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My Boys Can Swim!: The Official Guy's Guide to Pregnancy Paperback – October 1, 1999

by Ian Davis (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 337 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Finally—A Pregnancy Book That Won't Put Men to Sleep
My Boys Can Swim! tells real men everything they really want to know about pregnancy, such as: How much is it going to cost? Why does your wife primp before seeing her doctor when she hasn't put a stitch of make-up on for you in months? And, most important, what's it going to do to your sex life?
This rollicking, laugh-out-loud book is for expectant dads in search of bottom-line pregnancy information, without all that boring touchy-feely stuff you find in those books written for women. Inside you'll discover helpful—and hilarious—information and insights on such topics as:
The Maternity Wardrobe: "A key part of the maternity wardrobe is maternity underwear—parachute-like undies big enough to fit an NFL defensive lineman."
Baby Names: "Don't give your kids mockable names like Thaddeus, which is Greek for 'I'm a dork and should be beaten up.'"
The Birth: "No one told me it's normal that babies' heads can be misshapen at birth. I was convinced that my wife gave birth to Veldar, the conehead."
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  1. Print length
    112 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Crown
  4. Publication date
    October 1, 1999
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.26 x 7 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0761521674
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0761521679
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Finally—A Pregnancy Book That Won't Put Men to Sleep

From the Inside Flap

Finally A Pregnancy Book That Won't Put Men to Sleep
My Boys Can Swim! tells real men everything they really want to know about pregnancy, such as: How much is it going to cost? Why does your wife primp before seeing her doctor when she hasn't put a stitch of make-up on for you in months? And, most important, what's it going to do to your sex life?
This rollicking, laugh-out-loud book is for expectant dads in search of bottom-line pregnancy information, without all that boring touchy-feely stuff you find in those books written for women. Inside you'll discover helpful and hilarious information and insights on such topics as:
The Maternity Wardrobe: "A key part of the maternity wardrobe is maternity underwear parachute-like undies big enough to fit an NFL defensive lineman."
Baby Names: "Don't give your kids mockable names like Thaddeus, which is Greek for 'I'm a dork and should be beaten up.'"
The Birth: "No one told me it's normal that babies' heads can be misshapen at birth. I was convinced that my wife gave birth to Veldar, the conehead."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown; First Edition (October 1, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 112 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0761521674
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761521679
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.56 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.26 x 7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 337 ratings

About the author

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Ian Davis

Ian Davis

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
337 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing quality funny and easy to read. They also say the book is short and fast. Readers describe the topic as great for the expecting father. Opinions are mixed on the content, with some finding it humorous and informative, while others say it's not particularly informative. Customers also disagree on usefulness, with others finding it wonderful to give to dad-to-be's.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Writing qualityLengthWriting styleBook topicPacingProtagonistContentUsefulness
69 customers mention "Writing quality"51 positive18 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book funny, enjoyable, and a great conversation starter. They also mention that it's an easy read.

"...If anything it is a great conversation starter for some of the uncomfortable things that are bound to come up during a pregnancy." Read more

"...It has a lot of jokes and the book is wrote truly from a man's perspective. My sister also ordered this book for her husband...." Read more

"...It was written with wit and humor...." Read more

"...information and--as I should have guessed by the cover--is basically a joke... and a pretty bad one at that...." Read more

24 customers mention "Length"19 positive5 negative

Customers find the book short, lighthearted, and perfect for first-time fathers. They also say it's never boring and not a thick book.

"...It was never boring, and his insights were amusing and insightful.Bear in mind, this is not a reference book for expecting fathers...." Read more

"...It is not a thick book, nor is it intimidating, there are some cartoons along the way to keep it interesting also...." Read more

"...This book keeps it short and sweet and I finished it in about two hours (at work with distractions.)..." Read more

"...It was a really short book (less than a hundred pages) but nevertheless a good purchase." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style easy to read and fun. They also say it's a short read.

"...Since it is written so lightly, we have been able to discuss the most embarrassing moments already and this has put me at ease...." Read more

"...It's an easy read and he got through it in a few hours. He was laughing out loud...." Read more

"...I got it for him because I seemed like an easy read and it is filled with humor...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed it and think my husband will love it. It is really easy to read and lets men know that the things that are happening to their..." Read more

6 customers mention "Book topic"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book topic great for expecting fathers and husbands who are having trouble adjusting to the pregnancy.

"I found this book to be entertaining and informational. It is great for husbands who are having trouble adjusting to the pregnancy or husbands who..." Read more

"...He loved it! It's very quick, fun read. Great for first time dads-to-be!" Read more

"Good intro for first time dads. It is brief and gives you a good overview of the whole process." Read more

"...Highly recommended for expecting parents." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book fast, simple, and easy to read. They also say it takes no time to read at under 100 pages.

