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Confessions of a Learner Parent
'I always wanted kids - but then again, I always wanted a loft conversion. Both are pretty easy to put off, as they're very expensive and tend to wreck your house.'
Stand-up comedian Sam Avery (aka the Learner Parent) started his award-winning blog when his twin boys were born. A million nappies and Peppa Pig episodes and a lot less sleep later, he shares all the lows, highs and hilarious in-betweens of his experiences of first-time parenthood in this, his highly anticipated first book.
Sam's honest, messy and laugh-out-loud account of trying for a baby (which transpired to be babies) and figuring out what to do with them once they arrived - right up to the toddler years of talking, walking and tantruming - will have you crying with laughter between your own nappy changes and nursery runs.
Stand-up comedian Sam Avery (aka the Learner Parent) started his award-winning blog when his twin boys were born. A million nappies and Peppa Pig episodes and a lot less sleep later, he shares all the lows, highs and hilarious in-betweens of his experiences of first-time parenthood in this, his highly anticipated first book.
Sam's honest, messy and laugh-out-loud account of trying for a baby (which transpired to be babies) and figuring out what to do with them once they arrived - right up to the toddler years of talking, walking and tantruming - will have you crying with laughter between your own nappy changes and nursery runs.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
Audible Audio
First published October 5, 2017
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68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 30, 2019
Read this review and others on my blog: https://thriftybibliophile.com
The Learner Parent is Sam Avery’s comical take on his wife’s pregnancy and the first two years of twin boy’s life.
This book has a lot going for it.
First off, the book is hilarious. Really, some of the things Avery goes through are comic gold. His twins really put him and his wife through the ringer as they wade through poopy diapers, feedings, and tantrums.
Second, the book makes you feel not so alone as a parent. Parenting is tough work! You become more familiar with another person’s bodily functions than you ever thought possible. Avery lets you know that you’re not alone. Not only are you not alone, but he reminds you that it could be worse (his stories definitely fall into the “worst case” category).
Third, the book reads easily. The humor keeps the book fast-paced, and you can’t help but giggle at the escapades.
So why did I only give it three stars?
While I appreciated the humor, at times it was over the top. I felt as though I was drowning in similes and analogies. It wasn’t unusual to have three sentences in a row each with their own unique analogies. It felt like overkill, and it pulled me out the book.
Despite the analogy overload, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. I would buy this book for expectant parents and hardened parents who have been down in the trenches for years.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Learner Parent is Sam Avery’s comical take on his wife’s pregnancy and the first two years of twin boy’s life.
This book has a lot going for it.
First off, the book is hilarious. Really, some of the things Avery goes through are comic gold. His twins really put him and his wife through the ringer as they wade through poopy diapers, feedings, and tantrums.
Second, the book makes you feel not so alone as a parent. Parenting is tough work! You become more familiar with another person’s bodily functions than you ever thought possible. Avery lets you know that you’re not alone. Not only are you not alone, but he reminds you that it could be worse (his stories definitely fall into the “worst case” category).
Third, the book reads easily. The humor keeps the book fast-paced, and you can’t help but giggle at the escapades.
So why did I only give it three stars?
While I appreciated the humor, at times it was over the top. I felt as though I was drowning in similes and analogies. It wasn’t unusual to have three sentences in a row each with their own unique analogies. It felt like overkill, and it pulled me out the book.
Despite the analogy overload, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. I would buy this book for expectant parents and hardened parents who have been down in the trenches for years.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
did-not-finish
October 1, 2017I loved the idea of this book, despite not being a parent. Having had plenty of interaction with friends' and family members' children I was sure I could relate. And yes, it promised lots of funny anecdotes about parenting, but what put me off (and meant I DNF at 10%) was the excessive amount of humour. I had expected a humorous account, which would have been great, but what I hadn't expected was sarcasm and dry humour for every.. single.. sentence. It was too much. Humour is great, but constant humour, too much.
October 27, 2021
Laugh-out-loud funny on multiple occasions!
