Babyhood

Description

"Babyhood" begins on an airplane, with Paul and wife blissfully unencumbered by children. They are seated across from the young parents (graying before his eyes) of a terrorizing 2-year-old and a screeching infant. This sobering reality manages magically to pale in a transcendent moment of the baby's bliss, uncomplicated by drool or colic, and the two decide: Now. Well, more or less now. First they try to get pregnant, making expeditions to the bookstore to case out the shelves of baby books; then there are the bouncy reflections on who is, after all, cut out to parent (I don't know if, for example, Mozart actually had kids, but certainly there is no record of him ever leaving the office early to coach Peewee Soccer League). Later comes the account of sibling rivalry between the newborn and the family dog, and why women make better moms than men. "Babyhood" is a thought-provoking exploration of the important questions of when and why to have children, many of which are answered in the book's endearing and often hilarious details. Reiser shares insights into a host of subjects that one doesn't necessarily consider when approaching parenthood.

Reviews

"This book hits home and hits the funnybone, for the couple considering parenthood as well as for parents who are decades past their days of diaper changing."--"Chicago Tribune"Reiser knows how to wrench a laugh from sticky situations. And in his life, since his firstborn arrived, every situation has been sticky or moist."--"Los Angeles Times"A fun read...Paul Reiser has put his delightfully humorous touch on life as a new parent."--"San Antonio Express-News"This book won't help you be a better parent, but it might put you in a better frame of mind about the whole experience..."Babyhood will be a nice read while you're rocking your own little one's cradle."--"Detroit News"An out-loud laugh on every page...Paul Reiser is one of the few stand-up comics-turned-sitcom-stars who can be genuinely funny in print..if you are thinking about having a baby, Reiser's "Babyhood is your indispensible...guide."--"San Francisco Chronicle

Author description

As a seasoned actor, writer, and stand-up comedian, Paul Reiser has appeared in many films and television shows, including co-creating and starring in the critically acclaimed NBC series, Mad About You. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Couplehood, and the follow-up, Babyhood and most recently Familyhood. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids.