How Not to Be a Boy

By: Robert Webb

Narrated by: Robert Webb

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

This is a gem

Huge fan, it was so great, did not disappoint. Clever, honest, Funny and So relatable.

A new favorite

I love Robert Webb and his brand of dry sardonicism. While humorous, this book is basically part memoir, part exploration of gender roles and expectations, and part therapy session for him- with we the readers (and listeners) as the therapists. The honesty he gives us throughout is cathartic and refreshing.

Brilliant; Cannot Recommend Enough!

Absolutely brilliant book about Robert Webb's life - toddler to 'Peep Show' - and his journey through having an abusive childhood with an alcoholic father, having difficulties in relating to other boys, struggling with his mother's death when he was just a teen, and how this all continued to affect him. It's set against the backdrop of the various detrimental effects of the patriarchy on developing girls and boys, and his personal struggles with it.

Webb comes off like a seasoned and talented non-fiction writer. The book is extremely insightful, interesting, intelligent and beautifully written.

I'm really glad I got the audiobook over the print. Webb's narration adds a personal touch and emotion to the stories and reflections that bring them to life.

Very good listen

Listened the whole way through without stopping. Will suggest to me sons that they read or listen to this book for it’s thoughts on gender definition

Not what I expected

I had no idea who Robert Webb was before seeing his book listed as a reccomended read, and I just so happened to see a clip of him on Facebook and it intrigued me enough to try the book. It's a sometimes dark, sometimes humourous, sometimes both story of autobiographical nature and I could hardly tear myself away. Excellent writing, dynamic storytelling. Do yourself an effing favor and try it. You'll especially love it if you're a "snowflake" ;)

Lovely personal story, narrated by comedian author

This isn't your usual comedian's navel-gazing autobiography. Robert Webb tells intensely personal stories that set up questions about the way gender roles are used to influence children. He might never say "toxic masculinity," but he turned his life story into an allegory on macho parenting practices and how it sets up children's thoughts and feelings for a lifetime. (AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY)

Brilliant read. Well worth the credit.

Alternating between furiously funny and fascinatingly introspective, this book had me laughing out loud and blinking back tears.
Bought and finished in one day and left me wanting more.

great listen

Funny, touching, relatable and delivered in that beautiful voice. Mr. Webb didn't spare himself at all. Kudos

Yes

Thank you Robert for your courage to be vulnerable in providing many examples from your life of how cultural views of masculinity are often limiting, oppressive, and hurt not only women but men as well. I resonate with your writing and am grateful for your heartfelt work that contributes to this important conversation, including learning to forgive, accept, and love an imperfect father through whom much harm came. I had to eventually teach myself to laugh in repressed hysterical gasps because the sound of my own chortling voice (in response to your hilariousness) kept on drowning out the audiobook. I love that you read it yourself. Your story has made a positive impact in my life and for that I am grateful. And then your high school poetry was the icing on the cake haha.