His book about his father is engaging, touching, heart-wrenching and brutally honest, not to mention very well written. Growing up in the shadow of a famous parent dancing in and out of the limelight is particularly challenging, and while it may have many advantages, it also has its downside. Other children of writers have described the unique lifestyle they have enjoyed/endured. Susan Cheever, Hillary Masters come to mind. If one can survive such a childhood, usually a very unique individual emerges. Dickey talks about his father "making his head". The head of a poet can be a strange and wonderful thing. Judging from this book and Dickey's other books, his head has been well-made.