Autobiography of a One-Year-Old (Paperback)

by Rohan Candappa (Author) "Essentially parents are odd fish..." (more)
Key Phrases: Secret Bath, Fat Man, Humpty Dumpty (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"I stink, therefore I am." So muses the plucky babe in Candappa's latest. Writer and humorist Candappa has previously dwelled on feng shui, and stress, among other topics, and here imagines life from the perspective of a pre-verbal one-year-old. Through a monologue in essay installments, the narrator holds forth on such topics as effective crying methods, vacuum cleaners as "long-nosed sucky beasts," food, the diabolical crib, the trauma of vacation, mirrors, walking, parental interference and many other mundane discoveries along the road to becoming a two-year-old. At the outset, our protagonist sees the world as a tricky place peopled by those who blindly manipulate him for their own ends, and he scrutinizes and experiments with an air of disdain occasionally laced with innocent wonder. Along the way, he trips into some sweet discoveries characterized by a growing awareness of interdependence, which make for the funniest sections of the book. These include a compassionate imagining that his parents are so poor they must eat his leftover food. In general, the author hits the mark on how life might look from the perspective of a baby-cum-toddler, but unfortunately the book is less successful in its overdone cultural references, turning our little terror into a dated armchair philosopher (e.g. "Wasn't it Stevie Winwood in `Higher Love' who sang `If you see a chance, take it.' An admirable philosophy, I think you'll agree"). Many readers will look past these annoyances and enjoy a glimpse of life from the other side, although they might prefer it a bit less conspiratorial and sarcastic.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
?[E]njoy a glimpse of life from the other side.?
? Publishers Weekly -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (August 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055338130X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553381306
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,173,810 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but you should probably be a parent, February 9, 2004

By	K. Kojima (San Carlos, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fairly funny at times, it's not a bad book. But it does drag on a bit after a while, even though the 279 pages are a quick read due to very short chapters, few numbering over 3 pages at most (some are just one sentence). I'd say to get the most out of it, you should be a parent. We have a 1 1/2 year old, so some things hit the nail on the head. But other things don't quite get there. I don't regret spending the time to read it, but I wouldn't forcefully recommend it to anyone.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious., December 14, 2006

By	Hilary A. Mcdevitt (Newtown, CT, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Autobiography of a One-Year-Old (Mass Market Paperback)

I picked this book up randomly and it is so funny. I laughed out loud throughout the whole book. It is definitely funnier if you have experience with this age group, and it hit home as I have a one year old right now. I find myself imagining my son's thoughts as the writer of this book now when he does things. Anyway, great read, very quick and amusing...great book for tired parents - it will give you a new outlook on some of those sleepless nights and food battles.

5.0 out of 5 stars HILARIOUS!, July 24, 2006

By	Diane Maddams "Mom of two boys" (Wilmington, DE) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Autobiography of a One-Year-Old (Mass Market Paperback)

I was looking for some insight into my 1-year-old's mind...boy, did I get it! You will look at your child in a whole new way after reading this book, wondering what deviousness he really posesses and what is actually purely innocent... I highly recommend this not just for parents, but for grandparents, childless friends trying to understand the baby thing, or anyone considering having a child. A guaranteed laugh for all!