INTERNATIONAL AMAZON AVAILABILITY · International Amazon listings are linked below. Direct book reservations remain subject to the distribution restrictions described in the reservation section.

By Sean Patrick CoffinResenting Joy is my memoir about trying to remain present for my two sons while rebuilding my life. Here, I share the writing, conversations, and experiences that followed.

The Marriage Ended.
Fatherhood Didn’t.

Cover of Resenting Joy by Sean Patrick Coffin, showing a father and two sons outside a lit house.

If you found me through a video, start here.

A short clip gives you a moment. Resenting Joy tells the story around it: the family I thought I was building, the separation that changed it, and the years I spent trying to remain present for my two sons.I wrote about what I lived through, drawing on the messages, communications, and records I kept. I also wrote about the people who showed up for me and what it took to begin building a life again.

Before everything changed
The relationships, family history, and hopes that came before the separation.Trying to remain a father
The experience of separation, financial disputes, and court proceedings while trying to stay present for my sons.Building a life again
The people who helped, the choices I had to face, and the reason I began writing.

Meet Sean Coffin

I’m Sean Patrick Coffin—a father of two, a New York City teacher and coach, and the author of Resenting Joy.I started writing to make sense of what happened to my family and to leave my sons my account of those years. Here, I share the story, the lessons I’m still learning, and what it takes to begin again.Start with three pieces of my story

Sean Patrick Coffin, author of Resenting Joy.

International Amazon AvailabilityInternational editions and availability may vary by marketplace.

Reserve directly from SeanFor direct reservations, no book or digital file will be provided until distribution is permitted. Paid reservations are fully refundable upon request.

Ebook · $19.99The digital edition of Resenting Joy. Reserve now for delivery when distribution is permitted.No instant download is currently available.

Paperback reservation · $27.99Reserve your copy for shipment as soon as distribution is permitted.The regular paperback price is $22.50. The higher reservation price helps cover my legal costs as I continue representing myself.Payment is taken now. There is no confirmed shipping date. Paid reservations are fully refundable upon request.

Hardcover · $32.50The hardcover edition of Resenting Joy, purchased directly from the author.Reservation only. Shipment will take place when distribution is permitted.

Founder’s Edition · $150Numbered copies 1–25.Hand-numbered hardcover, matching foil seal, a signed and dated certificate with a personalized inscription, and a Hole Diggers Country Club sticker.Reservation only.

THE FIRST 100
A finite run of numbered hardcovers.

1st Print Edition · $95Numbered copies 26–75.Hand-numbered hardcover, matching foil seal, signed and dated certificate of authenticity, and a Hole Diggers Country Club sticker.Reservation only.

Collector’s Edition · Sold outNumbered copies 76–100.The first-publication hardcover with its matching numbered foil seal. This edition is no longer available.

Resenting Joy T-Shirt · $24.99The Resenting Joy design on a 100% cotton T-shirt.Men’s S–XL · Women’s S–L · Youth S–L
Free shipping.

OBJECTION! Pro Se, All Dey · $24.99A courtroom-inspired cotton T-shirt from Resenting Joy.Men’s S–XL · Women’s S–L · Youth S–L
Free shipping.

Good Gangster Sticker · $6.99The Good Gangster design, available as an individual sticker. Free shipping.

Hole Diggers Country Club · $6.99For the people who showed up when you needed them. One individual sticker. Free shipping.

Keep up with what comes next.

The book tells the story of those years. On Substack, I write about fatherhood, rebuilding, and what has happened since. Read the posts and subscribe there to receive new writing by email.If you want to support my legal costs while I continue representing myself, a paperback reservation includes a future copy of the book and helps me keep going.

About Sean Coffin

Sean Patrick Coffin is a New York City teacher, coach, father of two, and the author of Resenting Joy. His memoir explores family relationships, the breakdown of his marriage, and his experience navigating the years that followed.Interviews, Podcasts & Reader Questions
For interviews and podcast appearances, complete the media request form. Booksellers and event organizers can open the wholesale order form. For questions, email Sean.For reservation questions or refund requests, email Sean with your order details.[email protected]Follow Resenting Joy
Instagram TikTok YouTube X / Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Substack Medium Linktree© 2026 Sean Coffin. Resenting Joy.

Book & Newsletter Milestones

Recognition & Reader Response

#5

Substack · Rising In Parenting

A past leaderboard placement for the Resenting Joy newsletter.

#6

Amazon.com · New Releases

Paperback placement in Parenting & Families Humor.

5.0 / 5

Amazon.com · Reader Reviews

Based on 3 reviews in the saved paperback listing.

Also reached #50 in Fatherhood (Books) and #65 in Parenting & Families Humor on Amazon.com.

Historical rankings and review snapshot documented in saved screenshots supplied by the author. Capture dates are unavailable. These are past results, not current rankings or review totals.

