Not wishing to lead by example, Tim Dowling, does however have over 20 years of husbandly experience to offer those who would like to ask; Tim, how can I be a good husband? Guardian readers and ardent followers of Tim Dowling’s column will have some inkling of what to expect, others can start here for an answer to marital accord/discord written with some (light) black humour, wit and warmth.
Reviewed by Sue Baker Sue Baker has for many years been a regular non-fiction reviewer to the book trade and is one of Lovereading's founder book experts. More reviews by Sue Baker
'You'll whoosh through this book with cheery hoots of laughter... Dowling's a very fresh and smart writer... There's a proper laugh every couple of pages... But as well as being funny, which he has to be, Dowling is sometimes plangent... and he is more often than not wise... there's pleasure and treasure here' Sam Leith, Guardian
'There's no denying [HOW TO BE A HUSBAND'ss] enormous readability ... Dowling's frequently hilarious Bildungsroman, detailing his evolution from feckless layabout to equally feckless husband and father, offers wisdom, insight and laugh-out-loud one-liners in equal measure ... Gloriously entertaining' Alexander Larman, Observer
'This isn't a self-help book ... What [Dowling] has done, effectively, is invent an entirely new genre in literature: that of the self-hinder book ... A rare delight.' Spectator
'Less a self-help than a self-hinder book, the Guardian columnist's account of how he has coped with the challenges of matrimony (answer: badly) should really be called How Not To Be a Husband. It only makes one joke, but it makes it extremely well.' Thomas Hodgkinson, Spectator, Books of the Year
'A charming book that claims erroneously, not to be a self-help guide. I've read it. My wife has read it. Divorce has been postponed, at least to Boxing Day.' Sunday Times, Books of the Year
Author
About Tim Dowling
Journalist Tim Dowling was born in Connecticut and moved to the UK at the age of 29. He is the author of 4 books (so far) including a novel, 'The Giles Wareing Haters' Club'. His popular weekly Guardian column has charted the ups and downs of family life, and his largely unsuccessful attempts to be recognised as a competent father and husband, combining self-deprecating humour with a perverse optimism.
How to be a Husband features in the following genres: Non-Fiction Books of the Month, Biographies & Autobiographies, Humour, eBooks of the Month, Recommendations, Biography, Literature and Literary studies, Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure
Paperback, Ebook. £5.29. Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply..
How to be a Husband was written by Tim Dowling and published by Penguin Publishing Group
£5.29. Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply..
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