BOOK REVIEW :
Alternadad - By Neal Pollack
Many men deal with their approach into mid-life with fancy cars, chest-hair-revealing Hawaiian shirts or young blondes. Neil Pollack dealt with his by writing a book.
Alternadad is as sharp and funny as it’s concept is compelling: How does a man who has built his adult existence on being the smarter-than-thou artist type transition into being a father?
Pollack, known mostly as an author of satirical fiction, takes to memoir with aggressive wit and charm. If self-awareness makes most sins more forgivable, than Alternadad is Pollack’s social salvation. He admits and illustrates his tendencies towards the selfish and stupid, but seems genuine in his desire to do better.
The narrative moves effortlessly – and surprisingly without much confusion – from Pollack’s pre-dad days to the meeting of his wife to their decision to pro-create and on.
The reader wallows through family drama – Jewish grandparents set on circumcision, Pollack’s obsession with touring with a rock band, and later, ineffective pre-schools – along with the day-to-day problems and predicaments.
Pollack paints his characters with the real affection he obviously has for them. His wife Regina is artistic, idealistic, doting and committed through Pollack’s own missteps and bad ideas. His son is the tester of his wits, but ultimately, the recipient of the love letter that is Alternadad.
Pollack's humor is prevalent but not suffocating, helping to make the book seem heartfelt, not a mere attempt to be entertaining.
There are a few moments that seem overcooked. Pollack's long takes on giving his toddler rock n' roll classes and taking him to the Austin City Limits Music Festival at age two feel a little like exercises that were done specifically so they could be written about. But overall, Alternadad succeeds as a unique and refreshing take on how boys become men become dads.
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