October 5, 2017
I received an e-arc copy from Orion Publishing for an honest review, thank you!
Confessions of a Learner Parent is an autobiography of author's own experience with being a dad. I found the book light and interesting, I believe the author has managed to expose the experience from being non-parent to being a parent - the complete life change and when you are first time parent to two in one go as true to the fact as life is then from his perspective. As a non-parent yet myself, I was glad the way it was told, it was a fast read, a humor here and there from author's perspective.
Maybe I disagreed at some points about childcare/ lifestyle model, but that definitely wasn't anything that would stand in a way of parenting or my judgement about the whole book.
The Confessions of a Learner Parent tells you a journey and let's you understand there's no right or wrong way - each of us has our own ways of understanding and having family models we want to live according to. The reader also learns to smile for ordinary situations if we look at each from side perspective, but most of all - as a new parent one goes through a journey that time flies. As a new parent you learn to completely go zero of "your time", but the moments when your baby smiles is precious, it also tells the audience - don't be fools and don't go for babies if your relationship is rocking, baby won't save it!
Confessions of a Learner Parent is an autobiography of author's own experience with being a dad. I found the book light and interesting, I believe the author has managed to expose the experience from being non-parent to being a parent - the complete life change and when you are first time parent to two in one go as true to the fact as life is then from his perspective. As a non-parent yet myself, I was glad the way it was told, it was a fast read, a humor here and there from author's perspective.
Maybe I disagreed at some points about childcare/ lifestyle model, but that definitely wasn't anything that would stand in a way of parenting or my judgement about the whole book.
The Confessions of a Learner Parent tells you a journey and let's you understand there's no right or wrong way - each of us has our own ways of understanding and having family models we want to live according to. The reader also learns to smile for ordinary situations if we look at each from side perspective, but most of all - as a new parent one goes through a journey that time flies. As a new parent you learn to completely go zero of "your time", but the moments when your baby smiles is precious, it also tells the audience - don't be fools and don't go for babies if your relationship is rocking, baby won't save it!
August 2, 2018
My wife has raved about Sam Avery for a while after following him on Instagram. Like any good husband I wondered who this bloke was so I had a look for myself.
I liked his posts and found his comments more than a little funny so when I noticed he had a book out it was a no brainer and I picked up a copy.
I'm a dad of twins myself so I was really interested to see if this book fitted with my own experiences and for me Sam got things spot on.
What I really enjoyed about the book is its honest.. so honest it's funny. I don't think you can every be the perfect parent and you've got to be able to take a step back and relax and this book certainly made me do that.
There are bits that made me actually laugh out loud on this bus to work.. here's just a few things that had me gagging.. "leak week", "baby gravy", "ever-expanding Grand Canyon", "putrid string of aubergine" and not to forget the line "I've shat myself"
This book is a very fun take on becoming a parent but it's more than just that. It's reminder to take stock once in a while...laugh..and keep these moments alive.
It made me genuinely smile and because of that it's worth every penny!
I enjoyed this book so much so that I've got tickets to his show in Newcastle later this year!
Well worth a read!
I liked his posts and found his comments more than a little funny so when I noticed he had a book out it was a no brainer and I picked up a copy.
I'm a dad of twins myself so I was really interested to see if this book fitted with my own experiences and for me Sam got things spot on.
What I really enjoyed about the book is its honest.. so honest it's funny. I don't think you can every be the perfect parent and you've got to be able to take a step back and relax and this book certainly made me do that.
There are bits that made me actually laugh out loud on this bus to work.. here's just a few things that had me gagging.. "leak week", "baby gravy", "ever-expanding Grand Canyon", "putrid string of aubergine" and not to forget the line "I've shat myself"
This book is a very fun take on becoming a parent but it's more than just that. It's reminder to take stock once in a while...laugh..and keep these moments alive.
It made me genuinely smile and because of that it's worth every penny!
I enjoyed this book so much so that I've got tickets to his show in Newcastle later this year!
Well worth a read!
