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Summary
Summary
Fredrik Backman, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown , delivers a poignant and insightful memoir from the front lines of one of the most daunting experiences any man can experience: fatherhood.
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World is bestselling author Fredrik Backman's revealing look at the relationship between fathers and sons. Delving deep into his own experience and speaking directly to his child, Backman reflects on the perspective and tools his son will need to make his way in the world.
As he conveys his profound awe at facing all the "firsts" that fill him with wonder and catch him completely unprepared, Backman doesn't shy away from divulging his own false steps and fatherly flaws. Along the way, he tackles issues both great and small, from masculinity and mid-life crises to practical jokes and poop.
In between the sleep-deprived lows and wonderful highs, Backman takes a step back to share the sweet, true story of falling in love with a woman who is his complete opposite, and learning to live a life that revolves around the people he cares about unconditionally. Alternating between humorous side notes and longer essays offering his son guidance about growing up, Backman contemplates the big and small moments that form their shared life, from soccer matches and Ikea trips to first homes and young love.
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World is Backman as you've never seen him before--intimate, vulnerable, and brave. Above all, it is a tribute to the love between a parent and a child. For, as Backman eloquently reminds us, "You can be whatever you want to be, but that's nowhere near as important as knowing that you can be exactly who you are."
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Swedish novelist Backman (A Man Called Ove; Beartown) addresses his young son in a series of delightful, thoughtful essays on fatherhood. In "What You Need To Know About Motion-Sensitive Bathroom Lights," Backman explains how his life "revolves around the logistics of poop," and tells of a funny struggle with a shopping center baby-changing station that, he writes, "was my Vietnam." In one of the shorter anecdotes, "This Is Not Going Well. I'm Aware, " Backman contemplates explaining the birds and the bees to his son, but concludes: "I had sex with your mother. You're gonna need a few years to process this.... I really should have just told you about storks." A moving essay on "What You Need to Know About Soccer" is less about the sport and more about Backman's desire for his son to not experience the feeling of "being left out" and of his own fear that someday Backman will feel left out of his grown son's life. All of the essays are connected by Backman's belief that children should grow up "to be better than us... kinder, smarter, more humble, more generous, and more selfless than we are." Parents-especially fathers-will appreciate Backman's witty and touching lessons. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Any parent-to-be can get overwhelmed trying to prepare for the most daunting job in the world. Books are read, classes are taken, and every question is googled. But when the big day finally arrives and the baby is born, the real challenge begins. Having kids can feel like trying to drive a bulldozer through a china shop. With broken legs. Wearing a back-to-front ski mask. While drunk. The Swedish author of several internationally bestselling novels, Backman (Us against You, 2018) shares this sentiment and more in this book dedicated to his newborn son. In essays and anecdotes, he examines everything including shopping at IKEA, playing soccer, starting a band, navigating manhood, getting shot, falling in love, and learning to let go. Each chapter is filled with Backman's dry wit and brutal honesty, but behind all of the humor is real, heartfelt sentiment and poignant advice. This will make readers laugh out loud, but new fathers discovering the ups and downs of parenting will especially relate to this hilarious account of fatherhood.--Melissa Norstedt Copyright 2019 Booklist
