Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend
Author: Felicity Huffman & Patricia Wolff
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN: 1401302912 & 9781401302917
Release Date: January 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Non-fiction
Year/Setting:
Overall rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: Sexual (explicit references)
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: Extreme
Violent Content Rating: N/A
Felicity's Website: felicity-huffman.com
Patricia's Info: www.hyperionbooks.com/author.asp?ID=Wolff
Probably over the span of decades, G(irl)F(riend)s everywhere have wished for a handbook for their B(oy)F(riend)s. Maybe as a potential or past BF you’ve wished for one, too. After all, GF’s can be a hard species to understand (we’re an exclusive club), and maybe a little nudge or enlightenment would help.
Well, it’s here. A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend. Just about everything you ever wanted to know about a GF is covered in this book. You’ll find out why you’re in trouble when you give her the gift you thought she’d love. You’ll learn how clothes do make the man. You’ll get dos and don’ts in preparation for that first date. In other words, the inside scoop to dating and your GF’s mind is in the pages of this book. Some of it anyway.
But guys, this isn’t a one size fits all how-to manual. It’s a guide. Not every single point, scenario, or analogy is going to apply to you or your GF. Some of it may never apply.
So don’t moan and blame the Practical Handbook when your GF slaps your face for over zealously trying something from the chapter on sex (yes, a whole chapter is devoted to the subject). Don’t get irritated because you took the chapter on communication as written-in-stone and things backfire. There may be some things you might get away with, like calling when you only have a few minutes to spare to avoid a long conversation (but be sincere, will ya?). But some of you might not get away with calling when you know she’s not going to be home. Maybe she knows you know she’s not going to be home. Or perhaps her plans change and she’s there to take the call.
Time to adapt, add your own touches. All GF’s and situations are different, you know, not textbook. And most of us are worth a bit of the effort and understanding it will take to be a great BF.
Some may find parts of the book offensive as it has both a raunchy side and explicit language. Frankly, I thought the book could have stood on its own merit with the authors sharp wit and knowledge of not only the fairer sex (they are members of the club), but also of BF’s.
Did I agree with everything said/suggested? No. However, Ms. Huffman and Ms. Wolff open a window of opportunity here, guys. They have scores of excellent thoughts and ideas and "recipes" waiting for you to turn them into gold. You could be headed down the road to becoming a dream BF before you know it.
Not to be taken too seriously, Practical Handbook is a humorous yet insightful guide into the world of being a, if not fantastic, good BF. Not a bad gift idea for the BF without a clue. Or the husband who may need a clue.
But ladies, if you give this as a gift, you might want to read it first so you’ll be prepared. Maybe have a couple dozen self-stick page flags handy...
Connie
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