What happens when a formerly happy stay at home dad decides to get in touch with his masculine side? That's the premise behind Man of the House, Ad Hudler's follow up to the best selling novel Househusband.
Linc Menner has moved to a fixer upper house in Naples, Florida, with his teenage daughter and his wife. But after spending his days in the house filled with burly contractors who wouldn't know the difference between a saute pan and a spatula, he suddenly takes a new look at himself -- and decides he doesn't like what he sees. He's the only father in the car pool lane at his daughter Violet's exclusive high school. He's let his body go soft and has put himself last, spending every minute taking care of the women of the house. In the meantime he has lost sight of what he thinks it means to be masculine, and vows to change that.
He decides to reinvent himself. He trade in his apron and flip flops for a buzz cut and work boots, and begins working on tightening his soft physique at the weight gym, much to the delight of Violet's teacher, Jessica Varnadore, who soon takes an interest in Linc.
Keeping It All Together
Wife Jo and Violet are less than thrilled with the new Linc, whom they depend on to keep the house humming. From everything from a home cooked meal to making sure their shampoo is stocked, the women rely on Linc for maintaining the household. But when he trades in his gourmet dinners for creations that come out of a pressure cooker, they don't know how to react. Linc suddenly shows little interest in the kitchen -- or any room in the house -- and would rather spend time with his new friend Rob the Contractor, whom he accompanies on house calls. He soon becomes Rob's protege and spends his days with him.
Things Fall Apart
Violet had always resented her father's over-involvement in her life, both at home and in school. But when Linc starts spending more time with Rob and at the neighborhood barber shop, she feels abandoned. What's more, Jo has taken a new job as a hospital executive, a role that takes her out of the house for 80 hours per week and has her traveling frequently.
Linc, Violet and Jo must suddenly examine their own roles within their family, and what are traditional roles in America.
Man of the House is a sequel to the author's 2002 best selling novel Househusband
About Ad Hudler
Ad Hudler studied art history and journalism at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He is the primary care giver to daughter Haley Joy, and lives in Fort Myers with his family.
Hudler, Ad
Man of the House: A Novel
New York, Ballantine Books, September 30, 2008
ISBN 10: 0345481089
ISBN 13: 978-0345481085
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