Dads and Dad-ability

I recently had the opportunity to review comic and award winning filmmaker Chris Mancini’s book “Pacify Me – A handbook for the freaked-out new dad”. The book delivers everything you expect from a comic come involved dad. It’s short, funny and contains lots of references to cult movies, TV shows, music and baby toys. Ah yes, and it covers all the weird and wonderful feelings, situations and experiences fathers (and in this case Chris) typically go through on their journey from lad to dad.

The book starts off with Chris freaking out about his becoming a father which prompted him to visit a psychiatrist (haven’t we all considered that move). From the initial feeling of “my life is over” Chris makes his way up the emotional (and sometimes physical) rollercoaster ride that is the parenting journey. The book pretty much covers each and every thought that could possibly be going through a new dads’ head on the fatherhood journey (and some that definitely only went through Chris’ head). He even solves the essential questions as to ‘why’ guys are so freaked out about becoming a dad.

He’s not a comic for nothing – so the book makes for a very entertaining read with lots of references to films, shows, songs and evil toy manufacturers. His pregnancy-birth-babyhood analogies include some of the more obvious ones like Alien (honestly guys – who hasn’t thought of that one during birth) to the more sophisticated ones like Monty Python’s machine with the ping, to the geographically enlightened (yes Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand) to the outright bizarre (Babylon Five … I’m assuming he included it because it starts with the word Baby). Anyway – it’s funny and that’s the most important thing about a book for new dads.

One of the chapters I enjoyed the most was his take on “Myths and truths about having a child”. Chris says it like it is – e.g. no man finds a pregnant woman attractive and the “glow” of a pregnant woman is definitely a myth (heck yeah to that). Also noteworthy is the section on watching TV and videos. Nice to see Chris taking a stand for sensible watching and for his perspective on children’s programmes – which is pretty good coming from someone who knows his way around the industry (if you like the Wiggles – skip Chapter 19).

All in all definitely worth the 15 bucks (hey even pizzas cost $8 these days right)? Or just tell your wife or relatives you need this book and get it as a gift. Nobody ever knows what to give an expectant dad – so here’s a good option for ya!

Book Details: “A Handbook for the Freaked-Out New Dad”
Author: Chris Mancini
Published by: Simon Spotlight Entertainment

Enjoy,

Stefan