Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman - Book Review

I first discovered Fredrik Backman when my book club read My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises, a few years ago. Then I fell further in love with this author when I read Beartown, twice. He has a way with words, and they seem to always hit their mark.

When I discovered that he had a non-fiction book coming out with advice for his son, I knew I'd want to read it. I have a son. Tell me what he needs to know! Because, seven years in, I often still have no idea what I'm doing.

Things My Son Needs to Know About the World is a collection of essays and anecdotes Backman shares with his son about early fatherhood. It's interesting to get a peek into an author's life after becoming such a fan. Additionally, I have read a lot of parenting books written from the perspective of women, so it was really wonderful to get a father's point of view.

I have a good sense of what's important to most moms, but what do dads think about?

Bravery, friendship, and love. As well as bacon and video games.

This collection is witty and heartwarming and full of love. It will absolutely make you smile, pull at your heart, and give you a few things to think about in your own life. I already look forward to rereading this someday. I admire Backman's writing so much that I'd read his grocery lists at this point.

Here's a flavour of what you can find in here on becoming a parent:
"The realization that you will, from that moment on, draw all your breaths from someone else's lungs hits you harder when you aren't prepared." - Fredrik Backman, Things My Son Needs to Know About the World

And on finding a partner:
"The majority of things in life are about picking your battles. You'll learn that too. And that will never be clearer than when you're at IKEA." - Fredrik Backman, Things My Son Needs to Know About the World

Things My Son Needs to Know About the World will live right beside Beartown on my bookshelf, a slowly growing collection of books that I hope my own son will one day read.

xo
Jenn

Disclaimer - I received a complementary copy of this book courtesy of Simon & Schuster Canada for review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.