In an interview, author Tim O’Brien explained his motivation for writing Dad’s Maybe Book, his first publication since 2002. He emphasized the purpose behind the book: to leave a legacy for his two sons, allowing them to hear their father's voice and learn about his life experiences.
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O’Brien, who is approaching his 60th birthday, reflects on the urgency of conveying his love and memories to his children. He stated, "If I were to vanish from their lives at this instant, my sons would have no recollection of their father’s face or voice or human presence."
Dad's Maybe Book, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, diverges from O’Brien’s previous works—which include the National Book Award-winning Going After Cacciato and the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Things They Carried. This nonfiction collection includes personal stories, letters to his sons, memories of a Purple Heart recipient, and his admiration for Ernest Hemingway.
O’Brien shared that he has lived in Austin, Texas, since 1999 and discussed his initial reluctance to have children due to fears surrounding parenthood. This changed when he recognized his desire for a family life with his wife, who was eager to have children.
He described his complex feelings about his own father, saying, "I idolized my father... But I did love him and idolize him." He named his first child after his father, which reflects both admiration and the challenges he faced growing up.
Over a span of 17 years, O’Brien wrote love letters and personal reflections aimed at his children, eventually realizing these writings could form a book. He was initially hesitant about the title but ultimately embraced it when his son suggested calling it "Dad's Maybe Book."
The book also features extensive sections on Hemingway, which O’Brien chose due to the accessibility of Hemingway’s writing for younger readers. He encouraged his children to engage critically with literature, balancing admiration and critique.
O’Brien also discussed his recent work as a consultant for the Vietnam War-themed episodes of the television show This Is Us, describing the experience as enjoyable and a distinct departure from writing books. He found joy in witnessing how scripts evolve into a tangible production.
Blake Maddux, a freelance journalist, contributed to this interview, reflecting on O’Brien’s unique perspective as a father and writer.