In Readers’ Own Words

What Readers Are Saying

“I felt like I needed to let you know how well it was written…”
Brad Bond · Reader Message
“I’m more than halfway through the book and it is so EYE OPENING!!”
Lori Tutino · Facebook Comment
“Rachel read it in TWO DAYS... Powerful stuff”
Ed Seo · Reader Message
“I bought a copy it’s actually a really good book”
Christina Paulson · Facebook Comment
“It’s raw, honest, and deeply moving. This book isn’t just a story—it’s an experience that stays with you.”
Maria B. · Amazon Review
“I just finished Chapter 51. Still more to read. But I wanted to tell you that you are super human. But children and family will give you that strength.”
Ken L. · Personal Correspondence
“This book brings you on a journey through a man’s life who would stop at nothing for his children. It takes you deep into the depths of the pain he went through and then has you laughing just seconds later.”
Brittany O. · Amazon Review
“Coffin doesn’t shy away from the hard parts, but he also shows how it’s possible to move forward without losing compassion—for others and yourself. It is a must read.”
Marielle C. · Amazon Review

Reviews, reader messages, and comments supplied by Sean.

About The Book & Author

What Is Resenting Joy About?

Resenting Joy is Sean Coffin’s memoir about fatherhood, family relationships, separation, and rebuilding. Told from his own perspective, it follows his effort to remain present for his sons and make sense of the years that followed the end of his marriage. Start with three selected pieces of Sean’s writing.

Who Is Sean Patrick Coffin?

Sean Patrick Coffin, also known as Sean Coffin, is a New York City teacher, coach, father of two, and the author of Resenting Joy. His writing explores fatherhood, personal experience, and beginning again after family conflict.

Where Can I Read Sean Coffin’s Essays?

Read essays and updates on Resenting Joy on Substack and Sean Coffin on Medium. The Start Here reading guide introduces the story, fatherhood, and rebuilding.

How Can I Invite Sean Coffin For An Interview?

Use the media request form for interviews and podcast appearances. For questions, email [email protected]. The Media & Interviews section includes the Stand With Meg conversation and a downloadable media kit for hosts and journalists.

Where Can Booksellers Find Formats And ISBNs?

The paperback ISBN is 979-8-9933719-1-7 and the hardcover ISBN is 979-8-9933719-0-0. Use the wholesale order form, or find the brochure and retail information in the Booksellers & Retail Partners section. Please confirm current availability, pricing, and distribution conditions directly before placing an order.

Before You Reserve

Can I Receive A Directly Reserved Copy Now?

No. A direct reservation holds a future copy. No book, manuscript, excerpt, download, shipment, or access will be provided through a direct reservation unless and until distribution is permitted.

Why Does The Paperback Reservation Cost More?

The regular paperback price is $22.50. The $27.99 reservation includes your future copy and helps cover Sean’s legal costs while he continues representing himself.

When Will My Book Ship?

As soon as distribution is permitted. There is no confirmed shipping date. Payment is taken when you reserve.

Can I Request A Refund?

Yes. Paid reservations are fully refundable upon request. Email [email protected] with your order details.

Media & Interviews

Watch or listen to conversations about fatherhood, writing, and rebuilding.

Featured conversation · October 2026

The Stand With Meg Show

Fatherhood, writing, and rebuilding.

Sean and Brittany join Meg for a candid conversation about family, Sean’s experience writing Resenting Joy, and finding a way forward.

Watch the interviewListen to the episode

Interview Highlights

Choose a short moment from the conversation, or watch the full interview below.

SEAN · 1 MIN 4 SECBeing Present As A FatherBeing there for his boys and creating new memories together.BRITTANY · 39 SECFinding A Voice Through WritingWhat Brittany noticed as Sean began sharing his story.BRITTANY · 53 SECBuilding A Life TogetherPatience, a stronger relationship, and making room for one another.
Return to the full interview ↗

Full Interview · Captions available in the player

Play Full InterviewSean & Brittany With Meg

Recent Highlight · October 20, 2026

Sean And Brittany: The Love Behind Resenting Joy

Meg reflects on our conversation about fatherhood, writing, and the work Brittany and I put into building a life together.

Read Meg’s feature ↗

Media Kit For Hosts & Journalists

Short and long bios, book details, interview topics, and the approved back-cover headshot. Two-page PDF.

View & download media kit ↗
Bring Sean Into The Conversation.

For podcast appearances, interviews, and media requests, use the request form. Questions? Email Sean.

Request Media / Interview ↗

Start here

Begin With The Look.

Start with a moment between a father and his son. Then explore the story behind the book and the people who helped me rebuild.

Recommended First Read · Fatherhood

The Look

My son asked for his boots to come off. I understood what he was really asking for: a little more time together.

Begin With The Look ↗

Next · Understand The Story

Can Joy Mangano Silence A Memoir Before Anyone Proves It’s False?

Why I wrote Resenting Joy, what I wanted my sons to understand, and the dispute that followed.

Read my perspective ↗

Then · Love & Rebuilding

Purest Of Hearts Shine The Brightest

A short thank-you to the person who kept making room for my children, and the love that helped us keep going.

Read the reflection ↗

A Free Resource For Families

Make A Little Time Together.

Use the Parent-Child Connection Planner to choose a simple activity, start a conversation, and remember something worth returning to. No signup needed.

