Product Description

I'm going to be totally honest. This is not the kind of book that can help you. It's not a "how-to," "when-to," a "what-to-expect" book. It's not even endorsed by anyone remotely connected to the medical profession. (Although a cousin of mine who sells carpeting to doctors' offices not only found it "insightful" and "informative," but felt that, "if properly vacuumed, it should last a lifetime.")

"A fine endorsement," you say. "But if I have only one book to buy, shouldn't I go for the helpful one?"

Let's compare:
Those "know-it-all" books tell you how to have a happy, healthy pregnancy.
My book mentions a squirrel.
Those books tell you how to care for a newborn child.
My book describes how tired I am.
Those books give you essential information you can use in a life-threatening emergency.
My book has some very amusing anecdotes about poop.

So really, it's up to you. If you want to be prepared and well-informed, I understand. But if you enjoy seeing the words "pterodactyl" and "uterus" in the same book, you've come to the right place.

Reiser shares insights into a host ofsubjects that one doesn't necessarily consider when approachingparenthood. For instance, while attending a barbecue party, he findshimself discussing body parts and body functions not usually tossedaround with strangers. "I certainly understand in theory that ifyou're going through an event as universal and wondrous as childbirth,and especially if you're having difficulties, there is benefit insharing. But the reality is I ... I don't feel like discussing mygenitalia with anybody." Reiser's enthusiasm for his subject isapparent, which makes for a humorous foray into the magical world ofBabyhood. (Running time: 200 minutes, four cassettes) --Colleen Preston ... Read more

Customer Reviews (59)

Simply hysterical...
I always liked Paul Reiser on "Mad About You," but I had no idea what to expect with this book.Just because someone is funny on screen doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be funny as an author.Well, Mr. Reiser's "Babyhood," a simple account of his journey into becoming a father, is absolutely hysterical.I don't think I'm exaggerating to say that I have never before laughed out-loud so frequently while reading a book.And not only was it extremely funny, but as a new dad myself, there were many sweet moments, too, that I can now fully appreciate and understand.

To be clear, this is not a how-to guide for pregnancy and child-rearing.There may be a few helpful nuggets slipped in the cracks, but I would not suggest that you read this book for helpful advice.There are other books written specifically as guides into the crazy world of parenthood and offer much more substantive insight for the curious and uninformed.But if you think that having a baby is worth laughing about, I highly recommend "Babyhood" as an easy book to read that is well worth the time and packed full of genuine laughs.

Very funny!
Excellent light hearted read.My go to book gift for good friends/family newly pregnant

A book to soften the blow.
You could buy this book and laugh your heart out even if you're not a parent or a parent-to-be...
if you're "expecting", chances are this book will ease you into the wonders and not-so-wonders of parenthood...
I am months away from being a father (fingers crossed) and this book is already my new bible!

Not just for Dads....
This is such a funny, funny book that is not just for dads.His humor is contagious and you feel the love for his baby and wife while laughing hysterically!Being a parent can be so funny and he reminds us to see the humor in our everyday life.A must read for anyone thinking about having a baby, or anyone who has them already.

fuuny! You can really relate!
You can really relate to this book if you've just had a baby and been pregnant. It feels comforting to hear all your own feelings were felt by someone else. And because it's a lighthearted, funny book, it's easy to read. I had a great time reading this book! Give it as a baby shower gift! It's so much better than reading scary pregnancy books. ... Read more

Product Description
In the tradition of the #1 best-sellerSeinLanguage, Bantam Books proudly presents the first bookby Paul Reiser, television's sharpest, funniestobserver of love, marriage and other mysteries oflife. A veteran comic performer, Reiser is best-knownas the co-creator and star of the highly-rated NBCcomedy, "Mad About You", whichTime Magazine called "The season'sbest new sitcom"in its 1992 debut. EveryThursday night more than twenty million viewers watchas Paul Reiser reveals the most intimate andhilarious scenes of a marriage. Now for the first time,Reiser brings his trademark wit to the page in abook that will delight his eagerly-awaitingaudience, and anyone else who has ever fallen in love--ortried not to. In Couplehood, a New York Timesbestseller for more than 40 weeks, Reiser reflects onwhat it means to be half of a couple -- everythingfrom the science of hand holding, to the techniqueof tag-team storytelling, to the politics of foodand why it always seems to come down to chicken orfish. Amazon.com Review
A popular standup comic's gentle riffs on the non-single state.Buy two -- one for yourself, one for your significant other -- and readthem in bed together.If you laugh at the same parts, give yourselvestwo points; when you have 10,000 points, write to Paul Reiserand tell him what a great marriage you have and how funny his book is. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

Stand up commedy in a book
Paul Reiser is a bit wacky in this book, e.g., he starts on Page 141.It reads like a stand-up comedy routine.Normally, I like humor, but for some reason I found myself getting tired of his style of writing.There are witticisms throughout the book, but I began to feel like I was on a treasure hunt for them.

It is an easy read, and was well received when published.So you may enjoy it.

Clever and Funny, couldnt let it down until the last page
As soon I began reading this book I really couldn't let go of it. It's very rare, for me at least, for a book to hook me completely. I'm not an avid reader, I try my best though. This was my first book reading in about 5 years. when I began reading the flap I immediately knew I was gonna love it. Paul Reiser has a way of presenting the story so humorously and entertaining that you will forget to turn on the TV or go on Facebook.

While the book is in certain ways dated, in terms of the technology mentioned in the book (answering machines, VCR's) yet all of this is dismissible and can be excused easily. The essential parthere is what the book offers. In the world of relationships it is clearly difficult and confusing...at leat the majority of the time. The book in many ways says very little that we don't know, but yet gives a lot we should know. It's mostly common sense. That's what makes the book a winner, the way Reiser presents daily scenarios that are so simplistic and relevant but we take for granted. one perfect example in the book is how as a single male you really don't care for what you put on...but as soon as you get married things change. common phrases one will hear as a male is "you are not planning to wear that right?"