May 11, 2018
5/10 (so-so): I was disappointed with this book after reading glowing reviews on Amazon. It's an attempt at a James Herriot of parenting. It's certainly very funny at points, but three things let it down. First, no less than five chapters are devoted to conception, which means far too much detail about the author's sex life. Second, Avery uses similies like a trigger-happy machine gunner. Some of them are very funny, but it quickly gets too much. Third, if you removed the toilet humour, the book would be about a quarter of the size. It's probably impossible to write a funny book about parenting without toilet humour, but Avery's children seem to do little except fill their nappies (or, more often, overflow their nappies) and puke everywhere. Like the earlier two complaints, it was just too much, too often.
November 29, 2017
This book is a must read for parents.
If you are looking for a book full of advice and tips on how to care for your baby/child this is not for you. What this book is however is an insight into parenting and the experiences, emotions and feelings that come with it.
This book had me smiling and laughing throughout. However the real joy of this book is how it brings back memories to parents that have already been there and tackled the first nappy, nursery drop off or solo shopping trips.
I read this over the course of 2 weeks while working shifts and managing my own family life, so it is a book that can easily be picked up and put down.
If you are looking for a book full of advice and tips on how to care for your baby/child this is not for you. What this book is however is an insight into parenting and the experiences, emotions and feelings that come with it.
This book had me smiling and laughing throughout. However the real joy of this book is how it brings back memories to parents that have already been there and tackled the first nappy, nursery drop off or solo shopping trips.
I read this over the course of 2 weeks while working shifts and managing my own family life, so it is a book that can easily be picked up and put down.
May 19, 2020
This book was not quite what I was expecting, having followed his Facebook page and found the posts quite funny I had expected a similar level of humour, but it just lacked in the comical one liners. It was mildly amusing in places and some things I could definitely relate to. It was more like a biography and that I felt is why it lost some of the humor. That and the constant referral back to toilet humour which made me smile at first but then I got a bit bored as it was sort of repeating itself. Glad I read it and I did enjoy it but will not recommend to anyone as I think the facebook posts are far better and funnier.
October 9, 2017
Amazing
I followed Sam's blog from early on, my twins are 4 now. I have laughed and cried at some of these stories and the memories they have invoked. From the long walk through the hospital to reach your babies to the temper tantrums and refusing to eat. We're all on a similar journey and knowing someone else is\has been through the same helps on every level. Thank you Sam for sharing x
I followed Sam's blog from early on, my twins are 4 now. I have laughed and cried at some of these stories and the memories they have invoked. From the long walk through the hospital to reach your babies to the temper tantrums and refusing to eat. We're all on a similar journey and knowing someone else is\has been through the same helps on every level. Thank you Sam for sharing x
October 18, 2017
A fantastic heartwarming book, crammed full of hilarious moments throughout. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud in public places, such as on the bus, and had to try and disguise it. I’m not a parent but I still found it very relatable and enjoyable. I had to ration my reading as I couldn’t bear to finish the book too quickly!! Great work Sam, I really hope to see you write more in the future.
April 30, 2018
As a newly pregnant lady I was a little hesitant to read this book. 1. Because what I deem to be ‘self help’ categories not really my kind of thing and 2. I didn’t see the point in reading someone else’s horror story when everyone is different.
That said, the writer is very funny. He has an acute ability to turn the mundane into something quite hilarious.
I enjoyed the first and final parts (the ‘trying’ and the ‘toddler’ phase) but thought a large portion of the book was just the same 3 jokes repeated and spun in different ways... exploding nappies, projectile vomit and sleepless nights.
I won’t be rushing out to read another or signing up to his YouTube anytime soon. And I think his book could’ve done with a forward or acknowledgement from his wife... not made up drivel from his twins.
That said, the writer is very funny. He has an acute ability to turn the mundane into something quite hilarious.
I enjoyed the first and final parts (the ‘trying’ and the ‘toddler’ phase) but thought a large portion of the book was just the same 3 jokes repeated and spun in different ways... exploding nappies, projectile vomit and sleepless nights.
