Punk Rock Dad

April 2, 2007
As lead vocalist and guitarist in the veteran California punk-rock band Pennywise, Lindberg writes and sings songs like "Fuck Authority" and "Fight Till You Die." At home with his wife and three young girls, however, he oversees play dates and washes a lot of dishes. In his first book, Lindberg explores that bizarre dichotomy to its fullest, resulting in a fast read that's part memoir, part parenting manual. Writing with wit, charm and unexpected tenderness, Lindberg plays mix-and-match with life in a punk band and life at home, using punk's DIY ethic to address the challenge of raising well-adjusted children in a world ruled by conformity. Along the way, he shares often-intimate anecdotes about parenting classes, doctors' offices, breastfeeding and sex. Lindberg gains readers' trust early by refusing to sugarcoat parenthood, though he strives a bit too hard to prove he's still a punk rocker at heart. Also distracting-and potentially off-putting-is his odd way of referring to his children-not by name, but by birth order ("Daughter number one," etc.). Despite minor flaws, this colorful, captivating title deserves a large audience of adults looking to raise good kids without losing sight of their youthful passions. Photos.