Nubze

I just finished reading The Hair-Raising Joys of Raising Boys by Dave Meurer. It was published originally in 1999, and enjoyed its seventh print in 2007. If you can over-look the Christian references, the book is a smart and funny look at those crazy things boys do. And, since all fathers were boys at some point in the past (some argue, men remain boys, just in bigger bodies), we find the humor in, and relate to, the way our sons think and act – much to the disapproval of their mothers. I enjoyed the book because Meurer’s anecdotes made me feel like I wasn’t the only father that: a) had a son who does stupid things; and, b) does stupid things himself.

The chapter on boys pretending to understand what you are saying as they wait for you to finally shut up so they can go play, is priceless. I say that only because it happens to me all the time. And, the chapter on camping with boys is spot on as he discusses that boys+dirt+wildlife+mosquito spray = mayhem. Even though I don’t fish, I totally relate to his discussion of his boys throwing rocks in the water. Spencer likes to do that, as well as hurl them at trees, squirrels, whatever, right at the same time I want to take in the quiet beauty of nature. In a future post I will share about the time I found big holes dug in the dirt all about the campsite as a result of Spencer’s and his friends’ search for gold.

Click on the image of the book to read more reviews or to order. It’s only six bucks, and I think it is money well spent.