From the author of The Paper Bag Christmas, Kevin Alan Milne, comes another heart-melting read: The Nine Lessons. In the novel, the main character, August Witte, is firmly against having children, but after seven years of marriage, his wife is delighted to realize she is unexpectedly pregnant. August is terrified, having never learned the first thing about being a good parent from his father, London. A widower since August was a toddler, London has always valued the game of golf more than his son. In spirte of how he hates the game, when August confronts his father he finds himself agreeing to meet each month of the pregnancy for a round of golf. In exchange, London will give him the only thing that could make August agree to pick up a club again -- memories of his mother that London has written on golf scorecards since the day he met her. August quickly realizes that his father’s motive is not to teach him about golf, but to teach him about life -- and, as August learns -- the old man just might know something about it that’s worth sharing.

This is a beautiful book to tuck into Father’s Day baskets, especially for Dads who love golf. It is also a great gift for a new Dad, a grad, or anyone who loves a novel touched with philosophy and overflowing with values. Published by Center Street, a division of Hatchett Book Group. Available through Center Street and anywhere books are sold. www.centerstreet.com