Babyhood (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author) "Okay, so here's what happened..." (more)
Key Phrases: George Foreman, Baby Time

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Listening to Paul Reiser "read" the unabridged audiocassette version of Babyhood is a lot like attending a private performance of a one-man stand-up comedy show--without the hecklers. In his quintessential New York accent, the Mad About You star speaks directly to his audience in a conversational, fast-paced, and spirited voice. Of course, the subject matter is babies--those that are still a twinkle in their parents' eyes, those growing in their mother's bellies, and those that have emerged from the womb, ready to test their parents' new-found skills with every change of the diaper.

Reiser shares insights into a host of subjects that one doesn't necessarily consider when approaching parenthood. For instance, while attending a barbecue party, he finds himself discussing body parts and body functions not usually tossed around with strangers. "I certainly understand in theory that if you're going through an event as universal and wondrous as childbirth, and especially if you're having difficulties, there is benefit in sharing. But the reality is I ... I don't feel like discussing my genitalia with anybody." Reiser's enthusiasm for his subject is apparent, which makes for a humorous foray into the magical world of Babyhood. (Running time: 200 minutes, four cassettes) -- Colleen Preston --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

… an innocuous collection of aimless anecdotes and observational shtick… -- Entertainment Weekly, Kristen Baldwin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Avon (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380728729
• ISBN-13: 978-0380728725
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #204,634 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even the Book Jacket is Funny, October 2, 2002

By	Virginia Lore "rumtussle" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Babyhood (Hardcover)

Paul Reiser wrote his own blurb on the inside of the book jacket for Parenthood, comparing his book with other parenting books. Other parenting books may tell you how to have a happy and healthy pregnancy, how to care for a newborn, and may give you first aid information you could use in an emergency, he says. In his book, though, you get to read about how tired he is plus there are some entertaining anecdotes about baby waste.

The book itself is painfully funny, perfectly capturing the sleepless nights and bewilderment of new parenthood. In the chapter called "Things to Worry About" Reiser lists all the myriad worries that come along when you bring a new baby home, for example that you could make him wave to someone who doesn't wave back, thus traumatizing him for life. In the chapter "I've Never Been This Tired, Ever" Reiser states that he'd do twenty years of diaper changes if you could guarantee him a solid eight hours of sleep a night for those twenty years. Not only do these phenomena have an effect on you as a parent, but also as a member of a couple, and Reiser perfectly describes the decimation a baby can wreak on a heretofore healthy relationship.

I read this book when my first child was two months old and literally laughed until tears rolled down my cheeks. I re-read it recently now that my oldest is 2 and I have another infant, and I find it just as apt. If you're a parent, don't miss it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know..., April 3, 2002

By	Krista Jackson (Canandaigua, NY) - See all my reviews

Paul Reiser encapsulates the experience of having your first child perfectly. My wife and I had a little boy 4 months ago and are going through, or have gone through, everything that Reiser describes in hilarious detail. I consider this to be one of the funniest books I have ever read. Reiser is particularily adept at pointing out the funny things that a new parent thinks about and is traumatized by. I laughed out loud until my stomach hurt when he described what the baby is thinking and would be saying if they could talk...mainly because I had the same ideas!! I think that is the essence of why this book is such a great read. It speaks to the everyday, normal person and their experiences. If you have, or about to have, or know someone who has, or is about to have their first child...you must read this book!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soooo funny, and soooo true!, October 10, 2002

By A Customer

My sister gave me this book about 2 months after I give birth to my first baby... I was dying for something good to read, spending so many long hours sitting around at home. THIS WAS THE BEST THING THAT I COULD HAVE PICKED UP! I couldn't stop laughing, as I turned the pages. Everything is sooooo true, but that's what makes it all so funny! I love Paul Reiser's frank writing style. I read the book in two short days, and it's the kind of book that you can pick up and finish at any time.

I would recommend giving this to anyone who has just had a baby! It will be the best thing that they'll receive! :-)