The 40-Year-Old Version

Humoirs of a Divorced Dad

By: Joel Schwartzberg

Narrated by: Joel Schwartzberg

In a very funny and endearing collection of personal essays, award-winning and nationally-published writer Joel Schwartzberg shares stories of his ever-evolving, self-defining dadhood. The 40-Year-Old Version is a great read or listen for any parent, particularly dads trying to sharpen their role and looking for insight through hysterical, heartbreaking, and heroic example. The essays are short and sharp, and many have been previously published in major newspapers and magazines including The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, New Jersey Monthly, The New York Post, The Star Ledger, and Babble.com.

©2009 Joel Schwartzberg (P)2013 Joel Schwartzberg

Critic reviews

"Hilarious, heart-wrenching tales." ( New Jersey Monthly)

"Funny and touching" ( The Star Ledger)

"A great gift to any father." (About.com)

Over too soon

Any additional comments?

In our world, it often seems that "Single Mom" holds the ultimate rank. Sadly, dads (especially divorced dads) are too often disregarded. He is "just the dad." Everyone "knows" that mothers are the "real" parents. Joel offers us a beautiful look into one father's journey to finding and embracing his status as a parent, and what it means to be a father.Although my family's situation is vastly different than his, I still found myself smiling often as I heard conversations that seemed to have been pulled from my life. There are dynamics in divorce and remarriage that are nearly universal. I know a lot of women who talk about them a lot. To hear these same stories told from a man's point of view was delightful.My only complaint is that I sense there is a lot more where this came from, and I was left wanting more of Joel's funny, insightful, and touching stories of what it is to be a dad.

Rare combo of humor and honesty

I enjoy listening to memoirs occasionally because I expect them to bring a level of honesty that isn't found in other genres. Unfortunately though, that is often not the case. What makes this book so good is it's level of honesty. Joel's essays are funny, but also honest, almost raw, which is what makes them interesting. The fact that he reads it allows for moments where it really feels like he is sharing something very deep with the listener. Joel also does a nice job of mixing and matching the length, theme, and rhythm of the essays which makes this collection more enjoyable to listen to than most short story collections.
I enjoyed the stories about his children the most. Though at the end, I wondered about Cindy (I think it's Cindy), the twin girl that is rarely talked about. Will she be offended or thrilled that she wasn't represented as she gets older.

Sour, Sweet, and Amazingly Complete

A collection of bittersweet, sometimes downright sad, sometimes laugh out loud funny, mostly charming true stories, this book is a collection of essays written by, and narrated by a single dad dealing with the trials, tribulations, and surprises of being a divorced parent. It was a much needed refreshment to listen to this audiobook. We've heard all about divorce, and single parenting from the perspective of the mothers, but listening to Schwartz' candid confessions about moving in with his parents, telling his kids about his intentions of remarriage, and sweet lessons with his son about grilling hot dogs, really tugged at my heartstrings. My only complaint has more to do with my own step-momma jealousy in regards to the utopian relationship Schwartz seems to be able to maintain with his ex-wife. Lots of us steppies could only wish we had a Baby Mama who wasn't interested in perpetuating gobs of drama. It was over too quickly, and left me wanting, and waiting for more. This would make a great gift for a newly divorced Dad, and especially a newly divorced Mom.

The narration is excellent, and appropriately done by the author himself, which lends a layer of authenticity to the stories. Highly recommended!

Great --- Enjoyable, Insightful Stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - Highly Recommend! These are short enjoyable honest stories.

What did you like best about this story?

The listener can tell that these are "true life" experiences that we all can relate to and share.

What about Joel Schwartzberg’s performance did you like?

The reader's expressions and tones made for an enjoyable experience.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes - the stories made you want more and kept me listening.

Any additional comments?

Great find for all fathers!

Helpful

there are a lot of good tips in here but you have to look at them from your own point of view. The story is good and some of the parts don't really relate to me but I got a lot out of this book and it's funny and I think it can help a single dad.

A collection of insightful and funny anecdotes.

What made the experience of listening to The 40-Year-Old Version the most enjoyable?

Hearing the author reading it. He really knows how to deliver the funniest parts and is very heartfelt when talking about raising his kids.

Which scene was your favorite?

There's an essay about his unsuccessful flirting with a banker which made me think of a Ricky Gervais type of character.

Any additional comments?

This is an infinitely better Father's Day gift than a tie.