In this week's edition of Endnotes, we take a look at Robbie Parker's A Father's Fight (Diversion, Nov.). In the memoir, Parker looks to reclaim the memory of his daughter, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and take down Infowars host Alex Jones.
Here's how the book came together:
Robbie Parker, Author
“This story was never meant to be seen by anyone. I started writing to understand my progression with grief. The more I wrote the deeper I dove, because that seemed to be the only way I could feel connection and healing. Eventually sharing what I had written with others was terrifying, but every time I did, my fears were met with encouragement to share more. The more I shared the deeper I connected with others, which brought even more healing.”
Keith Wallman, Editor-in-Chief, Diversion Books
“Robbie and the Sandy Hook families’ face-off with evil incarnate proved an epic battle of our post-truth times. It was also a personal fight for a dad to freely and safely embrace grief, memory, and love. Robbie threads a righteous combat saga with beautiful prose about paternal emotion for what’s a breathtaking reading experience.”
Jan Miller, Founder and Agent, Dupree Miller & Associates
“Robbie Parker is an extraordinary man and father, who saves lives in his day job and has had to navigate unimaginable loss. Robbie and I worked on the concept for A Father’s Fight for years. I still can’t fathom the pain and grief he has had to face and the disgusting actions of Alex Jones. This book is a result of Robbie’s freedom to speak his truth without fear, and serves to honor the tremendous love he has for his precious, beloved daughter.”
Jonathan Sainsbury, Art Director, Diversion Books
“It seemed like Robbie’s relationship with his daughter was the key. I asked for some family photos with his daughter, Emilie. Meanwhile we explored other directions. Some were more sensational. Others focused on the daughter, while others were about tragic loss. Ultimately, we came back to the father and daughter relationship.”