Customer Reviews

The New Dad's Survival Guide: Man-to-Man Advice for First-Time Fathers

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This is a quick funny read; perfect for the new dad with little time. Mr. Mactavish has done an outstanding job of conveying the feelings and fears of new dads from personal experience. The book,however, is meant to 1)reassure the new dad that we've all been there and 2) give insights into certain events that are yet to come (Particularly liked the circumcision description-OUCH!). Take the negative comments about this book with a grain of salt. It's humor, not a guide on new parenting. Highly recommended.

I've gone through a number of these types of books and this one is by far the best one out there. The author keeps it light, at the same time conveying what's really important to the new dad with honesty and a brutal sense of humor. It makes the new dad feel like he has some company in this new and alien experience of having kids. After reading it, I recommended it to all my buddies whoare in the same boat. It truly takes the edge off of first time fatherhood. Nice job!

I find it very heartening that more and more fathers are taking an interest in parenting. When my wife became pregnant in the late 1970's, it was very rare for fathers to be involved and it was discouraged by many obstetricians. I was only allowed into the birth room at the very last moment and kept well away from the "action". My own involvement resulted in doing two books on fathers (long out of print and now irrelevant).

However, it is quite encouraging to see the extent to which men are embracing fatherhood and are becoming so active in the entire process. The more books on the topic the better and this book does fill a need and does so with humor. Some of the advice like how to prepare formula on page 61, however, is pretty standard fare though and the book is limited in only dealing with the period of birth through the first three months.

I personally found the newer book The Dysfunctional Father's Guide to Pregnancy Birth and Babies to be much more amusing and realistic. It deals with the period from planning to get pregnant to the first birthday. I loved the illustrations

Marvin Ross

I bought this for my husband maybe 3-4 months after we found out we were expecting. I'm reading more serious/typical books & this one was recommended for men. He loves it! He was touched I thought of him too & has loved reading the info for new dads. It's an easy read & he's actually learning things from it!

As the son of a military father (who happens to have the same sense of humor as the author) I was personally raised the way this book describes child rearing. Let's face it not everyone who has children instantly becomes an adult. Just because you have a child doesn't mean you must now handle everything with a serious manner. Your first child is an exciting and often scary event. In most situations similar to this, the human psyche responds with humor or laughter (think about the first time you went on a roller coaster you were scared but couldn't stop smiling). The author captured a feeling that most of us have but rarely talk about. Bravo!

i got this book for my husband, he really enjoys it so far and likes the fact this was written by a guy. I read it too, and this book is great for women to read too! The only con is that this is more of a humorous book rather than a definitive 'guide'. other than that, really enjoyed it, would recommend to others.

I got this book for my husband because he kept complaining about the fact that all the new parent book we had received were mostly for me. He LOVES IT!!! He keeps reading sections to me and laughing out loud a many parts! I would definitely recommend it to a soon to be dad with a sense of humor!

First of all, the 'professional' reviewers take Mactavish far too seriously. I caught the guy at a book signing; he's very funny and takes a humorous, light-hearted approach to fatherhood while still making valid points. And for the record, he's a military vet who now works as a filmmaker. Regardless, he wrote a book in 'guy speak' that is anything but boring. I got a copy as a gift when we were pregnant with our first daughter. After I finished, wifey read it and laughed as hard (if not harder) than me.

I received this book as a gift after our first child was born. I wish I had received it earlier.
Will there be a follow up? We hope so.

My wife and I are expecting in 3 months. This book is Outstanding. There are innumerable pregnancy books written by women. The last thing I wanted to read was a book written by a chick telling me I needed to rub my wife's feet every night.

This book gives it to you straight and tells you what to expect. It's very informative and I especially appreciate the "Critical Survival Tips." The author mixes in humor to make the book much more interesting. I feel much more prepared and educated than I ever thoughtI would. Now if I can just make it through the birth!

A must read for any new dad.