With honest humor and raw self-revelation, bestselling author Donald Miller tells the story of growing up without a father and openly talks about the issues that befall the fatherless generation. Raw and candid, Miller moves from self-pity and brokenness to hope and strength, highlighting a path for millions who are floundering in an age without positive male role models. Speaking to both men and women who grew up without a father—whether that father was physically absent or just emotionally aloof—this story of longing and ultimate hope will be a source of strength. Single moms and those whose spouses grew up in fatherless homes will find new understanding of those they love as they travel along this literary journey. This is a story of hope and promise. And if you let it, Donald Miller’s journey will be an informal guide to pulling the rotted beams out from our foundations and replacing them with something upon which we can build our lives.
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"This book meant so much to me. As a girl who grew up without a dad, a lot of what Donald Miller said about his relationship and struggles with his own fatherlessness resounded deeply in my own heart. More than any self-help book, Father Fiction helped me heal simply by allowing me to see that there was somebody else with the same feelings as me who went ahead and shared it with the world."
— Stephanie (4 out of 5 stars)
“Don writes with candid humor and unembarrassed honesty. He rips himself open. This book sings to those who have felt responsible for their father’s demons. The truth is, our real Father is perfect in every way, especially in His love for us. Thanks, Don. This book spoke to a place deep inside of me.”
— Jeff Foxworthy“Like Don, I too was a fatherless boy and am a wounded soul as a result. Writing this book has helped heal Donald. Reading it has helped heal me.”
— Roland C. Warren, president, National Fatherhood Initiative" If there were one book I could recommend to guys on the subject of being a guy - it would probably be this. So far, at least, Donald Miller strikes me as the most human of writers; and the wonderful way he tackles some of life's most challenging and (for me, anyway) most painful obstacles is inspiring and very entertaining at the same time. "
— Graham, 2/1/2014" Mmm...I liked this book, but I didn't love it. It was hard to relate to personally, but I think it would be great for someone who missed having a father figure in their life. "
— Consuela, 1/14/2014" Post modern look at religion, and father figure types. "
— Ben, 12/24/2013" Miller writes this one with a male audience in mind, but as a girl growing up without a father in the picture, so much of the author's insights were helpful and challenging to me as well. "
— Mae, 12/15/2013" This was a very insightful book. I love Donald Miller's writing style; it sounds like he is talking to you. My father died when I was ten, and this book had quite a few good points. "
— Alex, 12/14/2013" Love it! God is our perfect FAther! "
— Angela, 10/24/2013" It constantly amazes me how a book written by a man for teenage boys who grew up without fathers, spoke so very much to me, a teenage girl who grew up with a wonderful father. It's something I can't explain very well; all I know is that I still had "woh." moments. "
— Sara, 9/19/2013" The lowest rating I've ever given a Donal Miller book. But I love reading Donald, so of course I would say still worth the read. Especially if you have dad issues. "
— David, 9/16/2013" While I did grow up with a great dad, this book helped me in understanding possibilities for mentoring some young men I know w/o dads, or at least good ones. "
— Tyler, 6/21/2013" I am almost finished with this book, and I have to say, it's rather boring. probably because I'm not a man who grew up without a father, which is the audience that this book is aimed towards. I love Donald Miller, but this is one of his more bland books. "
— Amber, 4/14/2013" Good book. It's great for those who didn't have a father around, or even those who did, as it helps to understand someone else's point of view. "
— Melissa, 4/9/2013" Really good and insightful. Although aimed more at males who grew up without a father, I could relate to his thoughts and stories as a female. "
— Emily, 3/28/2013" The same as his previous book, but with a new title. I realized this about 2/3 through. "
— Stacy, 2/2/2013" Even though I didn't agree with every conclusion Miller comes to in this book, it was interesting and thought-provoking. One concept that really resonated with me is the "wounded healer," which he talks about a lot. "
— Marie, 10/7/2012" I always enjoy Miller's writing style, so I definitely enjoyed this. However, it is a bit more geared to men who have had fathers that abandoned them. Still worth the read. (you will gain insight on men who had fathers that abandoned them) "
— Jette, 2/27/2012" This was a great comfort and encouraged me. It is written a little plainly - but it offers hope nevertheless. It is not a great work. It is very forward, though it does glance the real issue of being fatherless. It gives you the courage to move on and move forward - so it is worth the read! "
— Andrew, 2/8/2012" This gave some insight into my husband who became fatherless at 13. I would read parts to him and he would respond that that was exactly how he felt. Not in everything but several parts. It helped me understand how to better extend grace to him in certain areas. "
— Lauren, 1/30/2012" Not my favorite by Miller, but still a really good read. If I could give it a 4.5 I would. "
— Luis, 11/13/2011" Great book on dealing with fatherhood issues. God is our ultimate father and this book helps you work through how your upbringing impacts your out look on life. It is deep subject but a fun read. "
— Joseph, 11/4/2011" i know it's for men, but it had a lot to teach about life in general. and while i don't follow his faith exactly, he is a wonderful, authentic, funny writer. i recommend him for inspiration and motivation. "
— Amy, 6/12/2011" Few books that I read last year affected me as profoundly as Father Fiction. "
— Matt, 5/5/2011" One of my favorite authors, very easy to relate to and relevant to anyone. "
— Elizabeth, 2/19/2011" I enjoyed this better than his seminal work, Blue Like Jazz. Better insights and less whiney. His progress in working through some issues was inspiring. This should be a mandatory read for guys who grew up without a father but still very helpful for anyone. "
— Rick, 1/20/2011" Even though I didn't agree with every conclusion Miller comes to in this book, it was interesting and thought-provoking. One concept that really resonated with me is the "wounded healer," which he talks about a lot. "
— Marie, 8/25/2010" A must read for every man, fatherless or not. "
— Ely, 8/25/2010" glad i read it. definitely not one for everyone to read forthe heck of it though. then again, you can never go wrong with a little donald miller...and i don;t mean a miniture version of the guy. but that'd be pretty awesome too. "
— Mac, 6/28/2010Donald Miller started the Mentoring Project, an organization that helps churches start mentoring programs and pairs mentors with boys in need, in 2005. His work with the fatherless led the Obama administration to invite him onto the president’s task force on fatherlessness and mentoring. He is the director of The Burnside Writers Collective, an online magazine. He is a frequent speaker, appearing at events such as the Women of Faith Conference, the Democratic National Convention, and Harvard University. He still lives in Portland, Oregon with his dog Lucy.