"...At under 100 pages, it took no time to read. It wasn't super informative, but it provides some pretty common sense ideas in a very comical way...." Read more

"...this book in 2 very short sittings, so this book gets to the point, and fast. Again, highly recommended." Read more

"...He loved it! It's very quick, fun read. Great for first time dads-to-be!" Read more

"Great seller, price and fast shipping A+++++" Read more

6 customers mention "Protagonist"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the protagonist cute and funny. They also say the book is a cute way to announce a pregnancy.

"My husband loved this book, even I read it. It is cute and very light hearted. He enjoyed getting an honest perspective from another guy...." Read more

"...Very cute." Read more

"This book was smaller than I expected but a cute way to announce a pregnancy to my husband he liked it" Read more

"Such a cute and clever way to announce my pregnancy to my hubby. Plus informative for him to read it!" Read more

45 customers mention "Content"26 positive19 negative

Customers are mixed about the content. Some find the book humorous and informative, laying out pregnancy in a straight forward anecdotal fashion. They also say it's a relatively painless way to impart some basic information about what to expect. However, some customers feel the book is amusing, but not particularly informative.

"...doesn't give you medical details on what to expect but yet a simple guys perspective on how to support your wife during a pregnancy...." Read more

"...Do not mistake me this is NOT an educational book that will detail the ins and outs of pregnancy like many other larger texts out there...." Read more

"...na plow through those longer tomes, this is a relatively painless way to impart some basic information about what to expect." Read more

"...It covers some basic facts, and if the dad-to-be is totally clueless about pregnancy, this would be a great place to start...." Read more

36 customers mention "Usefulness"23 positive13 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the usefulness of the book. Some find it wonderful to give to dad-to-be's, and a great little book to take with them when they need to go to the restroom. However, others say that it's not useful and definitely wasn't worth the money.

"...He wants to be as involved as you. I think this bok is a great buy to start off." Read more

"...I'm not just putting it down because it is useless in a practical fashion, it also isn't funny to boot...." Read more

"...And it's a great little book to take with you when you need to go to the restroom or when your just sitting around with nothing to do...." Read more

"...a "101" level understanding of what you're about to go through- this is a good book. I read the whole thing in under an hour...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Erin Matschke
5.0 out of 5 stars Great bathroom read for husbands!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2013
Verified Purchase
My husband and I were ecstatic when we found out that we were pregnant with our first child. I of course wanted to read every book on pregnancy, childbirth and mothering I could, the bigger the better. My husband on the other hand is not a big fan of reading. He’s more of a bathroom reader and that’s about it kind of guy. I went online in search of a book that would help explain a few things in a way that he would not only understand but also actually want to read. I found that book in My Boys Can Swim! which brought me to tears I laughed so hard when I read it at just a few weeks pregnant. Now in the later stages of my pregnancy I can attest that Ian Davis really knows what he is talking about.
The book is laid out perfectly from the moment of being made aware of the pregnancy, through the not so pretty side effects, to the big day of labor and even post partum. Davis is not afraid to broach any subject matter in his work either. The section Blazing Saddles was my husband’s favorite for a few weeks he would just die laughing every time he went into his ‘office’ to reread the section yet again (Davis, 1999). Though brought about in a humorous manner, Davis is spot on with the facts that he does provide. During his wife’s labor he communicated the contractions exactly how we were taught in our classes and I am sure that my husband will remember him saying it and not what was said in that boring class. My husband has already gone back and read certain sections as they occur in my own pregnancy so that he can brush up on what was said. Since the book is actually sectioned into trimesters this is helpful as well. Many of the horrific things that can happen during childbirth can be traumatic to men and the childbirth section of this book has really prepare my husband for what is to come. Since it is written so lightly, we have been able to discuss the most embarrassing moments already and this has put me at ease.
Do not mistake me this is NOT an educational book that will detail the ins and outs of pregnancy like many other larger texts out there. This is meant to be humorous while still shedding a little light on pregnancy and the changes that happen during and after. If you are looking to learn and know facts about pregnancy I would suggest another read. If you are just trying to keep your husband’s interests peaked during this long process while he has a few laughs this is the book for you. If anything it is a great conversation starter for some of the uncomfortable things that are bound to come up during a pregnancy.
2 people found this helpful
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Riley
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the expecting father!
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2010
Verified Purchase
I ordered this for my fiance when we were expecting our first child. He was in Iraq so it was hard for him to really know what was going on. He knew I was pregnant but it didn't seem real to him until he got home. I sent him this book because it's made for guys and wrote by a guy. It's small enough that he could put it in his cargo pocket and take it with him on missions. He would read it when they were just waiting around being bored. It has a lot of jokes and the book is wrote truly from a man's perspective. My sister also ordered this book for her husband. He was home with her but this made him more aware of what might happen. Most men won't read pregnancy books but this one is just for men and keeps them turning the pages! Definitely recoommend to all expecting fathers!
One person found this helpful
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EMoore
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny for any man!
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2014
Verified Purchase
My husband in a big reader. The novels that are about 4" wide type reader. I gave this to him when we first found out and he loves it. It doesn't give you medical details on what to expect but yet a simple guys perspective on how to support your wife during a pregnancy. It was written with wit and humor.

