Constituting America – Constituting America's 2017 "Celebrate America" Summer Auction
Auction Ends: Jul 17, 2017 10:00 PM EDT

Autographed Books

DADs! "Mean Dads of America" by Tom Shillue and "Make Your Bed" by Wm. H. McRaven

Item Number
350
Estimated Value
60 USD
Sold
40 USD to rr0ce23e8
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

It is with great delight that we have two best selling books on our auction, that will be autographed to you by Janine Turner....that are for DADS! Both are hardcover; have received rave reviews and are filled with humor and wisdom!

"Mean Dads of America" by Tom Shillue......AND, Ta Dah:

"Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" by William H. McRaven

"Mean Dads of America" by Tom Shillue:

"From the stand-up comedian and popular host on the Fox News Network, a nostalgic look back at his childhood and the simple American values that shaped his worldview—a portrait of growing up in 1970s America.

As a comedian and conservative thinker, whip-smart funny Tom Shillue grounds his ideas about our current culture and political climate in stories from his childhood. Growing up as one of five kids in a devout Irish Catholic family in a small town outside of Boston, Tom sincerely believes that the rough-and-tumble, rules-dominated world in which he came of age was a better America—a time and place that made him into the well-adjusted, happy, successful man he is today.

In Mean Dads for a Better America, Tom reminisces about his childhood, his family, and the traditional values he cherishes. He takes us back to a time when neighbors disciplined each other’s children without fear of being sued, when kids made it to the family table for dinner, when parents’ rules were gospel, when the occasional fistfight was considered a fair way to solve a problem, and when children were free to roam, make mistakes, and experience the first tastes of independence.

On the Fox News Network, Tom debates, debunks, and entertains with his hilarious approach to issues of the day. Here, he brings that talent and wisdom to the page, tackling the issues that confound many Americans, like our hypersensitive culture and overzealous parenting. As Tom celebrates the stability of family life and the sanity of days gone by, he encourages us to hold on to our sense of humor and look back at our own lives, as we work towards creating a better future for ourselves and our kids, all while making us laugh."

Editorial Review of "Mean Dads for a Better America":

"As American As Apple Pie, As Wholesome As A Good Playground Rumble"

"In a world of helicopter parents, overscheduled children, hamstrung teachers, and entitled teenagers, one sometimes wonders if imagination, determination, dedication, and good old respect have gone the way of the dinosaur. In Mean Dads for a Better America, comedian and Fox News host Tom Shillue tells tales of his own childhood and uses them to show how simple American values shaped his worldview.

Raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, in a large Irish Catholic family, Tom grew up in the 1970s, but as far as his parents were concerned, it was still the 1950s. And that suited Tom just fine—whether he was serving Mass as an altar boy after school (while trying desperately to hide his sneakers from the nuns), dealing with playground tough guys by using his mother's time-tested aphorisms like “sticks and stones,” or learning the evils of Meat Loaf’s lyrics by being subjected to a dramatic reading of them by his father, Tom was able to navigate the perils of childhood with good humor. And through it all, love of God, Country, and Family kept him grounded. 

With charming, honest stories about his family and his road to adulthood, Tom Shillue takes a unique approach to addressing many of the issues that confound American parents today—our permissive culture, political correctness, overzealous parenting, and the dominance of technology over good old-fashioned outdoor play. Mean Dads for a Better America goes back to a simpler time while also reminding us that it’s important to laugh while we work out where we are headed. 

About the Author: Tom Shillue is a popular host on Fox News Channel. He has appeared in his own Comedy Central Special, on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Last Comic Standing, Comics Unleashed, Broad City, and in the feature film Mystery Team. Shillue has been featured as part of the barbershop quartet on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon along with Justin Timberlake, Kevin Spacey, Steve Carrel, and Sting. In 2013 Shillue released twelve consecutive comedy albums as part of his ambitious “12 in 12” project. From 2012 to 2015, he toured the U.S.A. with friend and fellow comedian Jim Gaffigan. In 2014 he brought his solo show “Impossible” to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in 2016 he headlined at SF Sketchfest in San Francisco. He lives in New York City.

Reviews:

"As I read this book, it seemed so familiar to my childhood upbringing. Fond memories. Solid parenting lead to responsible adulthood while letting the young Tom find his own way and discover the world around him. Well done Mr. and Mrs. Shillue."
 
"This book is so much more than just a book about being a traditional father. The author really takes you on a journey. You’ll be laughing out loud on one page and then turn the page and find yourself feeling moved and inspired. The author’s perspective on parenting is really funny and insightful. If you were a child or teen in the 70's and 80's, you will be flooded with memories sparked by Tom Shillue's stories of his youth. Tales of his pursuit of a career in show biz are extremely entertaining. Tom Shillue is now one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for him to write another book. #LovedIt #Genius"
 

"Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" by William H. McRaven    

"#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Should be read by every leader in America...a book to inspire your children and grandchildren to become everything that they can." --Wall Street Journal

"Powerful." --USA Today

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault." --Washington Post

"Superb, smart, and succinct." --Forbes

"BASED ON THE INCREDIBLE GRADUATION SPEECH WITH OVER 10 MILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE"

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."


"On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.

Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve  more , even in life's darkest moments."