Things My Son Needs to Know About the World

Fredrik Backman, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, shares his irresistible and moving collection of heartfelt and humorous essays about fatherhood, providing his newborn son with the perspective and tools he’ll need to make his way in the world.\nThings My Son Needs to Know About the World are the personal dispatches from a man on the front lines of one of the most daunting experiences a man can experience: fatherhood.\nCapturing his profound awe of experiencing all the firsts that fill him with wonder, Fredrik Backman explores the expectations parents feel to always do the right thing. As any new parent can relate, the intense pressure to not fail may cause you to bundle your child so they’ll be ready for a day on the tundra—only to forget to put on his shoes.\nIn between the sleep-deprived nights and wonderful highs, Backman takes a step back to share the true story of falling in love with a woman who is his complete opposite, and learning to live a life that revolves around the people you care about unconditionally. Alternating between funny side notes and longer essays offering his son advice as he grows up and ventures out into the world, Backman relays the big and small lessons in life, including:\n-How to find the team you belong to
-Why airports explain everything about religion and war
-The reason starting a band is crucial to cultivating and keeping friendships
-How to beat Monkey Island 3
-Why, sometimes, a dad might hold onto his son’s hand just a little too tight\nUltimately, this is a beautifully wrought and insightful collection, perfect for new parents and fans of Backman’s “unparalleled understanding of human nature” (Shelf Awareness). As he eloquently reminds us, “You can be whatever you want to be, but that’s nowhere near as important as knowing that you can be exactly who you are.”