REVIEW:

Listen, I love some good poop jokes as much as the next guy… unless the next guy is Fredrik Backman.

In his nonfiction ode to new fatherhood, he’s got an entire essay devoted to them. And that makes sense. Babies do churn out a lot of poop.

Now you’re probably thinking, “But Regina, you’re not a father. Why would you read this in the first place?” Because somebody on the internet told me I should, obviously. Just dangle a “funniest book I’ve ever read” carrot in front of me and I’ll bite.

Is it the funniest book I’VE ever read? Nah. Maybe that’s because not only am I not a father, but I don’t have a son??? Nor AM I a son??? But I do live in “the world,” and I do like to know things about it.

What I know now is that Fredrik Backman loves his wife and hates Ikea. Cool. I haven’t met his wife but have been to Ikea, so I know we’re at least 50% on the same page here.

What I also know is that humor is subjective and situational. Maybe my funny bone was hard to tickle when I read this because I was wearing a sweater instead of a t-shirt. I’d still recommend it to people looking for a lighthearted short book, but I’d tell them to roll up their sleeves first. Not just so the laughs can get in, but also so they’re prepared to deal with all the poop.

PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:

Things My Son Needs to Know About the World collects the personal dispatches from the front lines of one of the most daunting experiences any man can experience: fatherhood.

As he conveys his profound awe at experiencing all the "firsts" that fill him with wonder and catch him completely unprepared, Fredrik Backman doesn't shy away from revealing his own false steps and fatherly flaws, tackling 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 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 you care about unconditionally. Alternating between humorous side notes and longer essays offering his son advice as he grows up and ventures out into the world, Backman relays the big and small lessons in life, including:

-How to find the team you belong to
-Why airports explain everything about religion and war
-The reason starting a band is crucial to cultivating and keeping friendships
-How to beat Monkey Island 3
-Why, sometimes, a dad might hold onto his son's hand just a little too tight

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove shares an irresistible and moving collection of heartfelt, fictional, humorous essays about fatherhood, providing his newborn son with the perspective and tools he'll need to make his way in the world.