Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood

by Michael Lewis

Book Overview

When he became a father, Michael Lewis found himself expected to feel things that he didn't feel, and to do things that he couldn't see the point of doing. At first this made him feel guilty, until he realized that all around him fathers were pretending to do one thing, to feel one way, when in fact they felt and did all sorts of things, then engaged in what amounted to an extended cover-up.

Lewis decided to keep a written record of what actually...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039306901X
• ISBN13: 9780393069013
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful for all parents, not just fathers!

As a grandparent, I loved reading this. It made me laugh to remember all the equally maddening times of raising children, and gave me much greater empathy for my children now raising children of their own. The stories are remarkably honest as well as endearing! Thank goodness, we are in a time when fathers get to share the priviledge, work, and joys of bringing up their kids.

Hilarious - worth the quick read

First of all, I'm a huge fan of Michael Lewis. So be warned that I might be a little bit biased. I've read just about everything he's written - Moneyball, The Blind Side, Liar's Poker, Next, The New New Thing, his articles in Portfolio, etc. I really enjoy his style, humor, and the way he brings the human element into the stories he tells. This is one of the funniest books I've read. It's a short book (I read it on a cross-country flight with plenty of time to spare) but it's hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud and had tears from laughing so hard a few times. Was it as interesting as the stories about football or baseball from The Blind Side or Moneyball? Probably not. Was it as entertaining or more? Absolutely. Some of the other reviewers are put off because Lewis has a nanny or has had a very successful career. Does that bother me? No. Others think he whines. I disagree. He's telling funny stories. If you want to read some funny stories and can deal with (or enjoy) some sarcasm and wit along the way, you'll enjoy this book. If you will be upset because he has a nanny, then don't read the book. This book is entertaining. It's funny. It's not a how to guide for parenting. I don't think he wrote it to gain sympathy for the challenges he's faced. He obviously enjoys writing, enjoys the income it provides for him and his family, enjoys sharing this with others, and enjoys entertaining. If you want to be entertained by some stories about his family, you'll enjoy it. If you are looking for an author to relate to and sympathize with, maybe this isn't for you. Highly recommended for the entertainment and humor.

Blah, blah, blah: Another memorable work from one of America's great writers

Micheal Lewis has hit another home run! A brief book about fatherhood, this one reads like butter. Can be read in one or two sittings quite easily. Lewis is taking a break from writing about weightier subjects such as money and ...um....football, and tackles what for most is the most important job of their lives: fatherhood. Lewis is obviously a loving and devoted father, but admits uncomfortable truths about his feelings toward newborn children: they are kinda needy! A refreshing and delightful effort from a man who can make just about any undertaking fascinating. Very highly recommended for all readers!

If you're a dad, read this book.

I have often said that being a father is both the best thing and the hardest thing I've ever done. This book parlays much of this ideal in a humorous way that should appeal to both new and old father's alike. The introduction had me laughing uncontrollably to which my wife asked what got my goat and so I read to her the highlights. However, as I continued to read I began to realize that women, or at least my wife, should avoid this book because it does delve into the male mindset enough to make me hide my copy for fear that my she might begin to see some of the absurdities of fatherhood. With that, every dad should read this book because it takes a very funny approach for many of the steps within early fatherhood (births, hospitals, children's minds, vasectomies, the woman who really runs the show, and so forth). As the father of three young children I keep thinking that one day I'll truly be appreciated by my wife and kids, but as Michael Lewis demonstrates, we are mere bystanders in our own lives. With this knowledge, I think the author points out with the birth of his son (Walker) that we get what we invest in our relationships and even though we are mentally and physically exhausted each day, we must find humor and strength for the fleeting time that is fatherhood.