Modern Day Book report: Father, Son, and Soldering Gun: Stories That Forge Us by Steve Mycynek
Joe Stanganelli, founder of Mr. Home Guy was recently working for Steve Mycynek on an install, when they started talking about Steve’s dad, Victor. Turns out, Victor worked in television and also as a handyman, the kind of guy who could fix just about anything. Steve gave his book, Father, Son, and Soldering Gun: Stories That Forge Us, to Joe to read.
Joe liked it. A lot.
He told me, “You’ve got to check this out. Talk to Steve. Write something about it.” And that’s how this blog post came to be.
I hadn’t read the book when I first interviewed Steve, but I’ve since finished it—and wow, it really hit home.
It took me back to those afternoons working on projects with my own dad, and it made me think about the little things I’m doing now with my 9-year-old son. I was a Cub Scout & Boy Scout and never won a single pinewood derby, but I get to build my first pinewood derby car with my son this year.
(Shamelessly, I have been doing a lot of research on how to make the best car possible. Here is 1 of the videos I have been studying by Mark Rober)
The book made me laugh out loud at times, and it also made me appreciate craftsmanship in a way I never really did before. Honestly, I used to just want to get the job done. But as I work on small projects with my son, and am trying to teach him a few things, I see there’s something special in the process itself. I think Steve’s book helped me process that a little bit, which I do appreciate. So I am trying to be better, starting with a simple pinewood derby car.
What Others Are Saying About the Book
I’m not the only one who’s been moved by Steve’s stories. Here’s what some readers have shared on trusted sites:
- Amazon reviewers often mention how the book captures the messy, beautiful reality of father-son relationships. One reader said, “This book is like a warm hug—full of humor, heart, and real-life lessons that anyone can relate to.” Another wrote, “Steve’s stories remind you that the little moments with family are what really matter.”
- Over on Goodreads, people appreciate how the book blends personal memories with bigger ideas about life and legacy. One comment stood out: “It’s not just a memoir; it’s a reminder to slow down and notice the quiet work that shapes who we are.” Many readers said the writing felt honest and easy to connect with.
- And on Audible, listeners have praised the narration and the way the stories come alive. One listener shared, “It felt like Steve was right there telling me about his dad. It’s inspiring and made me think about my own family.” Another said, “This book made me realize how important those small lessons passed down through generations really are.”
It just goes to show you, you never know who you will meet in your day to day activities. Sometimes, those interactions will change your life.
In the video below, author Steven Mycynek is interviewed by Mr. Home Guy, offering deeper insights into the heartfelt stories behind Father, Son, and Soldering Gun: Stories That Forge Us.
