Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Raising a Father by Arjun Sen

Ever had that sinking feeling that success might be costing you more than it’s worth? That was me when I stumbled upon Raising a Father by Arjun Sen. The title itself was enough to pull at my heartstrings—because it flipped the usual narrative. This isn’t just a parenting book; it’s a soul-searching memoir, a love letter to fatherhood, and a mirror to anyone chasing the wrong kind of success.

Arjun Sen, a former corporate executive, isn’t your typical author. He’s a dad who woke up one day and realized he was losing the most precious thing in his life—his daughter. This book isn’t about raising a child; it’s about how a child ended up raising her father. And that, my friend, is the twist that makes this memoir unforgettable.

Raising a Father follows Sen’s journey from a high-powered, constantly traveling executive to a present, emotionally available father. The turning point? A simple but piercing moment with his ten-year-old daughter that made him reevaluate everything. He quits his job, moves to her favorite city, and even names her the manager of his new business. What unfolds is an authentic and heartwarming transformation rooted in vulnerability and love.

Unlike most memoirs, this one doesn’t just chronicle events—it tracks a relationship, a transformation, and a redefinition of what success really means.

Sen writes the way a close friend would talk over coffee—earnest, open, and occasionally disarming. His prose is simple but deeply affecting, letting the emotions take center stage. There’s no pretense or flowery language here. And that’s what makes the book accessible and relatable—it feels like a conversation rather than a monologue.

I especially loved the quotes and “words of wisdom” at the end of chapters. They linger in your mind, long after you’ve closed the book.

Sen’s daughter is the real hero here. Through her small actions and big heart, she teaches her father what truly matters. Their bond is the beating heart of this story, and it’s portrayed with tenderness and honesty. The idea that a child can guide a parent—not just the other way around—is both refreshing and revolutionary.

The book flows organically, like a well-paced conversation. It doesn't try to wow you with plot twists; instead, it slowly draws you into a world where change happens not in grand gestures, but in quiet moments of realization. It’s not linear, and that’s okay—it mirrors life.

At its core, Raising a Father is about presence. It's about redefining success—not as a corner office or a fat paycheck, but as showing up for the ones you love. It touches on work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and the courage it takes to unlearn what society defines as “making it.”

I’ll admit—this book got me misty-eyed more than once. As a parent, I found myself reflecting on how many “small” moments I might be letting slip. One particular passage, where Sen imagines his future relationship with his daughter reduced to obligatory birthday calls, hit me like a truck. It’s a powerful wake-up call.

The book’s honesty is its superpower. Sen never paints himself as a perfect dad. Instead, he lets us walk alongside his flaws, his fears, and his redemption. The small anecdotes, the wisdom from his daughter, and the courage to change course—these make the memoir feel lived-in and real.

If I had to nitpick, the structure could feel a bit meandering for readers expecting a tightly packed narrative. Some transitions are abrupt, and a few segments repeat ideas already shared. But honestly? These are minor compared to the emotional and philosophical weight the book carries.

Reading this felt like being gently nudged to look inward. As someone who’s often guilty of glorifying being “busy,” this book reminded me to pause, to listen, and to be present. It didn’t preach—it shared. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful way to teach.

Raising a Father isn’t just a book—it’s a gift. It speaks to parents, professionals, and anyone who’s ever asked themselves, “Am I giving enough to the people who matter most?” Sen’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to realign your life with your heart.

If you’re looking for a memoir that’s equal parts heartwarming and eye-opening, this one’s for you. Don’t be surprised if it changes you a little. It certainly changed me.

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