My dad. I read my first book to him (the aptly named Hop on Pop). Together with my mother, instilled in me a passion for reading, even though I was a slow starter. Read Barks' Donald Duck and Segar's Popeye comics and strips to me every night; he did the voices and everything. We moved on to Nancy Drew when I was a little older.

He was an aspiring author; loved art and picture books; called me Pippi Longstockings. Worked as a copy editor first at Newsweek and then at Ladies' Home Journal. His favorite bathroom reading was the complete diaries of Samuel Pepys; he kept a set on the back of the toilet. A kind, funny, accomplished man.

I miss you, Dad.

It's Father's Day! Hope you got your Dad a great book!

Here's one of my favorite literary fathers... who is yours? 

The diptych, revealed, ecumenical icon of the Divine Heart of God the Father Encompassing All Hearts, with the Consecration (Seal) Prayer to the Almighty Father.