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Shakespeare's Guide to Parenting by James Andrews
Trust father of three William Shakespeare for all the advice you need for any parenting dilemma, in this witty and erudite guide—a handy collection of wisdom drawn from his most beloved works, from Hamlet to King Lear to Much Ado About Nothing . With a series of cunningly extracted lines from his best-loved plays and sonnets, hilariously illustrated in a simple, almost child-like style, James Andrews proves once again that Shakespeare—expert on love, death, vanity, ambition, war, deceit, regret—is the font of all wisdom, including raising children. Your thirsty toddler wakes you up at 3 a.m. Shakespeare describes your thoughts What cursed foot wanders this way tonight? ( Romeo and Juliet ) Your child throws a temper tantrum, clinging to your legs. Shakespeare has the perfect Vile thing, let loose, or I will shake thee from me like a serpent. ( A Midsummer Night’s Dream ) Your son throws a booze party, crashes the car, or commits some other vaguely humiliating infraction or minor illegal act. Shakespeare feels your Good wombs have borne bad sons. ( The Tempest ) And for your fussy, ungrateful eater? Shakespeare has an I’ll make you feed on berries and on roots, and feed on curds and whey, and suck the goat! ( Titus Andronicus ) Organized by periods of parenting hell—from the newborn nightmares to the teenage trials— Shakespeare’s Guide to Parenting is the perfect gift book for every literary parent or parent to be. If you want the last word with your children, nothing beats a quote from Shakespeare.
Hardcover
First published September 10, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 18, 2015
Okay, confession time: sometimes if I see a really short book in my local bookshop and I'm not sure if I should spend money on it because I don't know if I'll enjoy it, I just read it there and then, strategically standing out of view of the cashier's desk so I won't get called out on my illegal reading. This is what I did yesterday with Shakespeare's Guide to Parenting: it looked interesting, but I didn't really think it was worth the exorbitant price, so I spent ten or fifteen minutes flicking through the pages. And it was interesting - there are some pretty funny moments in here - but I was right: it wasn't really worth that much money. So I'm glad I read it and I would recommend it; it's a super quick, funny read, and because it's s short I don't have to stress about finishing my reading challenge, but it isn't amazing. I'd say reading it illegally was a good choice.
*ducks and hides from the book police*
*ducks and hides from the book police*
December 6, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!
Shakespeare's Guide to Parenting, like the wildly popular xkcd comic, is written with simple stick figures paired with, as you probably guessed from the title, quotations from Shakespeare's works. This format works for most of the panels, but did fall flat from time to time. I think the problem is that, when you're telling a story and using something as complex as Shakespeare, which relies on context to build the drama, for your main narrative voice, it's hard to make it work as intended. Also, to simplify a joke down to one, perhaps two lines and maintain the comic punch is a very difficult thing. That being said, I did pull some favorite moments from this one.
If your child continues to be particular about their food, explain in no uncertain terms what the alternative will be: "I'll make you feed on berries and on roots, and feed on curds and whey, and suck the goat. Titus Andronicus: IV, ii" pg 121
Having dealt with a picky eater for years and experiencing hair pulling frustration at her recalcitrance, I may actually use that line at my house.
Be wary of rashly administering a sanction that you may later lack the resolve to see through. Remember, excellent outcomes can be achieved through epic-sounding yet non-specific threats: "I will have such revenges on you both that all the world shall- I will do such things- what they are I know not; but they shall be the terrors of the earth. King Lear: II, iv"pg 103
Ah, the drama of parenthood.
And finally, the drawing accompanying this one is of a little girl who has dropped her ice cream as her mother looks over at her...
Stoicism: Introducing your child to philosophy at a young age can help them come to terms with difficult concepts such as loss and bereavement: "What can be avoided whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Julius Caesar: II, ii pg 43
Classic.
If you enjoyed Shakespeare's Guide to Parenting, I'd recommend I Was a Child by Bruce Kaplan (a memoir told in simple but surprisingly powerful doodles) or Penguins with People Problems by Mary Laura Philpott.
