Fathers' Race: A Book About Paternity Book

Any parent, or indeed prospective parent, who has attempted to buy a practical guide to the agonies and ecstasies ahead of them will know that there are dozens of first hand accounts written by mothers--wry, sentimental, flippant and sensible are all available--but not so much from the father's point of view. There are undoubtedly many good social and psychological reasons for this imbalance, but these need concern us no longer because Charles Jennings' terrific book about paternity now fills any gaps both for the wannabe dad and the seasoned campaigner. Based on personal experience, Jennings takes the story right through from pre-conception to Those Difficult Conversations About Sex 10 years later. "When something comes up on TV like breasts or adult language I do the pitiable grown-up's dodge of starting to answer then breaking off to point out (with mad and totally unfamiliar enthusiasm) some item of interest which has taken it's place in the screen (What an interesting tree!)". The man's role in the birth itself--surprisingly important--sleepless nights, school, birthday parties, discipline--it's all here and all delivered in a seductive combination of authority and vulnerability. But best of all this book solves one of the most perennially tricky problems of modern life. What to actually get a father for Father's Day.Read More