Can a Bad Man Be a Good Father?
Summary
On Father’s Day, Michael Barbaro interviews writer Tom Juneau about his memoir, *In the Days of My Youth*. Juneau recounts his complex relationship with his charismatic, philandering father, a legendary handbag salesman who modeled his masculinity on 1930s movie stars. The conversation explores Juneau’s discovery of his father’s secrets, including extreme pornography and a hidden half-sister, leading to a poignant reconciliation with his father’s flawed legacy.
Topics discussed
Intro: Tom Junow's new memoir about his father
Reading from the eulogy: Lou's maxims and style
Lou's philosophy on manhood and Hollywood influences
The intimidating father: boxing, charm, and sales
Discovering the secret: Super 8 porn and affairs
Financial ruin and the GQ profile tribute
The great love: Peggy Monahan and the funeral
Investigating the past: Finding half-siblings
Meeting Lizanne: The food truck encounter
Why there is no anger: Inheritance of love
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