My husband read through it pretty quick but its funny to hear him quoting it whenever something happens with the pregnancy that now he can relate to hahaha. Pregnancy is not just about the baby but its also about building a support system with your husband when expecting the baby. He wants to be as involved as you. I think this bok is a great buy to start off.
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Dan
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Prep for Expectant Dads
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2007
Verified Purchase
With this book, Ian Davis did a great job of relating material to his target audience with a humorous and informative delivery. It was never boring, and his insights were amusing and insightful.

Bear in mind, this is not a reference book for expecting fathers. If you're looking to this book to thoroughly guide you through the rigors of pregnancy and parenthood, this isn't the right book. You might want to try  The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be, Second Edition , which is a good thorough reference guide that helps to prepare you for the realistic responsibilities that lie ahead. Instead, this is a humorous glossy overview of some of the things you might expect over the next 9 months.

My only gripes are that the book is VERY short, and that it's pricey for what it is. I finished the book in one day during my daily commute, which is a 35 minute bus ride each way. And considering it's basically about the size and length of a pocket pamphlet, it's somewhat overpriced at $10.

However, these are the only things holding it back from being a 5-star review. It's a fun read, and it does accomplish what it sets out to do... to give expectant fathers some perspective on the rigors they are about to face during their introduction to fatherhood.
6 people found this helpful
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Carmen Giambrone
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2010
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This is Carmen's satifeid fiance.
Finally a book made for the men instead of the women. I'm sorry ladies but there is plenty of books out there for you but there is next to none for us guys. My fiance bought this book for me and didn't even tell me about it. When she handed it to me I was like what is this? But then I started reading it and I couldn't put it down i finished reading it in about half a day. This book is not a long but it has everything in it that a guy needs to know and it's just long enough for us to keep us into it. I would advise this to any male even if you don't like to read because of these facts. And it's a great little book to take with you when you need to go to the restroom or when your just sitting around with nothing to do. Females if your looking for a book to buy for your partner in this journey this is it and guys don't be afraid to buy this one you will not regret it.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars More than Expected!
Reviewed in Canada on July 4, 2013
Verified Purchase
This was a great purchase! The item was listed as used, but it was brand new! I couldn't see any damage or use on it! It arrived quickly!
It beat my expectations. Thanks!
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Nicole Komisarow
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for husbands!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for my husband just because of the title. I really LOVED the book because it really explains what happens and what to expect through out pregnancy. It was really good, because it goes through what happens in the US and what I really know (because I am from the US). It is making my husband really see the differences between Sewden and the US.

The book is not long, it took me about 2-3 hours, but for DH who is not a big reader he loved that the book was not long. It is funny and has tons of sarcasm.
One person found this helpful
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Rob
5.0 out of 5 stars Great and funny book.
Reviewed in Germany on March 8, 2013
Verified Purchase
A friend recommended this book to me after hearing we were going to have a child. While it is not the best for learning about what to do with a child it is very funny. A nice quick read. =)
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P. Alexander
3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad at all
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2007
Verified Purchase
Funny and also quite re-assuring, the only thing that really lets this down is that it's by an American author, so as soon as the book refers to doctors or hospitals, it results in many pointless paragraphs from the European perspective. However, it's nice to hear as a father to be that all the stuff you're freaking out about is going to be fine and that all your worries (yes, even the ones you dare not speak of about) are reasonable - but everything's going to be fine. That's all the book sets out to do and that's what it achieves. Hardly earth shattering, but a good 15 minute read, nonetheless.

And, Ian Davis (author) one star immediately removed for having your daughter's ears pierced at three months. You muppet.
One person found this helpful
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Tara
4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read. Useful.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2014
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Good book. My husband read only this leading up to birth of our first child.
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