Shakespeare's Guide to Parenting, like the wildly popular xkcd comic, is written with simple stick figures paired with, as you probably guessed from the title, quotations from Shakespeare's works. This format works for most of the panels, but did fall flat from time to time. I think the problem is that, when you're telling a story and using something as complex as Shakespeare, which relies on context to build the drama, for your main narrative voice, it's hard to make it work as intended. Also, to simplify a joke down to one, perhaps two lines and maintain the comic punch is a very difficult thing. That being said, I did pull some favorite moments from this one.
If your child continues to be particular about their food, explain in no uncertain terms what the alternative will be: "I'll make you feed on berries and on roots, and feed on curds and whey, and suck the goat. Titus Andronicus: IV, ii" pg 121
Having dealt with a picky eater for years and experiencing hair pulling frustration at her recalcitrance, I may actually use that line at my house.
Be wary of rashly administering a sanction that you may later lack the resolve to see through. Remember, excellent outcomes can be achieved through epic-sounding yet non-specific threats: "I will have such revenges on you both that all the world shall- I will do such things- what they are I know not; but they shall be the terrors of the earth. King Lear: II, iv"pg 103
Ah, the drama of parenthood.
And finally, the drawing accompanying this one is of a little girl who has dropped her ice cream as her mother looks over at her...
Stoicism: Introducing your child to philosophy at a young age can help them come to terms with difficult concepts such as loss and bereavement: "What can be avoided whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Julius Caesar: II, ii pg 43
Classic.
If you enjoyed Shakespeare's Guide to Parenting, I'd recommend I Was a Child by Bruce Kaplan (a memoir told in simple but surprisingly powerful doodles) or Penguins with People Problems by Mary Laura Philpott.
September 21, 2019
This book made me laugh. I loved the contrast between the simple drawings depicting situations from modern-day parenting and the lofty Shakespearean quotes. It makes a great present to parents (to be) or anyone with children in their surroundings, Shakespeare scholars and lovers, and pretty much anyone that appreciates dry, mildly absurd kind of humour.
Read
April 26, 2024Funny and endearing quotes on parenting accompanied by delightful cartoon sketches. I am not a parent but did see enough of parenting to see much humor and truth. I just sent a copy to a friend who is bravely adopting 11 and 13 old siblings from
Bulgaria. This friend is also a huge fan of Shakespeare.
Bulgaria. This friend is also a huge fan of Shakespeare.
September 12, 2024
IT IS SO GOOD!! I am asian and non native English speaker, and this is my first time reading a book with old English background. It is light reading, humorous, and full of funny anecdote, but very knowledgable on parenting. A lot of old English and new vocab, so it enhances my vocab dictionary. I enjoy it so much! The doodles are funny too, simple but very entertaining. Good job!!
June 25, 2017
A fun and silly romp through parenthood if you are a fan of the Bard. It made me smile. I was amused by the fact that so many of the quotes came from King Lear...
November 5, 2017
Not much to it, but I love out-of-context Shakespeare quotes. The best part is that so many quotes are from King Lear and that play is a prime example of Bad Parenting™. Got a few good giggles 😆
December 19, 2017
Very funny!
June 12, 2018
No reason to read this book
Essentially just a list of “clever” parental anecdotes we’ve all heard a thousand times, loosely attributed to a play. Only useful as a gag gift.
Essentially just a list of “clever” parental anecdotes we’ve all heard a thousand times, loosely attributed to a play. Only useful as a gag gift.
September 19, 2020
A very bleak look on parenting but a funny set of comics!
June 11, 2021
A very witty compilation of Shakespeare quotes.
June 20, 2021
Funny, creative, quick.
November 20, 2015
I'd like to thank the author for a copy of the book and the chance to review it through the GoodReads First Reads program.
Shakespeare’s Guide to Parenting ~ James Andrews.
If you love Shakespeare like I do, you will find humor in this book. Not, ‘roll on the floor’ laughing; but a good chuckle.
