41 Deposits: Crucial Conversations for Fathers and Sons

When Kile Graves began his high school journey, his father saw an opportunity to give him something he’d never gotten before—a series of intentional "life deposits," crucial conversations that could help guide him into adulthood. So, Steve Graves began a personal journal about the critical lessons he wanted to share with his son. Then he and Kile discussed those lessons over bagels while meeting regularly over the next three years.

Steve wasn’t looking for an immediate, radical transformation in his son. But he knew if the deposits were made, Kile would have opportunities to put them to use. The regular, honest, uncut conversations about life, relationships, and work provided a unique opportunity to strengthen the integrity of their father-son relationship.

41 Deposits shares the lessons Steve felt were important to him and his son so that other fathers and sons can learn and apply those lessons to their own lives and relationships. Each chapter includes a story that drives home a specific deposit, followed by key insights to consider and questions to ask and answer. It’s not a study guide or a one-size-fits-all program, but this very personal account of the investments Steve made with Kile provides a blueprint for other fathers who are on a similar journey.