(Image from Indiebound)

Since it's June, the month when we formally celebrate fathers, I think now's a good time to do a little bragging. See, I happen to have an incredible dad. Also, an amazing husband. And a wonderful father-in-law. Add in some pretty awesome brothers, brothers-in-law, uncles, uncles-in-law, cousins, etc. and you start to see my point - I'm surrounded by men who take their responsibilities as fathers very seriously. Not only do they love their children, but they prove it every day by talking to them, listening to them, playing with them, encouraging them, supporting them, teaching them and, most of all, giving them a solid example to follow. In a world as turbulent as ours, this is no small thing.

Considering the powerful influence of fathers, it's no wonder writer Bruce Feiler panicked when he discovered he might not be around to nurture his children into adulthood. One of his first thoughts upon learning he had a rare, aggressive form of bone cancer was of his twin daughters. Who would teach them, support them, father them if he wasn't around? They had a kind, loving mother to guide them, but what about a strong male influence? If Feiler died, who could the girls turn to when they needed a man's perspective?

As Feiler began fighting his disease with surgery and chemo, he set about forming a support group - not for himself, but for his daughters. This Council of Dads included men from all stages of Feiler's life, men he loved, men he respected, men who knew Feiler well enough to bring him to "life" for his girls in the event of Feiler's death. Each member of the council brought different philosophies, different lessons to the table, lessons Feiler wanted his children to hear. The formation of this intimate club turned into a profound experience, one that strengthened Feiler in his time of need and convinced him that, whatever happened, his children would be in good hands.

The Council of Dads chronicles the year cancer stormed into Feiler's life, changing him forever. In candid, but tender prose, he talks about family, friendship, fatherhood and the frailty of life. As he muses over the lessons he collected from the men in his life, adding what he's learned along the way, Feiler offers a warm, hopeful view of the world to the daughters he's terrified of leaving behind. The advice he offers them will resound with anyone who desires to live a fuller, more courageous life. His own life lesson, the one he learns from battling a devastating, soul-sucking disease, reminds us all of what's really important. With humor and a whole lot of heart, Feiler proves not only why fatherhood matters, but why it is, in fact, crucial for all children. While the book's a little too edgy for me to pass out to the fathers in my life, I still found it touching. I'd recommend it for tender-hearted dads who don't mind a little color in their inspirational reading. I'd also recommend having a tissue handy. Maybe two.

Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)

Grade: B

If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for language (2 F-bombs, plus occasional, milder expletives), and vague sexual innuendo

To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Council of Dads from the generous folks at Harper Collins and TLC Book Tours, for whom this review was written.