Things My Son Needs To Know About The World is a tender and funny series of letters from a new father to his son about one of life's most daunting experiences: parenthoodFrom the 13 million copy internationally bestselling author of A Man Called Ove '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' In between the sleep-obsessed lows and oxytocin-fuelled highs, Backman takes a step back to share his own experience of fatherhood and how he navigates such unchartered territory. Part memoir, part manual, part love letter to his son, this book relays the big and the small lessons in life. As he watches his son take his first steps into the world, he teaches him how to navigate both love - and IKEA - and tries to explain why, sometimes, his dad might hold his hand just a little bit too tightly.This is an irresistible and insightful collection from one of the world's most beautiful storytellers - the bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown. Praise for Fredrick Backman: 'A mature, compassionate novel' Sunday Times 'Will, funny, and almost unbearably moving' Daily Mail 'You'll love this engrossing novel' People 'Backman is a masterful writer' Kirkus ReviewReview"Delightful, thoughtful essays on fatherhood...Parents—especially fathers—will appreciate Backman’s witty and touching lessons.” (Publishers Weekly) “Each chapter is filled with Backman’s dry wit and brutal honesty, but behind all of the humor is real, heartfelt sentiment and poignant advice. This will make readers laugh out loud, but new fathers discovering the ups and downs of parenting will especially relate to this hilarious account of fatherhood.” (Booklist) “Splendidly entertaining...readers will find all the humor, profound insight and compassion that make his fiction so irresistible. One needn't be a father — or even a parent — to treasure this collection. As with all of his previous work, Backman artfully crafts his words to touch each person both individually and universally.” (Shelf Awareness) --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.What you need to know about motionsensitive bathroom lights WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOTION-SENSITIVE BATHROOM LIGHTS --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.About the AuthorFredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove , My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry , Britt-Marie Was Here , Beartown , Us Against You , and Anxious People , as well as two novellas and one work of nonfiction. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter @BackmanLand and on Instagram @Backmansk. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Simon & Schuster, Incorporated

Simon and Schuster Canada

Atria / 37 Ink

United States, United States of America

"What you need to know about: Falling in love: "Find someone who doesn't love you for the person you are, but despite the person you are." Manhood: "I want you to always remember that 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." Ikea: "Don't pee in the ball pool." Things My Son Needs to Know About the World is the personal dispatches of a man on the front lines of fatherhood, capturing the profound awe of experiencing all the "firsts" that fill each and every parent with wonder. His honest, forthright account of what it is to be a parent touches on every range of emotion: The fear of failing that causes you to buy every plastic toy in the store. The embarrassment when you dress your kid so they'll be ready for a day on the tundra, but forget to put on his shoes. The uncertainty that drives every parent to always try and do the right thing. Along the way, Backman shares the story of how he fell in love with his wife, a woman who is his complete opposite, reminisces about touching moments with friends, and reflects on how to live a life that revolves around the people you care about unconditionally. Alternating between funny side notes and longer essays offering his son advice as he prepares to venture out into the world, Backman relays the big and small lessons in life: -How to find the team you belong to. -How airports explain everything about religion and war. -Why professional wrestling is key to understanding good and evil. -The reason starting a band is crucial to keeping friendships. -Why, sometimes, he might hold on to his son's hand just a little too tight. -Is a baby born at 36 weeks and five days born in the 36th week or the 37th? -Why you should buy your first sofa second-hand. -The ultimate recipe for fried chocolate bars."-- Provided by publisher

"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"-- Provided by publisher

2025-06-10