Why yes, I have read a parenting book! Granted, I may have finished reading it shortly after entering fatherhood… but I was busy by then!
In the interest of transparency, I didn’t buy this book. Rather, I received it as one of a number of “Dad-centric” books loaned to me by some friends who had welcomed their first child a few years earlier and figured I could do with some new reading material whilst our first was in the euphemistic “oven”. So, let’s talk “Fatherhood: The Truth”.
A brief overview
First published twenty years ago, in 2005, I found quite a lot of useful information in the book that remains relevant for 2025. Alas, the humour and tone of the writer – to put it generously – have aged like a poorly kept cask ale. Does the job, sure, but leaves a funny taste in the mouth.
I’ve mixed feelings about the noughties as a comedic decade. Whilst much of it stands up to scrutiny, some of this book’s humour seems off even by the standards of the mid-00’s. To provide an example, the author is joking about stealthing a mere 5 pages in.
On the off-chance you’re unfamiliar with that term, you should do two things:
- Realise that it’s not just a dick move, but a criminal act in the UK (and elsewhere),
- Look it up, so you know what I’m talking about.
Humour aside, the overall tone of the book I can comfortably describe as “laddish”. That I’m not the target audience for this book is beyond doubt. But then, who is the target audience? I can only presume it to be new or soon-to-be fathers who ought to have paid more attention at school, or maybe absolute b*****ds who would use words like “trapped” or “conned” to describe their situation.
Do I hate it?
Thing is, much as I’d like to bash the questionable – even for 2005 – writing style I don’t think I can. Did I find parts of the book cringeworthy – sure. The anecdotes and examples of “what you’re probably feeling” as an impending Dad were, for me, largely unrelatable.
I never felt like I was in competition with the newborn baby for my wife’s time and attention, for example. They were brand spanking new and literally incapable of doing anything for themselves. They rightfully commanded attention. At least I could fend for myself, or – better yet – do what needed doing around the house.
Maybe that is the point. Evidently this book was not written for men like me. Nor for the friends from whom I borrowed it, really.
No, I think the target demographic for the book is definitely a certain type of bloke. One who likely isn’t going to buy a copy themselves, but be presented with it by their partner or a friend. Someone who won’t be offended by the dubious humour, but instead find it relatable enough to read on and perhaps almost unwittingly absorb the bits that are actually useful.
“Fatherhood”: In conclusion
Overall, if you can look past the outdated tone of the text then actually what you’ll find is a reasonably comprehensive overview of “what Dad should know” from conception through to baby’s 1st birthday.
Where to buy
- Find it on World of Books