Driving Lessons

May 15, 2011

Inspirational account of how a swing and a slice rekindled the relationship between a father and son.

Friedman (The Agony of Victory: When Winning Isn't Enough, 2007, etc.) ventures into new territory in his latest book, investigating his relationship with his father through a series of vignettes about their shared love of golf. The author, a journalist who has written for GQ and Men's Health, recounts childhood days spent on the links with his father, desperate for his approval and attention. Nearly four decades later, not much has changed for the author; he may be pushing 50, but he is still searching for his father's love and acceptance on the putting green. Golf is the unifying theme of the narrative, but the choppy flow and Friedman's tendency to jump around chronologically may leave readers feeling as if they're constantly searching for meaning in sand traps. It's the author's father who steers this book back on course, whether he's advising his son on romantic matters--he suggests Friedman ask Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman on a date because "she's single and she spends time in New York City," where the author lives--or simply offering tips on his golf game. "Even if you have a bunch of bad shots," he says, "you never know when you're going to hit a good one."

A slim volume of light, heartwarming reading that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their handicap.

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