How Not to Be a Boy

By: Robert Webb

Narrated by: Robert Webb

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

Critic reviews

"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)

Brilliant!

Honest, profound, real, funny and serious. A great read, a must read especially for parents of boys.

Just Wonderful

Story, performance, topics were just spectacular. I very much enjoyed everything, now if I can just get my kids (adult) to listen.

Amazing Memoir

Amazing memoir. I read this because I'm a fan of Robert Webb, but even if Ive never heard of him this book would have resonated with me the same. He touches on gender "roles" perfectly as well as genuinely being funny most the time, except the sad parts, which are sad in the right amount.

A great read

Having watch Mitchel and Webb and enjoyed their talent and work I read one of David Mitchell’s books and wanted to read one by Rob Webb. He is a talented story teller. His story reveals how he came to be who he is. He is honest, funny and shares the difficult experiences that influenced his craft.

One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read/listened to. It’s moving, funny, painful and enlightening book (though those words really don’t seem to do the book justice) from which I’ve scribbled down many, many, many passages to keep on hand. While it supported and crystallized beautiful many of the thoughts and perspectives I share, I was taken aback and moved to tears by how Mr. Webb, by sharing his own experiences, guided me towards areas I didn’t know I’d been avoiding. This book, more than any other I’ve read, truly feels like LIFE.

Bravo.