Walker Lamond

An easy book to breeze through, filled with thoughtful pearls of wisdom. Some of the "rules" brought a smile on my face because they seemed so very appropriate for a boy of a particular age (what 12-year-old wouldn't benefit from the rule that states, "When excusing yourself from the table, you need not give a reason."), and some of the quotations or rules sent a chill up my spine, but only because I know the context that a young boy might not yet know (Churchill's quotation: "It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.").

Reading through these rules is undoubtedly more useful for a father (or mother) than a strainght read for a son. That is because it reminds fathers of many things that are important to teach sons. The rules are particular statements pulled from general, though unstated, principles, such as treat women with respect, be humble, and remain loyal to friends even when it's not easy. Boys need to learn the principles, and fathers need to be reminded of them even though they may already know them.

Overall, a very worthwhile book.… (altro)

I loved this book. The snippets of advice throughout the book are simple, yet germane. I found myself constantly thinking of how my own siblings, and even my parents, would react to the myriad of tips contained within the pages.

The 'rules' cover a wide range of topics, from where to sit in a roller coaster (the first seat), to what to wear to a funeral (a dark suit, there's no reason to own a black one), to how to treat people (treat girls with respect, they have brothers that can beat you up).

I would give it to any of my friends that are expecting a child, whether it's a boy or a girl. Not all of the rules are geared towards men and boys, and even the ones that are can be shifted ever so slightly for a female perspective. I even think it could make a good baby shower activity, all the guests coming up with rules for the unborn child to live by.

Ever since I got my copy, I've been opening it up in the morning, to a random page, and reading one of the rules on the page, and using it as a thought for the day. A rule like "Unless you have served in the armed forces, no fatigues" isn't just about fatigues. You can see how it's about not pretending to be someone you're not, or not claiming respect given to a group of people that you're not part of.

I loved the book. I giggled at some of the rules, I scoffed at some, I got teary eyed at some, and whether or not they were all rules I agreed with, they were all true bits of wisdom that any of us could afford to consider from time to time.… (altro)