'Lost in Space: A Father's Journey There and Back Again' by Ben Tanzer
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Synopsis: Lost in Space is a sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always lively essay collection about fathers and sons, and their relationship to not only one another, but pop culture, death, and sex—because sex sells, even if you're otherwise focused on parenting and the generation spanning cultural impact of Star Wars.
The essays in Lost in Space are focused on an array of child-rearing topics including sleep, discipline, first haircuts, deceased parents/grandparents and illness, and the inherent challenges and humor that coincide with, and are intrinsically tied-into, these stages of life. The essays also recognize the ongoing presence of the author's dead father in his life even as he seeks to parent without his father's guidance or advice.
Author: Ben Tanzer is the author of the books My Father’s House, You Can Make Him Like You, So Different Now, Orphans and Lost in Space, among others. Ben serves as Director of Publicity and Content Strategy at Curbside Splendor and can be found online at This Blog Will Change Your Life, the center of his growing lifestyle empire. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two sons.
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Ben Tanzer might be one of the most raw and honest authors I've read. And I think throwing an essay collection into the mix here will be a nice way to mix things up. I'm stoked to see what you guys have say about this one.
Get to reading!
Always heard good things about Tanzer, and Curbspide Splendor. So this is a must read for m.
Hey, I'm so sorry, I didn't think anyone would be here before today. But thank you for the kind words and let's get this started, yes? Yes. Well that, and Happy New Year.
I've loved every Tanzer I've read so far, so I have high hopes for this one as well. Looking forward to joining in when I finish my current read. Happy New Year all!
You're good people TNBBC, and while it goes it without saying, quite easy on the eyes. That said, thanks for joining the thread and for all of your support over the years. And not just for my work, but small press authors everywhere.
Did you guys end up reading it?
I'm about halfway through this, now. I'll probably finish it today.
Something that always surprises me about Tanzer's writing is his ability to find these little things that we all experience and obsess about them. And I think we all do it and don't even notice it. Yet he notices. It's kind of like how a good comedian has you nodding your head saying - It's funny because it's true!
Also, I've just recently gotten married. And now we're buying a house. And of course we've had discussions about kids. This book just makes me feel better about all of the weird things that are constantly going through my head. I want kids for sure! But I don't feel like I'm reading for them. But I'm 35... When will I ever be ready for them? All of my worries - Tanzer is vocalizing. And it's comforting in a way.
Just finished it.
I walk away feeling that all of my neurotic worries have been amplified and multiplied. There are so many scenarios that I haven't even thought of. I don't feel mature enough to deal with my own life half of the time. So how the hell am I supposed to be a father, ever really...
I think that the take-away here is that everything will be okay. At least I hope that's one of Ben's messages in this book.
Goutis!
You will never be ready. You will never be mature enough.
And your worries are quite legitimate.
But everything will be okay.
Promise.
I also really appreciate the kind words and I do like to think I notice the small things, so I'm glad you feel that way too.
Finally, for now anyway, you read the book, and that my friend, I quite appreciate.
