Seven Sensational Books for Father’s Day

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift for that Hamptons dad? Leave the ties and cologne back on the rack. The ideal Father’s Day gift is always a book, and whether Dad is a history buff or a golf aficionado, mad about Mad Men, crazy about classic cars or just loves a good read, our friends at Books & Books in Westhampton Beach have seven sensational suggestions that special father is sure to love. (And if you’re reading this, Dad, it’s okay to go buy a few of these for yourself!)

Mid-Century Ads: Advertising from the Mad Men Era

A true gem, Tashen’s collection of mid-century ads, ranging from cars to liquor to toothpaste, paints a mesmerizing picture of the American consumer culture in the ’50s and ’60s. Beginning with the pro-American McCarthy era and following through to the carefree Mad Men era, each ad is digitally mastered to look like it just hit the newsstand. Mid Century Ads is a unique collector’s item for anyone who has worked in advertising or appreciates the art of American consumerism.

On Par by Bill Pennington

From equipment to instruction, from rules to language, from camaraderie to psychology—Pennington makes his way to the heart of golf in both an informative and entertaining manner. As author of the “On Par” golf column for the New York Times, he understands the game like no other, able to interpret the expert’s tips for the casual golfer, and has spent years traveling the world in search of the basics, truths and secrets to improve even the most amateur golfer’s game. A great gift for the man who loves to spend his weekends and summers on the course—help dad become the next Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson or Jack Nicklaus (or at least feel like he is)!

Dan Gets a Minivan: Life at the Intersection of Dude and Dad by Dan Zevin

In this hilarious coming-of-middle-age tale, Dan Zevin tells how he ended up with a working wife, two small children, a mother who visits weekly “to help,” and an obese Labrador mutt who would rather be driven than walked. After six very quick years, Dan finds himself a stay-at-home dad with a minivan. A story that any dude-to-dad can relate to, Zevin chronicles his journey from couple to family, from date night to Costco, and from Disneyland to knee surgery.

The Passage of Power by Robert Caro

Book four of Caro’s The Years of Lyndon Johnson follows the past president through the most frustrating and triumphant periods of his career—from 1958 to 1964. During this time, Johnson leapt from Senate Majority Leader, to a powerless Vice Presidency in which he was disdained and distrusted by the administration, to the presidency that was thrust upon him by an assassin. Caro’s account of Johnson’s fight for the presidency and Kennedy’s offer of vice presidency to force Johnson off the ticket is portrayed as a vivid narrative. The Passage of Power is the perfect gift for the history buff in your life.

It Worked for Me by Colin Powell

Powell’s “Thirteen Rules,” including “Get mad, then get over it” and “Share credit,” are presented through revealing personal stories, which offer wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and throughout life. His story combines insights from his service in the top ranks of the military and four presidential administrations, as well as his immigrant-family upbringing in the Bronx. It Worked for Me is a brilliant blueprint for leadership.

Father’s Day by Buzz Bissinger

Within this out-of-the-ordinary memoir from the best-selling author of Friday Night Lights lies the story of a father-and-son journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to revisit all the places they have lived together. Bussinger’s twins were born three minutes apart, but lived very different lives—the older, a graduate student at Penn, the younger, a savant, challenged by severe intellectual deficits. As a father, he never truly understood Zach’s world, so he sets out to discover the mysterious workings of his brain and ends up discovering himself along the way.

Engines of Change: A History of the American Dream in Fifteen Cars by Paul Ingrassia

The history of America has long been tied to its vehicles. Through 15 cars, including the Corvette, the Beetle and the Chevy Corvair, and the characters linked to them, Ingrassia takes us on a journey, passing through the rise of manufacturing, suburbanizaton of the country, hippies, yuppies, emancipated women and the unexpected and unintended consequences of the automobile in America—perfect for car lovers and history buffs alike.

Check out these Father’s Day books and more great summer reading picks at Books & Books, 130 Main Street in Westhampton Beach. Call 631-998-3260 or visit online at booksandbookswhb.com.