The artwork looks like something a 4th grader would do. (No offense to 9 year old artists.) Aside from that, the purpose of the book is to match Shakespearian quotes to today’s child rearing dilemmas. And they do match very well. Here lies the humor; for those who have children and love Shakespeare.
I enjoyed it.
Shakespeare’s Guide to Parenting ~ James Andrews.
If you love Shakespeare like I do, you will find humor in this book. Not, ‘roll on the floor’ laughing; but a good chuckle.
The artwork looks like something a 4th grader would do. (No offense to 9 year old artists.) Aside from that, the purpose of the book is to match Shakespearian quotes to today’s child rearing dilemmas. And they do match very well. Here lies the humor; for those who have children and love Shakespeare.
I enjoyed it.
September 10, 2018
This book took some of William Shakespeare's quotes from his various plays, and attached them to various parenting situations, with silly results. The advice here obviously isn't meant to be used, but it was funny to read lines from "The Merchant of Venice," or "Hamlet" or "Romeo and Juliet" used in a parenting context. (My kids have acted in those plays so I am more familiar with those lines than some of Shakespeare's other plays.)
Silliness.
I doubt the bard would have approved, but you never know.
Silliness.
I doubt the bard would have approved, but you never know.
November 17, 2015
I received this book as part of the Goodreads first reads giveaways. I enjoyed it, it was pleasant and creative, though a little heavy on the disciplining of vile, ungrateful whoreson, little vipers. (Haha)
January 10, 2016
Definitely a cute and funny book. I enjoy Shakespeare so seeing it put like this was amusing. My 12 year old daughter even thought it was funny since she likes those comic style books, although some of the Shakespearian humor was lost on her.
Read
December 17, 2015Even though I rec'd this as a giveaway, I think it was a waste of time. Not even funny.
December 28, 2015
Witty!
Read
January 6, 2016Very clever!
May 5, 2016
Hilarious & witty!
Read
June 28, 2016Funny book, great gift for parents who also love Shakespeare!
October 18, 2016
This is a cute, fun, quick read. It mixes lines from Shakespeare's plays with crude illustrations and parenting tips. There were a few that seemed forced and awkward, but it was mostly funny.
December 24, 2016
If you like Shakespeare and are a parent, you'll find this book amusing! It only took about 20 minutes to read through-I'd say it'd make for a fun gift.
February 11, 2020
Good idea, Mr. Andrews.
April 2, 2017
It will probably take me longer to write this review than it did to read the actual book. This was a super-quick, hilarious satire. Kinda an odd book idea, but well-executed and very funny. The illustrations especially had me laughing out loud the whole time.
Favorite quote:
In the section titled "General Unpleasantness," the author counsels:
"As the parent of teenage daughters you could be forgiven for thinking that some of their rudeness is just a little bit unnecessary...
[dad, reading newspaper]: How now, daughter?
[daughter, walking by]: How now you whoreson peasant
...Offer a reminder of the father daughter relationship as it exists in popular tradition...
[dad]: Be advised, fair maid: to you your father should be as a god
...and try not to be disheartened if you don't see immediate results:
[daughter]: Peace, ye fat-guts...do thou amend thy face and I'll amend my life"
The illustrations make it though; seriously a funny read.
Favorite quote:
In the section titled "General Unpleasantness," the author counsels:
"As the parent of teenage daughters you could be forgiven for thinking that some of their rudeness is just a little bit unnecessary...
[dad, reading newspaper]: How now, daughter?
[daughter, walking by]: How now you whoreson peasant
...Offer a reminder of the father daughter relationship as it exists in popular tradition...
[dad]: Be advised, fair maid: to you your father should be as a god
...and try not to be disheartened if you don't see immediate results:
[daughter]: Peace, ye fat-guts...do thou amend thy face and I'll amend my life"
The illustrations make it though; seriously a funny read.
May 2, 2017
This book was rather silly and stupid, but amusing. Perfectly fine for what it is.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews