fathers are an after thought, important only for their wallets. His wife changes into a sergeant-major directing all aspects of the event and things like champagne, caterers and invitations suddenly play an important role in his life. To show more make matters worse, his daughter, his beloved kitten, is transferring her primary allegiance to another man.

With tongue-in-cheek humor and clever illustrations the book leads Stanley to his daughter's Wedding Day. Written in a timeless, heart-warming manner the story is familiar to anyone who has parented daughters who marry. Having gone through it twice, I often found myself grinning ruefully and remembering how as parents we swung back and forth through the panic of the unexpected and the magic of finding everything falling into place perfectly.

It’s no surprise that this book has been made into successful Hollywood films twice (with one having a sequel) as this ceremony is a milestone of parenthood. Although somewhat dated, the important elements of hosting a wedding come across vividly. The author delivers a clever, amusing story with fun illustrations by Gluyas Williams. show less

Mr. Hobbs' Vacation is a dated book, but it thoroughly enjoyed it, probably because I identified with poor Mr. Hobbs in so many ways.
The Hobbs family is off to Rock Harbor, an island where they will enjoy a months vacation, with their teen daughter as well as their two married adult daughters and their families. Mr. Hobbs is excited about the visiting with his children and grandchildren, the opportunities to fish, walk on the beach and relax, read a few good books, and thoroughly refresh show more himself with the vacation. But nothing seems to go Mr. Hobbs' way. Many of the pickles he finds himself in are of his own making, and others are just the types of inevitable misfortunes that we all experience from time to time. About half the time, I was seeing eye to eye with Mr. Hobbs, feeling his sorrows with him. The other half of the time I wanted to give him a good talking to and tell him to stop feeling so put upon and sorry for himself, and make the best of things.
The book was often funny, and Streeter has a way of turning a phrase occasonally that would make me laugh out loud just from the way it was worded. It also touched on the bittersweet nostalgia of parents when their children are growing up, and don't need them anymore.
One peculiar note: I thought the book would be better if you just tossed out the first and last chapter. The book is about Mr. Hobbs and his family, but Chapter 1 is about Rock Harbor before the tourists come for the summer, and Chapter 23 is about Rock Harbor after the tourists leave... neither has any relevance that I see to the story or the purpose of the book. So I recommend the book... but start with Chapter 2 and stop with Chapter 22. (You won't follow my advice. You'll read them all, and then afterwards you'll say, "Well, he was right about that.") show less

Poor Mr. Banks! His jacket is too tight, he can’t get a cocktail, and he’s footing the bill...He’s the father of the bride.
Stanley Banks is just your ordinary suburban dad. He’s the kind of guy who believes that weddings are simple affairs in which two people get married. But when daddy’s little girl announces her engagement to Buckley, Mr. Banks feels like his life has been turned upside down.
The dress that will be worn for one day is how much? Why would anyone spend that much for show more flowers? And however befuddled Mr. Banks becomes, no one pays the least amount of attention to him. He must host cocktail parties with the in-laws to be, initiate financial planning talks with Buckley, and moderate family conferences on who will be invited to the reception. But poor Mr. Banks! All he sees are the bills, and no one talks to him about losing his little girl!
Father of the Bride is a timeless, heartwarming, and hysterically funny tale that appeals directly to the lighter side of life, and any man with a child about to get married can appreciate Mr. Banks’s situation and the troubles that befall him. show less

"Father of the Bride" is a classic comedic tale set in the late 1940's, detailing the trials and tribulations of an irritated yet loving father who must see to the details of his beloved daughter's wedding.

While I loved both movie versions of "Father of the Bride," I enjoyed the book so much more. The characterizations of Stanley Banks, the central character, and his daughter Kay were hysterical, as were the descriptions of typical post-WWII era middle class society, where social niceties show more quickly become cumbersome. It's just a delightful story that makes me smile whenever I think of it. show less