Testimonials & Reviews
Lamentations of a Dad explores the trials and tribulations of fatherhood through deep emotional insight and resonates with parents everywhere, particularly fathers who have navigated the complex, overwhelming world of raising children. Nalbandian’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. This book is not just for fathers; it offers valuable insights for anyone who has experienced the joys and struggles of raising children. Gene’s ability to articulate the complexities of parenting in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful makes this book a must-read for parents and anyone interested in the dynamics of family life.
Jena Holderman
The Holderman Group, RE/MAX Premier Choice
Lamentations of a Dad, by Gene Nalbandian, offers a raw, compassionate, and profoundly insightful exploration of grief through the lens of a father mourning his son’s drug overdose. This poignant memoir is not just a recounting of personal loss but a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable pain.
The book delves deeply into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by the author, offering readers a candid look at the confusion, anger, and despair that accompany such a devastating loss. Through heart-wrenching anecdotes and reflective passages, Gene Nalbandian paints a vivid picture of the struggle to come to terms with the finality of death and the often-overlooked impact of addiction on families.
What sets this memoir apart is its blend of personal narrative and universal truths about grief and healing. The author’s journey is one of profound sorrow, but also of gradual understanding and acceptance. He candidly addresses the stigma surrounding addiction, challenging readers to view it through a lens of empathy and compassion rather than judgment.
The narrative is interspersed with thoughtful reflections on coping mechanisms, including the importance of support networks, the therapeutic power of writing, and the slow, often painful process of moving forward. The author’s honest portrayal of his own vulnerabilities makes this book not just a story of loss, but also a guide for others navigating similar waters.
Ultimately, Lamentations of a Dad is a moving tribute to a beloved son and a testament to a father’s enduring love. It offers solace and understanding to those who have experienced similar tragedies, providing both comfort and hope. This book is a must-read for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one to addiction, as well as for those seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of grief.
I hope this review captures the essence and respect needed for such a sensitive subject.
Gigi Melton
Reader
I have known Gene as one of my stints and friends.
Gene’s book Lamentations of a Dad has not only been a best seller as he has received adulation, notoriety, and recognition for his life story of his takeaways and what he calls his comebacks.
I have witnessed his pain, suffering, and hurt but his humility and faith personifies who he is. He just turned 87 and looks and feels 20 years old.
His entrepreneurial and sports success is known, but I and those who know him know him as a gentleman of faith and love. He reverently suffered another personal loss after the shocking loss of his beloved Derek, a world-class surfer.
I encourage young, middle-aged, seniors to this inspiring and life-changing book.
I just have a preview copy of his newest book, Believing is Possible, which will awaken everyone with an inner awareness, he and other people overcame adversities over and over and left their legacy for you to read and awaken your Heart and Spirit
Kittie Oliver
Reader
BELIEVING IS POSSIBLE” was an impressive read to me. I enjoy biographies and learning about individuals, their successes, wins and unfortunately sometimes their failures and struggles. Gene emphasizes to also believe in yourself.
Nancy L. Henry
Reader
Believing is Possible is a convincing book that successfully drives home the concepts of optimism, belief in one’s own potential and capabilities, and the commitment to never give up! His focus on overcoming obstacles and setbacks and moving beyond self-doubt, through persistence, has won me over to his conclusion that trust in oneself leads to success and even greatness!
Robert B. Turrill, PhD
Reader
This book is worth a read. The author did a great job. Impressed. Great quality of words.
John
Reader
Gene has written a poignant and heart-wrenching book a true story that delves into the devastating journey of a father grappling with the loss of his son to a drug overdose. The narrative is a raw exploration of grief, guilt, and the unbearable weight of regret as Gene retraces his son’s steps, searching for answers and questioning what he could have done differently. Through vivid storytelling, the book paints a stark picture of his son’s drug addiction and its far reaching impacts on him and his family. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is quiet resilience that emerges, as Gene finds solace in memories and begins the slow process of healing. This book is deeply moving and has left a lasting impression on me. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who has suffered a loss in their life. A great read. Thx Dan
Dan Nahirny
Senior Project Manager, Highland Commercial Roofing
I very much enjoyed reading the book Lamentations of a Dad. The book follows Gene Nalbandian’s extraordinary life through his triumphs and heartbreaks. Instead of glorifying being an entrepreneur Gene explains that being successful takes persistence, coming back strong from life’s business and personal setbacks. Gene’s relationship with his son who suffered from drug addiction is very touching and relatable. As a father whose child also suffered from drug addiction, I found Gene’s story inspiring, reminding me there is always a way forward. The important lesson is that we must be kind and unconditionally forgiving to everyone, including ourselves. This book is beautifully written and I highly recommend it.
Steve Lewis
Reader
God put people in our path of life to show us the way. I met Gene casually in a Yoga class. He told me he had written a book. I didn’t think much about it, but when he told me the name of his Book, I was intrigued. Lamentations of a Dad. I had just lost my beautiful precious daughter to cancer, and although I tried to move on, my grief was almost unbearable. Why, I kept asking! Why did this have to happen? She was completely without sin! Life seemed so unfair. Hadn’t I suffered enough?
Gene shared his story but gave me his book. I could not put it down and read it through in one setting. I have since re-read many parts of the book many times. Lamentations, the word is from the Bible. It is seldom used in conversations, but it described precisely how I felt: the painful suffering of the soul that can find no comfort or relief.
While my daughter’s death was certainly not close to the heartache and stigma that Gene suffered. His son died from an awful drug overdose that robbed him of his very person. My daughter’s lung cancer spread to her brain and robbed her of her speech and memory, to the point that she could not recognize her own husband and children. Life seemed so unfair.
Gene’s book and his story is so real, the emotions so raw and so heartfelt. It is a remarkable story, one that is admirable with his many successes especially in business, entrepreneurship and his invention of a subsurface irrigation watering system! But what impressed me the most and what is most inspiring is how he dealt with the losses in his life, especially the death of his beloved youngest son Derek. He is humble and yet grateful for the “many good things” in his life, most especially his grandson who is the spitting image of his son. He helped me to see that my daughter’s life was perhaps the greatest gift. I see now that I have had the gift of raising her and her brother and I have 3 beautiful grandchildren who are her legacy.
Pochan Boysen
Reader