Reviews

Things My Son Needs to Know about the World by Fredrik Backman

annaem's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced

4.0

lonelyasfranz's review

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5.0

Really quite exceedingly good. My faith is restored after the letdown that was A Man Called Ove. I feel like this captured the idea of it in a far better way.

tieganlucy's review

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5.0

Everytime I read something by this man I’m convinced it’s the best thing I’ve ever read. This had me properly laughing but also touched me so deeply. Will be buying for any of my male friends who become fathers but would also recommend anyone to read it, even if they never want children.

jansbookcorner's review

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3.0

A fun book that most parents can relate to at least part of.

katykelly's review against another edition

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5.0

Some snort-out-your-drink moments, a lot of the parenting advice/stories rings true.

Backman really lays his own life bare here, a few secrets and anecdotes from his own family's vaults, as he speaks to his baby son in chapters that give him all the advice he'll need for when he's older.

The audiobook highlights the hilarity of the author's compositions, the narrator bringing his work to life with gusto. I laughed aloud while walking and driving at times.

From the joys of 'poop' (though I disagree with the author over the centrality of this to the life of the new parent - for me it was feeds that everything rested on), the book takes in various topics including finding a life partner and various milestones of parenthood, as well as more general life advice. Backman tells stories of his own marriage and life, making this part biography as he also makes this a future guide for his child.

I've already recommended this to friends with children or who are planning on having them. It's a joyous and lively listen, a lot of it rings true, and for parents it would be just as useful as any of the parenting books out there.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

redbeard92's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.5

Read this book as the father of a 4 year old and 2 year old. This book tugged at my heart strings and I was so glad to read it. One of those books that makes you want to be a better father. 

ibisette's review against another edition

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5.0

hartverwarmend

creedmk's review

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4.0

Backman is my go to "tell it like it is, with a bit of self deprecating humor" writer of choice.  His anecdotes never fail to make me laugh, but his writing style is one I can only listen to, and not actually read in print, it's so scattered that my mind loses control if I try to actually read his books with my eyes.  Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed this book of random stuff his son, and maybe most sons, need to know about the world.

ronjaizabell's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

grace_cc's review

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.5