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Dad’s Place: A Story, A Stage, and A Stack of Books

At The Human Race Theatre Company, we love a good story and sometimes, the best way to get into the heart of one is not just by watching it unfold on stage, but by curling up with a book that scratches that same itch. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with the Dayton Metro Library for our upcoming production of Dad’s Place!

Much like the show itself, this curated booklist from the library is full of humor, heart, and a touch of chaos; the kind of reads that dig into family, identity, and the complicated, quirky love between fathers and children. Whether you’re the kind of person who flips straight to the last page or you savor every word slowly, these titles are the perfect way to deepen your Dad’s Place experience.

May we suggest?

“How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe” by Charles Yu

A time-traveling repairman gets stuck in his own loop of father-son issues. Quirky, funny, and a little bit heartbreaking, this book is a reminder that no matter what galaxy you live in, family drama still finds you.

 

“The Book of Joe” by Jonathan Tropper

What happens when you return to your hometown after writing a not-so-flattering bestseller about it? Awkward family dinners, that’s what. Tropper’s sharp wit and emotional depth make this a hilarious, tender companion read.

“A Fraction of the Whole” by Steve Toltz

This one is a sprawling, witty saga about a father and son with an absurd knack for trouble. It’s funny, it’s big, and it’s brimming with the same messy humanity that Dad’s Place celebrates on stage.

 

“Go Home, Ricky!” by Gene Kwak

Professional wrestling meets family expectations in this energetic novel that body-slams toxic masculinity while offering a heartfelt look at what it means to find your place in the world.


So while you’re laughing (and maybe tearing up) with us at Dad’s Place, you can also take a little bit of that journey home with you—between the covers of a good book. Big thanks to our friends at Dayton Metro Library for building this list and always reminding us that the stories we tell live well beyond the stage.

Check out these books at your local branch or reserve them now at DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

And don’t forget, Dad’s Place is playing September 3-14. See you there, book in one hand, ticket in the other!

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