OVERVIEW
Oh, my! This is the most beautiful tribute of a memoir to a parent. Steve Guttenberg wrote and narrated this amazing story of caregiving for his beloved father. Interestingly, both Steve's dad and mine passed away from the same insidious disease: renal failure (and heart issues).
The organization of this memoir was unique and perfect. Steve writes about his regular weekly (and sometimes more) road trips from Los Angeles to Phoenix to help care for his dad as the base for this book.
NOTE: I always knew I liked Steve as an actor, but after this memoir and his actions during the recent Palisades fire, I adore him as a beautiful human.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Steve heartfully writes with emotion, passion, and love for mom, siblings, but most especially his dad. I loved this tribute memoir so very much!
Narration: 5.0 stars
I don't know how Steve could narrate such difficult, heartbreaking, and personal parts of his relationship with his family without crying. I was in tears, and I rarely cry when reading books.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The character arc is organized quite differently, but I loved it! Steve would start each chapter with a story about a portion of the drive to Arizona; an update on his dad; and then ends with a remembrance of when he was young, when he moved to Los Angeles, and/or when he was an established actor with a dad anecdote.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Steve and his dad's relationship is what we all want to have. We all want our dads to be our heroes. With his service as an Army Ranger in Korea and as an NYPD police officer, Steve's dad was an actual hero. Thank you for your service, Mr. Guttenberg.
But the biggest takeaway is that any relationship takes work. Steve and his dad put in the work!
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
Although parental caregiving is not an easy topic, Steve manages to make it entertaining and educational. The Guttenberg family is not perfect, and the imperfections are what make them real, accessible, and funny!
I also learned about end-stage kidney disease and dialysis treatment. It sounds horrible, but Steve's dad made it to the end with his heart and soul intact.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Absolutely on point!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Time to Thank by Steve Guttenberg
Tantor Audio
7 hours, 7 minutes
Release date of 9/17/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Terminal illness, medical content, blood, death, death of a parent
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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