Rules for My Unborn Son
Walker Lamond’s 1001 Rules for My Unborn Son first came to my attention courtesy of Plaidy of the Week, Joanna Goddard. A treasure trove of life’s lessons, famous quotes, and the occasional tune — required listening, if you will — it was only a matter of time before Mr. Lamond’s brilliant idea was discovered by a saavy publisher and made available in book form. October 27th sees the release of Rules for My Unborn Son.
Thanks to Mr. Lamond and the good people at St. Martin’s Griffin, I recently acquired an advanced copy, and upon inspection, this tome is terrific. With its goldenrod color, its simple, perfunctory graphics, its inclusion of classic black and white photos, and its well-spaced type, it has the look and feel of an antique children’s hardback.
“Don’t be a mooch.” Words to live by. Mind you, I say that about a book I received for free.
Among the rules which I’ve starred, hoping to commit them to memory, some of my favorites are:
# Be a good listener. Don’t just wait your turn to talk.
# Close the door, turn it up, dork out.
# Men should not wear sandals. Ever.
I’m particularly fond of the last one. One summer, in an attempt to be the good roommate, coming home late one evening, I left the lights off in the common area as I briskly shuffled to my room. My roommates failed to inform me they rearranged the furniture that day. One toenail later, I no longer wear sandals. I’m certain we all have similar anecdotes for many of the rules Mr. Lamond has compiled here.
What sets this manual apart is the addition of checklists at the end: “Required Listening for Boys” and “Essential Reading for Boys.”
You better believe I rushed to set up an iTunes playlist the instant I discovered the “Required Listening.” While I’ll forgive Mr. Lamond for omitting any presence of Van Morrison, the inclusion of any latter day Rolling Stones’ number is just shameful. I only kid.
It’s a really fun book, one which I will certainly pass onto my sons and nephews someday. I’ve already added two copies to my holiday shopping list. Thanks, Mr. Lamond, for providing me the opportunity to preview your spectacular read.
Check his site. There’s been talk of a tour. Look for Rules coming to a town near you very soon.
Walker Lamond talks about Rules on Washington DC’s ABC affiliate, WJLA’s Let’s Talk Live.
*Also worth reading, Mr. Lamond’s Things My Father Taught Me on all plaidout.
Walker Lamond, author of Rules for My Unborn Son.
