The Tender Bar: A Memoir by J.R. Moehringer

This is a memoir about a boy growing up without a father and the community he finds at the local bar.

J.R.'s dad leaves early on in J.R.'s life. His dad is a radio DJ, so J.R. spends hours listening to his dad's voice, but never actually sees him in real life. He longs for a father, and finds the male companionship and guidance he needs in the guys who hang out at the local bar.

My favorite part of this book is when J.R. gets a job as a teenager at a bookstore, and two of his co-workers load him up on books that he needs to read.

This is a complex, multi-layered story that is funny, sad, and inspiring. If you have a father, ever wanted a father, wanted something else from your father that you didn't get.....or if you ever lacked confidence....or ever wished for more community, then you'll find something in this book.