It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Things My Son Needs to Know About The World

Things My Son Needs to Know About The World

Summary

Things My Son Needs To Know About The World is a tender and funny series of letters from a new father to his son about one of life's most daunting experiences: parenthood

From the 18 million copy internationally bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
________

'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'

In between the sleep-obsessed lows and oxytocin-fuelled highs, Backman takes a step back to share his own experience of fatherhood and how he navigates such unchartered territory.

Part memoir, part manual, part love letter to his son, this book relays the big and the small lessons in life.

As he watches his son take his first steps into the world, he teaches him how to navigate both love - and IKEA - and tries to explain why, sometimes, his dad might hold his hand just a little bit too tightly.

This is an irresistible and insightful collection from one of the world's most beautiful storytellers - the bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown.

________

Praise for Fredrick Backman:

'A mature, compassionate novel' Sunday Times

'Will, funny, and almost unbearably moving' Daily Mail

'You'll love this engrossing novel' People

'Backman is a masterful writer' Kirkus Review

Reviews

  • Some snort-out-your-drink moments, a lot of the parenting advice/stories rings true. The audiobook highlights the hilarity of the author's compositions, the narrator bringing his work to life with gusto. I laughed aloud while walking and driving at times
    NB Magazine (for the audiobook)

About the author

Fredrik Backman

Number 1 New York Times bestseller FREDRIK BACKMAN made his literary debut in 2012 with the global sensation A Man Called Ove - now a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks. Wickedly funny, touching and wise, Fredrik Backman's novels are odysseys of the ordinary man and woman, and stunningly moving tales of everyday courage. Up to now, Fredrik Backman has written seven highly acclaimed novels, two heartfelt novellas about life and love, and one non-fiction book about parenthood. His books have sold more than 18 million copies in 46 languages and the Swedish film adaption of A Man Called Ove was nominated for two Academy Awards. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more