I Will Do Better: A Father’s Memoir of Heartbreak, Parenting, and Love

Charles Bock’s I Will Do Better is a raw and unflinching exploration of fatherhood, loss, and the messy, transformative power of love. The memoir follows Bock’s journey through the emotional wreckage of divorce, single parenthood, and the relentless self-doubt that comes with raising a child while navigating personal heartbreak . With unguarded honesty, he reflects on the guilt of failing as a partner, the terror of being a “good enough” parent, and the slow, aching process of rebuilding trust—with his daughter, his ex-wife, and himself.
Bock’s prose is both tender and gritty, weaving visceral snapshots of daily life—bedtime stories, school drop-offs, late-night panic spirals—into a larger narrative about resilience
He doesn’t shy away from the ugly moments: the frustration of sleepless nights, the shame of losing patience, or the ache of realizing his daughter sees his cracks
Yet amid the struggle, there’s profound beauty in his determination to “do better,” even when “better” feels impossible.
The book also delves into broader themes of masculinity and vulnerability, challenging societal expectations of what it means to be a father
Bock’s willingness to confront his own flaws—his ego, his misplaced pride, his fear of being seen as weak—adds layers of authenticity . Readers witness his evolution from a man clinging to control to one learning to embrace uncertainty, both as a parent and a person .Threaded throughout are reflections on love in its many forms: the fierce, protective love for a child; the complicated, lingering love for an ex-partner; and the fragile, hopeful love for a future where mistakes don’t define him. It’s a story about showing up, even when you’re scared, and finding grace in the trying. Ultimately, I Will Do Better is a testament to the idea that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Bock’s memoir doesn’t offer tidy answers but instead invites readers to sit with the discomfort of growth, reminding us that healing, like parenthood, is a lifelong practice .