Mean Dads for a Better America

The Generous Rewards of an Old-Fashioned Childhood

By: Tom Shillue

Narrated by: Tom Shillue

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

From the stand-up comedian and popular host on the Fox News Network, a nostalgic look back at his childhood and the simple American values that shaped his worldview - a portrait of growing up in 1970s America.

As a comedian and conservative thinker, whip-smart funny Tom Shillue grounds his ideas about our current culture and political climate in stories from his childhood. Growing up as one of five kids in a devout Irish Catholic family in a small town outside of Boston, Tom sincerely believes that the rough-and-tumble, rules-dominated world in which he came of age was a better America - a time and place that made him into the well-adjusted, happy, successful man he is today.

In Mean Dads for a Better America, Tom reminisces about his childhood, his family, and the traditional values he cherishes. He takes us back to a time when neighbors disciplined each other's children without fear of being sued, when kids made it to the family table for dinner, when parents' rules were gospel, when the occasional fistfight was considered a fair way to solve a problem, and when children were free to roam, make mistakes, and experience the first tastes of independence.

On the Fox News Network, Tom debates, debunks, and entertains with his hilarious approach to issues of the day. Here, he brings that talent and wisdom to audio, tackling the issues that confound many Americans, like our hypersensitive culture and overzealous parenting. As Tom celebrates the stability of family life and the sanity of days gone by, he encourages us to hold on to our sense of humor and look back at our own lives as we work toward creating a better future for ourselves and our kids, all while making us laugh.

©2017 Tom Shillue (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Unexpected pleasure

I loved this book! It was super funny, wise and touching. Great stories about parents, bullies, siblings and all. The last chapter was my favorite.

Brings back great memories! Very funny!

I loved this book! As a child of the 70’s, I remembered everything Tom talks about. But even if you didn’t grow up in that time period, it is still very entertaining. One of my favorite parts was the altar boy story, but they’re all great. Treat yourself to this book; you won’t regret it.

Excellent book about life

an excellent book about life an old fashioned values that still work in everyday America.

Thanks Tom…

I found myself smiling and laughing all the way through the book. A real walk down memory lane!

Great story buy a great person

Tom Shillue seems like the kind of guy I’d love to have as a friend: intelligent and witty, grounded yet a bit of a ham, and down right fun. This book paints a terrific portrait of someone I’ve enjoyed watching for years on Fox News. Now that I know him better through his life’s story, I like him even more. As a father of young children I take the lessons he learned from his dad and contemplate how to apply that to my own children. Am I going to be a mean dad? Maybe...only time will tell. This is a well told story by a terrific entertainer. I highly recommend.

Enjoyed it all!

Tom is a clever comedian who had me giggling and even laughing out loud with every chapter. I hated to see it end. His sense of humor is honest, heartwarming and real. He gives me renewed faith in some good, clean comedy without profanity.

Tom Shillue is all kinds of awesome!

What did you love best about Mean Dads for a Better America?

I liked that Tom Shillue narrated it himself. I also liked that I could feel a connection to a lot of the story. I'm a child of the 70's also. A lot of the stuff he talked about was very familiar to me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tom Shillue. I've been a fan of his for awhile. Watched him when he was the host of Redeye With Tom Shillue on Fox News. Also like his comedy.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Tom Shillue?

Yes, I would.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to, but I'm trying to make it last. I will probably listen to it again.

One of my favs.The other 2 are by Walter Isaacson.

There are many brilliant right brained dominant personalities and many brilliant left brain dominant personalities but there are very few who are brilliant with both hemispheres.

Great book!

What a refreshing read focused on American values and healthy parenting. We are going on a road trip and listening to this with my whole family.

Fabulous book!

Truely enjoyed this book. My sister recommended it. I LOVE how it took me back to my upbringing!!!