Opens in a new tab. Use “Print Or Save As PDF” to keep your own copy.

Want more writing on fatherhood and meaningful time together? Join the free newsletter.

Preview The Planner

Resenting Joy · Plan The Moment

Parent-Child Connection Planner

A little attention can turn an ordinary moment into time you both remember. Choose one simple activity, put the phone away, and let your child help shape the plan.

By Sean Patrick Coffin · Father, Teacher & Coach

1. Make A Small Plan

Our Names:

Day / Time:

Minutes Together:

Start with 10-20 minutes. Give yourself permission to keep it simple.

2. Let Your Child Choose

Move Together

Take a short walk, pass a ball, or make a three-move obstacle course.

Make Something

Draw a silly creature, build with blocks, or prepare a simple snack.

Notice Together

Find five interesting things outside, look at clouds, or share a favorite song.

Our Choice (Or Their Own Idea):

Adapt the activity to your child's age, interests, and access needs. A younger child can point, draw, or choose between two ideas.

3. Show Up With Attention

  • Put distractions away.
  • Follow their lead.
  • Notice one specific thing.

Try: “You kept working on that even when it fell down.” You do not need to turn every moment into a lesson.

Listen, Notice & Return

Use one question if it fits the moment. Let the conversation wander. Quiet time together counts, too.

4. Open A Conversation

Something Good
“What made you smile today?”
Something They Know
“Can you teach me how you do that?”
Something To Imagine
“If we could make up a game, what would the rules be?”

If they do not feel like talking, keep doing the activity. If something difficult comes up, listen before jumping in with a solution.

5. Remember What You Noticed

Something My Child Enjoyed:

Something They Said Or Did That I Want To Remember:

Something I Want To Do Differently Next Time:

Make The Next Invitation

“Next time, would you like to ?”

Offer something you can follow through on. A small routine can be worth repeating.

resentingjoy.com · Essays, Interviews & Updates

International Amazon Availability

International editions and availability may vary by marketplace.

Amazon Canada ↗Amazon UK ↗Amazon Mexico ↗

Booksellers & Retail Partners

For Canadian Booksellers

Interested in introducing Resenting Joy to your readers? These materials introduce the author, the story, and the details needed to start a bookseller conversation.

Retail Information Sheet

A one-page overview of print formats, ISBNs, and the details to include when requesting current Canadian retail terms.

Download Retail Information ↗

For current availability, pricing, and fulfillment terms, please include your store name, location, and the formats you are interested in.

Open Wholesale Order Form ↗

For bookstores, retailers, organizations, and events. Questions about an order? Email Sean.

Reserve Directly From Sean

Choose your format: ebook for digital reading, paperback for a print copy, or hardcover for a sturdy shelf edition. Numbered editions are listed below.

Reservations are for future delivery. Payment is taken now. No book or digital file will be provided until distribution is permitted. There is no confirmed shipping date. Paid reservations are fully refundable upon request.

Ebook

Digital edition, delivered when distribution is permitted. No instant download.

$19.99Reserve ↗

Paperback

Regular paperback price: $22.50. The higher reservation price helps cover Sean’s legal costs.

$27.99Reserve ↗

Hardcover

Hardcover edition reserved directly from the author. Shipment when distribution is permitted.

$32.50Reserve ↗
Explore The Numbered First-Publication Editions

Founder’s Edition · #1–25

Hand-numbered hardcover, matching foil seal, signed and dated certificate with a personalized inscription, and a Hole Diggers Country Club sticker. Reservation only.

$150Reserve ↗

1st Print Edition · #26–75

Hand-numbered hardcover, matching foil seal, signed and dated certificate of authenticity, and a Hole Diggers Country Club sticker. Reservation only.

$95Reserve ↗

Collector’s Edition · #76–100

First-publication hardcover with its matching numbered foil seal. No longer available.

—Sold out

From The Resenting Joy Shop

Shirts and stickers · Free shipping on the merchandise listed below.

Resenting Joy T-Shirt

Resenting Joy T-Shirt

$24.99

100% cotton. Men’s S–XL, women’s S–L, youth S–L.

Shop ↗
OBJECTION! Pro Se, All Dey

OBJECTION! Pro Se, All Dey

$24.99

Courtroom-inspired cotton T-shirt. Men’s S–XL, women’s S–L, youth S–L.

Shop ↗
Good Gangster Sticker

Good Gangster Sticker

$6.99

One individual sticker.

Shop ↗
Hole Diggers Country Club

Hole Diggers Country Club

$6.99

One individual sticker for the people who showed up.

Shop ↗

Keep Following The Story

Recent Writing & Conversations

Essay · October 17, 2026

The Space In-Between

A reflection dedicated to people who have endured more than they should have had to.

Subscriber essay · Preview available on Substack.

Read The Preview ↗

Interview Feature · October 20, 2026

The Love Behind Resenting Joy

Meg reflects on our conversation about fatherhood, writing, and the life Brittany and I are building together.

Read Meg’s Feature ↗

See The Latest Posts & Updates ↗

Booksellers & Retail Partners
Media Kit & Interview Requests
Book & Newsletter Milestones