Raising Raffi: A Book about Fatherhood (For People Who Would Never Read Such a Book)

Raising Raffi is a book by Keith Gessen that examines the experience of being a dad over the first five years of Raffi's life, exploring the profound, overwhelming, and often maddening experience of parenthood. It is clear-sighted, entertaining, and analytical, offering wry humor and insight into the challenges of instilling a sense of heritage without passing on its darker sides.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Icon Books

Raising Raffi is a remarkable book that provides a clear-sighted, entertaining, and analytical perspective on the chaotic world it describes. Despite the turmoil it portrays, the book is remarkably insightful, offering a wise, mild, and lucid exploration of the challenges and joys of parenthood.

Dwight Garner of the New York Times praised Raising Raffi as a "wise, mild, and enviably lucid book about a chaotic scene." He commended the author for their ability to engage readers while remaining accessible, down-to-earth, and filled with wry humor. James Cook of the Times Literary Supplement also praised the book, describing it as "engaging, accessible, down to earth," and noting the presence of much wry humor throughout.

Keith Gessen, the author of Raising Raffi, had always assumed that he would have children, but he never imagined what parenthood would truly be like or what kind of parent he would be. However, everything changed when Raffi was born on a Tuesday night in early June. Gessen describes his son as a child as real and complex as he was singularly magical, requiring his parents' energy and attention in equal measure.

Fatherhood, according to Gessen, is a whole new world, one where the old concerns are swept away and time is reconstituted according to a child's needs. Like all parents, Gessen desires to do what is best for his child, but he is unsure of what that means. Raising Raffi is a reflection on the profound, overwhelming, and often maddening experience of being a dad. The book examines the challenges of instilling a sense of heritage without perpetuating the darker aspects of history, navigating parental anger, and coping with the disruptions caused by a pandemic.

Through a series of vignettes and essays, Gessen explores various aspects of parenthood, offering insights and observations that are both hilarious and poignant. He discusses the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for children, the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities, and the complexities of navigating cultural differences and raising children in a diverse world.

One of the most striking aspects of Raising Raffi is Gessen's ability to capture the essence of parenthood in a series of concise and relatable anecdotes. He shares personal experiences, such as the struggles of potty training and the challenges of dealing with tantrums, as well as observations of his son's development and growth. These stories provide a glimpse into the joys and challenges of being a parent, and they resonate with readers who have experienced similar joys and challenges.

In addition to its insights into parenthood, Raising Raffi also offers valuable lessons about the importance of resilience and adaptability. Gessen reflects on the ways in which parenthood has forced him to confront his own limitations and grow as a person, and he encourages readers to embrace the same mindset. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the everyday moments and finding meaning in the challenges we face, and he offers practical advice for navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.

Overall, Raising Raffi is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of parenthood, the challenges of raising children in a rapidly changing world, and the importance of finding joy and meaning in the journey. The book is filled with wisdom, humor, and practical advice, and it will resonate with readers of all ages and stages of parenthood.

Weight: 377g
Dimension: 222 x 144 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785789458