The Nine Lessons: A Novel of Love, Fatherhood, and Second Chances

August Witte is firmly against having children. But after seven years of marriage, his wife is delighted when she realizes she is unexpectedly pregnant. August is terrified, recognizing he 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 -- a sport August has never had any talent for -- more than his son.

In spite of how he hates the game, when August confronts his father, he finds...