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How Not to Be a Boy

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How Not to Be a Boy

Written by: Robert Webb
Narrated by: Robert Webb
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About this listen

Rules for Being a Man:

  • Don't cry
  • Love sport
  • Play rough
  • Drink beer
  • Don't talk about feelings

But Robert Webb has been wondering for some time now: are those rules actually any use? To anyone?

Looking back over his life, from schoolboy crushes (on girls and boys) to discovering the power of making people laugh (in the Cambridge Footlights with David Mitchell), and from losing his beloved mother to becoming a husband and father, Robert Webb considers the absurd expectations boys and men have thrust upon them at every stage of life. Hilarious and heartbreaking, How Not to Be a Boy explores the relationships that made Robert who he is as a man, the lessons we learn as sons and daughters, and the understanding that sometimes you aren't the Luke Skywalker of your life - you're actually Darth Vader.

©2017 Robert Webb (P)2017 Audible, Ltd Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Funny Witty

What the critics say

"Quite simply brilliant. I (genuinely) cried. I (genuinely) laughed out loud. It's profound, touching, personal yet universal. I loved it." (JK Rowling)
"Takes us deftly from hilarity to heart-stopping hurt.... A truly great read." (Dawn French)
"A witty and honest coming-of-age story." (Ian Rankin)
"If you have ever loved, liked or known a man, please read this book." (Katy Brand)
"A brilliant, brave book." (Matt Lucas)
All stars
Most relevant
Jez is a funny man-boy. He seems like he's probably a nice guy in real life.probably.

book review

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A strikingly relevant perspective on gender roles and conditioning delivered with charm and wit. Highly recommended

Fun, brilliant, witty commentary

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I love Peep Show so I thought I'd give this a go...and I'm happy I did.
I do not have a boy, but i reflect on the way that we're raised now and how I was raised. Being in touch with your feelings from a young age will help build a stronger man in the future. Ditch the macho BS and just be human and interact in a manner that makes you feel good and adequate always.

Solid listen from someone funny

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it was very interesting to get that point of growing up, the struggle of keeping emotions in can do. I did love the book. And the Story. However I found it a little confusing jumping around time frames and he spoke just a little to fast. But I highly sugest this read. its been awhile since I've laughed so loud from a book.

Great listen

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Loved this book. Well narrated and written story that made me laugh out loud. Great story telling.

Funny and endearing

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Loved Robert Webb's frank, intelligent telling of a story. The fact that it's his life makes it feel like an honour to hear. Brilliant.

Moving affirming and funny

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