The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
shares an irresistible and moving collection of heartfelt, humorous
essays about fatherhood, providing his newborn son with the perspective
and tools he'll need to make his way in the world.
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
This is an irresistible and insightful collection, perfect for new
parents and fans of Backman's "unparalleled understanding of human
nature" (Shelf Awareness). As he 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."
