The Myth of Mr. Mom [Paperback]

Jeremy Rodden (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2011

The Myth of Mr. Mom is a collaborative non-fiction essay anthology written by stay-at-home dads that shares the personal stories of eight men from around the world.

"I applaud any man who decides to take on this role, but after reading this I only wish more men would stand up and proudly shout to the world, 'I am a stay at home dad and I am proud of it.'"
- My Eclectic Bookshelf

"Anyone who stays home with their children and helps them grow to be all they can be gets my respect."
- Journey of a Bookseller

Filled with humorous anecdotes and eye-opening personal experiences, The Myth of Mr. Momis simultaneously inspiring and entertaining.

"Buy this for your father and show them not only that you love them but that you love the love that they gave you and that every sacrifice - large or small - has not gone unrecognised."
- Book Bags and Cat Naps

More Books By The Authors!

*Toonopolis: Gemini by Jeremy Rodden (Kindle bestselling cartoon novel)
*Zombies!...The Beginning of the End by Christian Jensen (graphic post-apocalyptic novella)

*Diablero by Toby Tate (wonderful supernatural thriller)

*Short & Twisted feat. Shawn Scarber (dark short story anthology)

*Grizzle and Bone by Gerhi Feuren (contemporary fairy tale/short story)

Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Portmanteau Press LLC (December 10, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0983425310
• ISBN-13: 978-0983425311
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.4 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,523,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Staying at home with kids, it's not just for mom's anymore December 3, 2011

By Eclectic Bookshelf

Format:Kindle Edition

Yup the stay at home dad. I always thought I had a pretty good outlook on stay at home dads and actually know a few (dad's of kids who are in my kids class at school) I applaud any man who decides to take on this role, but after reading this I only wish more men would stand up and proudly shout to the world, "I am a stay at home dad and I am proud of it"

I loved this anthology, but have to say that I "connected" best with the second chapter, an essay from Christian Jensen. From the get go he could have been describing my daily life, other than my kids get up before I do, can't imagine trying to write anything before 6:30am and don't have quite his quirky sense of humor. (though I love it!) I laughed so hard I cried reading this essay and will be happily reading it out loud to my own husband when he returns from drill this weekend, I think he will find it rather amusing as well.

I love that he...well I don't want to spoil it, but let me say his "encouraging" notes on the kids lunch sacks are priceless. Makes me think of the time I proudly walked my kids to the bus in my penguin flannel jammies, old ratty robe, and hubby's slippers because the driver has asked to speak with me about my the youngest boy's actions while he rode the bus. Utter humiliation for the child, yup. Will he act up again on the bus...probably not. LOL

Yes even though I am a stay at home mom, which seems to be more accepted in society, I understood, agreed with, and nodded along with these essays. You see it doesn't matter who's at home, mom or dad, we deal with the same issues, challenges, and we enjoy it. So the next time you meet a stay at home dad, don't think less of him, shake his hand and congratulate him for choosing what I think is the most rewarding job there is. Yes it is a job, without a paycheck, no vacation time, but none of that matters when the kidlets snuggle up, give you smooshy kisses and say you are the best mom/or dad in the world.

Whether you are a mom or a dad or an aunt, uncle or even just thinking of having kids, you need to read this anthology, it is worth it and I can't wait to read more. (hint hint Jeremy, start planning the next installment please)

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Men can be nurturing, too! November 29, 2011

By Jen V

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I actually found it kind of interesting that some of what these men went through and worried about before becoming primary caregiver echo worries that I myself have. I don't have children yet and I'm always worrying I'll be a terrible, not-nurturing-mother. In fact, that combined with how much of a slob I am, I've always thought that my fiance would be a much better primary caregiver than I could ever be.

It was refreshing to read these (sometimes quite humorous) accounts of men that have made the transition into the stay-at-home-dad occupation, and it's reassuring to know that a fellow human being can successfully make that lifestyle change and sometimes even manage to do a bit of writing or other work on the side to help out with income, even if it takes a while to become established. Even though I'm female, because I'm working full time at the moment and because I've never been a "normal" (read: stereotypical) female, I feel like I can sympathize with these men who are trying so hard to do right by their children.

I think anyone, no matter the gender, who is about to leave the workforce to stay at home and care for the kids and house ought to read this book. Especially menfolk, of course. I think men need to know that it is okay to be nurturing.

As a side note, after reading Jeremy's essay about his father-in-law just not understanding Jeremy's decision to stay at home, I wonder if the reason it's so much easier for the newer generation of fathers to stay at home is because it wasn't until the 70s that women really started to attend college and get higher paying jobs en masse. Our parents and grandparents just didn't grow up in an era where they were used to seeing women be the breadwinners. Men didn't have a chance to stay at home and be nurturing because that was never an option for them. Women just didn't have a chance at higher paying jobs back then. Just a thought.

Also, as a second side note, some of these essays made me laugh out loud, and I'll be going back through the authors and queuing up some of their other books to give them a shot some time. :)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book January 2, 2012

By A. Pinaud VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

In November 2010 my wife and I took the decision to move from California to Indiana, as well as the decision that I will stay at home taking care of our two years old girl.

It was shocking to me how many people look you weird when you said that you are a stay-at-home dad. I am also a Writer, so I am use to people looking ugly at me, when I said that too, but it is interesting how some people can handle the fact that we make that decision.

I enjoy this book very much, I wish I can make certain people read it and see a side of a coin they are not even aware exist. This is a fast and fun read, and I hope when the next book (part two according to the editor) comes out I get to participate.