Happy Father's Day

Yesterday (19 June) was Father's Day. To celebrate we have selected a variety of books we think dads will love.

For the sports fan
Our literary pick for a sports fan is Big Data Baseball: Math, Miracles, and the End of a 20-Year Losing Streak by Travis Sawchik.

The book follows the story of the Pittsburgh Pirates who, after twenty consecutive losing seasons, turned their fortune around in 2013. Author Sawchik takes the reader behind the scenes, putting together the stories of the key figures who influenced the change in luck for the team.

This book is a wonderful read for a sporty dad, as they join the team on a rollercoaster of highs and lows as they fight to come out on top.

For the grammatical stickler
For the dad who is quick to correct your grammar (a cause close to our hearts at Kumon!), Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen by Mary Norris is the perfect read. Norris has worked in the copy department of The New Yorker for over 30 years, managing its high grammatical standards.

This book details her broad knowledge and experience, and humorously explores the highs and lows of grammatical and spelling errors in a light-hearted way. The narrative is down-to-earth and open-minded, with wonderful tips on how to deal with common errors such as 'who' vs. 'whom' and 'that' vs. 'which', Norris' book is sure to leave the reader laughing out loud!

For the history buff
For the dad who is a fan of delving into the history books, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, follows the true tale of Louis Zamperini, a challenging teenager who channeled his energy into building a successful career as an Olympic-standard runner. His world changes when World War II starts and he enlists as an airman.

On a May afternoon in 1943 his bomber plane crashes into the ocean, which is where Zamperini's trials and tribulations truly begin. The book brilliantly details the struggles the central character goes through, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat throughout, which is why we feel that it is the perfect book for a dad who has a thirst for knowledge in history.

For the adventurer
Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes by Alastair Humphreys is a great read for a dad who likes adventure but doesn't have much time! The author introduces the idea of the microadventure: adventures that are simple, short and close to home. Though not as extravagant as a usual adventure, a microadventure still has the same levels of excitement and the spirit of a big adventure.

The book provides a practical guide for a busy dad who wants a new challenge, without needing to use a lot of time and money, whether this is a night hike or a nature trail.

We hope you had a wonderful Sunday celebrating Father's Day with your family. To extend the occasion, why not surprise your dad with a little literary treat to suit his style? You can find a magnitude of suggestions online, as well as on the Kumon Recommended Reading List, so you'll have no trouble finding a book dad can get stuck into!