Book Review | Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Sundays are a day of rest. They are supposed to be calm and quiet, offering a peaceful end to an otherwise hectic week. For me, Sundays involve brunch – my favorite meal and time of day. I enjoy my late morning coffee, and a delicious combination of breakfast foods served at lunchtime.

Well, this past Sunday was Father’s Day. Fathers have children. Children are evil little creatures who scream when they are happy and scream louder when they are upset. Needless to say my brunch felt like I was eating in the middle of a daycare facility.

During these unpleasant moments of terror I looked up at my boyfriend, who felt the same migraine pains coming on, and we smiled knowing we’d return to our quiet, clean, scream-free home after brunch while most of the fathers would return home only to change diapers and scrub formula off of their t-shirts. My experience on Sunday reminded me of a dad who knows all-too-well screaming, dirty diapers, and soiled t-shirts.

Jim Gaffigan, notably one of my favorite comedians, recently penned Dad is Fat, a chronicle of his life with five children. Abhorring children myself, I purchased the book hoping it would read like one of Gaffigan’s comedy shows – and I wasn’t disappointed. If you’re familiar with his comedic style, you can almost hear him talking in your ear. The book is laugh out loud funny, even for someone who isn’t in the child-rearing cult.

I did spend an ungodly amount of time trying to envision a 2 bedroom apartment (like my own) filled with 5 children. No wonder he resorts to humor and tours the country. The book does spend a considerable amount of time praising his “fertile” wife, but if I were dealing with multiple toddlers and infants, I’d want to be praised too.

Whether you’re a parent, considering children, or grateful your tubes are tied, this is a fast and hilarious read. Gaffigan doesn’t disappoint.