It's best if I don't ruin more, it's really worth the read. this one can be finished in a day or two. In the end you will want to read iot again, due to its clever and funny presentation of life as a couple and contrasting it to that of one as a single. Reiser a comedian uses all his best attributes here to make the book as easy as it can be. big text, simple sentences and short chapters. there is no way no one can pick this up and say it's complicated. so definitely pick this one up. will not be disappointed at all.

Only one page out of the whole book is funny.
Only one page out of the whole book is funny. On that page, he talks about where people usually scrub again and again while taking a bath.

Funny
I pick this book up from time to time when I am too overwhelmed to pick up anything heavier, and just need a restful laugh. It always does the trick.

Reiser's humor comes from toggling between all-too-real depictions of common relational insanity and exaggerated worst-case scenarios of the same. It's very easy to relate to, and thus the laughs just flow.

But underpinning much of the humor is a relational paradigm mentioned more than once - that relationship in reality is nothing more than a constant change of who gets to take a turn being "selfish". From the way he talks about it, it seemed more than just a humorous opinion - which is unfortunate.

You don't have to be a married couple to enjoy this book. If you've been in a relationship, wish you were in a relationship, or have been a friend to someone in a relationship, you'll find something to laugh at all the way through.

Better Than Therapy
Thanks Paul Reiser! Your book has helped to achieve what four therapists and a mound of self-help books couldn't. Laughter truly is the best medicine and Paul is excellent at getting us to laugh about the nitty-gritty ins and outs of the marital relationship. (All puns intended.) Do not under estimate this little paper back.

This book is fun as well as healing. The truth hurts and marriage can be difficult, but when we have a good laugh about it, that's what makes for a great book, and a good marriage. This book has been around for a long time and so has Paul, butI just read it and would give it to any 22 year old who is thinking about marriage or living with a girl friend. I would also give it to an older couple so they can get a few laughs out of all that time spent in "marital bliss". Thanks to Paul you can feel once again like you belong to a special "in" club of people who enjoy marriage and know what it's all about. Thanks Paul! ... Read more

Product Description
Robin Williams, Michael J. Fox, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg these are just a few of the luminaries featured in Hollywood Dads. Photographer Joyce Ostin, renowned for her New York Times bestseller Hollywood Moms, goes behind the scenes to capture 50 famous fathers with their children. Joyce's intimate portraits reveal a familial candor seldom seen in a paparazzo's stolen shot Bruce Willis in a huddle with his daughters and Ashton Kutcher, surfer Laird Hamilton romping with his toddler on the beach, and many more. With an introduction by Paul Reiser and parenting wisdom from these dads sprinkled throughout, Hollywood Dads celebrates fatherhood and proves that to their kids, these men aren't celebrities . . . they're just "Dad." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Stars?
I gave this book two stars bz the photography was good but I didn't even know most of the "stars" who were pictured.I was expecting very well known faces and was disappointed not to see them.Also, the picture of Kiefer Sutherland is at least 15 years old.I was hoping for a current picture of him with his daughter and that's why I bought the book.

Hollywood Dads
The photo of Gabriel Byrne with his daughter is awesome.If you had to define "tenderness" with a photo, this would be that photo.Of course I am a Gabriel Byrne fan, and that's why I purchased this book.

Hollywood Dads
For Christmas,I purchased this book for my son-in-law and husband.On the pages before the title page I placed pictures of children, and grandkids for my husband.

Hollywood Dads
I was really taken with this book.The photos are so incredibly sweet and really capture the actor with his children.Having a book like this helps you understand what's really important.Family.While we all appreciate these mens' contributions to show business, seeing them in such a private setting makes all we've already seen even better.

Excellent Book
I was very hesitant to buy this book when I first learned about it because I was really only interested in one Hollywood Dad.However, once the book was in my hands, I discovered it was an absolutely superb book.The photos are outstanding, and I loved Joyce Ostin's comments about meeting each of the celebrities.The subjects' comments about being Dads were pretty great too.Without a doubt, it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. ... Read more

Product Description
Word count: 1353. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Bobby Mcdermott, Buddy Jeannette, Ed Sadowski, Dick Triptow, Chick Reiser, Curly Armstrong, Paul Birch, Charley Shipp. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 26. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Robert "Bobby" McDermott (January 7, 1914 in Whitestone, Queens, New York October 3, 1963 in Yonkers, New York) was an American professional basketball player, in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known as an outstanding shooter and has been called "the greatest long-distance shooter in the history of the game" by contemporaries. During the 1940s the most common offenses were motion offenses that were supposed to open up players close to the goal. This was because most players were awful shooters. The most common defenses were zones, that clogged passing lanes and packed the paint. For zone defense to be successful, all the defenders have to be close together and close to the goal. Bob spread the defenders like nobody ever did before or has since. He was an accurate shooter for his day but not legendarily accurate. His free throw percentage was below 80% most of his career and he used a two-handed set shot from the chest that was easy to block. However, he could score from anywhere within the half court. Al Cervi, a great defensive player who often had to guard him, said of McDermott, "Oh, he could shoot! If he shot ten times from thirty feet, I'd guarantee he'd make eight in game conditions." Through sheer athleticism, and power he could shoot from almost anywhere on the court. At a time when most teams played a deliberate slow-up style and scoring less than 30 wasn't just common, it was expected, Bob McDermott frequently scored more than 20 points, and scored as many as 36. McDermott dropped out of high school after just one year, and was picked up by the Brooklyn Visitations after making ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=1719807 ... Read more