A review by brandy_reads
The New One: Painfully True Stories from a Reluctant Dad by Mike Birbiglia

5.0

I alternated between listening to and reading this. if you’re looking for an easy and quick read or listen for non-fiction November then I suggest grabbing a copy of The New One. In this Mike talks about his resistance to change, but in particular to the decision to have a child and then the struggles he has once his daughter is born. I love that Mike doesn’t steer away from thoughts or opinions that don’t necessarily paint him in the best light, because let’s be honest, we all have those ridiculously selfish thoughts at times, even if we know they are wrong while we’re thinking them. I’m not as open as Mike so I won’t tell you mine lol. I found myself laughing at some of the worst things, that’s how funny his writing is. For example, as he discusses his life threatening sleep disorder that almost killed him as he jumped out of a hotel window – I was cackling away in the car. My least favourite part of the book is actually his wife’s short poems. I kinda feel guilty about that because he says at the start that those are his favourite parts of the book. But then I’ve never really liked poetry so this will probably be a bonus for others.