After three years of late nights, perseverance, tears, frustrations, and self-doubt. I am happy to announce that my book, Dead Dads Club, is finally available for sale.
It has been a long road but very well worth it. I feel an extraordinary sense of accomplishment, but it all seems a bit surreal at the moment.
The book is a compilation of stories written by women from all over the United States who have lost their fathers, so it is not my book alone. Forty-five other women were on this journey with me and I am forever indebted to all of them for sharing this painful, personal part of their lives with me, and with the world. Each story is a little snippet into the life of a daughter and her dad; some are memoirs, recounting life with dad, and some are essays, relating life without dad. Also included are a few poems, an excerpt from a one-woman play and eulogy.
Before starting the book, I hypothesized that regardless of the relationship between daughter and dad, or the circumstances regarding the death, there is some shared bond between all of the women in this club. Though all of us grieve individually and differently, there is universality to the pain that each of us can relate to. Working on this book proved my hypothesis to be correct. I found that in each story there is a nugget of truth that spoke to me, that resonated within me. It is my hope that the stories in this book allow us to commiserate with one another; to uplift women in their time of despair, and offer hope and solace in their time of darkness.
I also hope it encourages women to write down their own story, as part of the grieving process. I know that I feel close to my dad when I write about him, and I feel a little further along in the healing process as well.
Though the grief never goes away, it certainly gets better, and hopefully this book will help.
A website with the same title as the book, deaddadsclub.com will launch by the end of January. It will be a continuation of the virtual club meeting that begins with the book. If you or anyone you know might be interested in contributing a story to the website, please have them contact me at mary [at] mamamaryshow [dot] com.
Starting today, Deads Dads Club will be available through the publishing house E-store, and via amazon.com.
Now I am off to find some champagne and toast to myself and my dad, who would’ve turned 80 years old today.
Happy Birthday, Dad. This one’s for you.
Way to go, lady. Your father would be proud. :)
Congratulations!!! What a wonderful tribute and birthday gift to your daddy. sending lots of love and cheers your way!
Happy holidays!
Sarah
Mary – glad to see your book complete!
WOW – congratulations!
But, this also totally got me all teary eyed…
Good for you – and I hope you are enjoying that champagne!
Happy Birthday to your Father, and congratulations on your book. Well done!
Well done, Mary!
Congratulations Mary!
Love,
T.
You are an amazing spirit, Mary! Thank you for all the work you put into this. Happy Birthday to your dad, and congratulations!!!
Wow, Mary, congratulations! I’m so happy for you. That’s quite a feat.
One of my best friend’s husband suddenly passed away two years ago, leaving her and her then 5 & 7 year old daughters behind. Now that Sarah turns 10 this month and Norah 8 in January, is this a book appropriate for those who joined the club as children?
Cindy, so sorry to hear about your friend losing her husband. There is a chapter in the book with stories from women who were under 10 when they lost their dads. I don’t think it’s appropriate for them at this age, but maybe later in the teenage years. Can’t wait to see you next week!
Mary, This is so amazing. I am so proud of you. Congratulations.
I am thrilled for you and can’t wail to read your book. How can I get a signed copy? :)
Congratulations.
I am beyond thrilled for you my friend. Beyond…XO
Congratulations, Mary! I have no doubt that your dad is proud.
Wow!!!! Congratulations–this is amazing. What a huge work of love and tribute to grieving kids and beloved and departed Dads.
Amazing.
SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Well done my friend. Well. Done.
Really, really happy for you. I’m so glad this day is finally here. Well done!
oh Mary I am so happy that day has arrived I know how hard you have been working on the book. Wishing you continued success with the new site, you have created a soft place to land for others what a loving thing you have done!
Mary, I have been bursting with excitement since I read this post. I am so happy for you and so proud of you. I know what a goal this has been for you and congratulations, you have reached your goal!
I can’t wait to read it and get copies to pass out for Christmas! Love you sis and Happy Birthday to Richard Alexander Burt, your Dad and my wonderful Step Dad!
Love, Lala
Writing a book is a huge accomplishment. You absolutely should enjoy that champagne and be proud of yourself for your new title… AUTHOR!
Heartfelt congratulations! Excited for you and other women who shared their stories. Can’t wait to buy the book.
Mary this is so amazing!! I am so happy and proud of you!!!! Love you girl! xoxoxo
Such a beautiful legacy to pass on to your daughters. And an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations!
so excited for you!! congratulations!! xoxo
You continue to amaze me in your ability to inspire and relate to everyone. Congratulations for bringing your dream home!
I’m so happy to know that you are celebrating the completion of this project; remember it is how we “met” online? I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
So proud of you! This is awesome!!
I can’t say this is a club I look forward to joining. I know I am blessed to still have my father. However, it is a club, a fellowship that we all must enter and I think it is wonderful that you have gathered stories to help move through this time in our lives, no matter when it comes. I have already shared with many friends and they appear to be very grateful.
Mary! I am so proud of you and in awe of your talents and abilities. You are so very gifted in so many ways! Cheers to you and congratulations! Love, Megs
Congrats! I think my mom sent a story to be included in the book so I’ll be buying her a copy for Christmas.
Congratulations, Mary. I know a lot of people who are “writing” books, but few who ever publish (I won’t say “finish”) them. I’m sure it was an amazing journey.
I held the book in my hands today! Amanda bought it on Amazon. WOW! Congratulations to you!!! While I haven’t read the whole thing yet, I love the cover art and the stories look excellent.
Cheryl, you just made it very real for me. I’m typing through tears. So happy it’s real, though I’m so nervous that it’s out into the world I want to barf. Thank you so much for submitting and being a part of it!