Recommended: I loved the father figure because I think people like Phillips Sr. are the ones who help us ordinary folks enjoy as much life as we do. These are the people we remember. Although I liked the book, it was a hard read for me. It wasn't the vocabulary that was difficult, or even the references to Shakespeare. It seemed there was so much packed into the sentences the sentences felt bloated, giving the impression Phillips wrote (spoke) rapidly (manic high) at maybe 78rpm. However, I had to read the book slowly--to process the sentences. I enjoyed the manic highs Phillips must have been feeling as he wrote; also felt the lows and the need for medication adjustments. Great black humor. Interesting story to be sure.