I won’t be rushing out to read another or signing up to his YouTube anytime soon. And I think his book could’ve done with a forward or acknowledgement from his wife... not made up drivel from his twins.
December 31, 2017
An absolutely quality text. I don’t often laugh out loud when reading ‘funny books’ but there were many moneys of hilarity in this book. I don’t know if it’s because I am a new parent and so can relate to what Sam wrote. However, I do feel this book would enjoyed by parents and non parents mainly for its moments of schadenfreude. I would whole heartedly recommend.
May 29, 2018
We are always learning
As a mum of three I can honestly say this book and the blog are hilariously accurate. I didn't have twins so I take my hat off to you both, but all the milestones, traumas and comedic situations are universal. ALL parents have experienced at least some of these if not all.
Welcome aboard the crazy train Sam!
As a mum of three I can honestly say this book and the blog are hilariously accurate. I didn't have twins so I take my hat off to you both, but all the milestones, traumas and comedic situations are universal. ALL parents have experienced at least some of these if not all.
Welcome aboard the crazy train Sam!
February 10, 2019
This is a brilliant book for people who are expecting or already have children, as it is both funny and informative. I had a tear in my eye at some of the heart-felt parts, learnt a lot of tips about parenting twins in others, and was absolutely creased with laughter at a few bits. An excellent read for a bit of fun. I just wish it hadn't been such a quick read!
October 5, 2017
Loved it
Downloaded it this morning and between school runs and dinner and of course house work I finished it.
Doesn't matter how many kids you have this book is an easy and funny read
Downloaded it this morning and between school runs and dinner and of course house work I finished it.
Doesn't matter how many kids you have this book is an easy and funny read
October 23, 2017
What a fantastically funny book that was to read but equally did pass over a few tips at the same time! I am glad that I was alone reading this book given for the vast majority of it I was literally laughing out loud! Can we get a sequel please!!!
May 27, 2018
Side splittingly funny
This book is brilliant. Even without twins, any parent can relate to the stories Sam tells about his boys. He's honest and has a brilliant way with words that has me laughing out loud more times than I could count.
This book is a must read.
This book is brilliant. Even without twins, any parent can relate to the stories Sam tells about his boys. He's honest and has a brilliant way with words that has me laughing out loud more times than I could count.
This book is a must read.
June 5, 2018
You're not alone!
As a parent sometimes all you need to know is, "it's not just us". A fantastic read from the early fears and worries to the battle of negotiating with a toddler(or two in this case!)
As a parent sometimes all you need to know is, "it's not just us". A fantastic read from the early fears and worries to the battle of negotiating with a toddler(or two in this case!)
September 14, 2020
So So funny. I laughed on every second if not every page and out loud too.!!! I am a Grandmother now and so remember and see my own children now raising their 2 & 4 year old babies. Such a enjoyable book for a laugh. Sam is very funny. Just what the world needs. Thankyou Sam.
May 11, 2024
Accurate and hilarious portrayal of early parenthood.
So many great one liners:
“Having a child is the most beautiful trauma I’ve ever experienced”
[Talking about trying to get pregnant] “This was basically a job interview for my semen”.
So many great one liners:
“Having a child is the most beautiful trauma I’ve ever experienced”
[Talking about trying to get pregnant] “This was basically a job interview for my semen”.
October 8, 2017
Made me chuckle in spots, and of course, almost everything in there (apart from the football and twins) is something I can relate to as a parent.
May 9, 2018
Funny from start to finish and mirrored our own experiences with our 2-yr-old twins so much it was scary.
May 14, 2018
not as funny as his Facebook posts
February 11, 2019
Loved it.
We are expecting twins and this was a great read - very funny and clever - but still quite excited and very very scared!
We are expecting twins and this was a great read - very funny and clever - but still quite excited and very very scared!
July 24, 2019
Really funny and very relatable.
July 5, 2020
Funny and realistic
February 1, 2021
Really funny and well written - he's a great stand up comedian too!
April 5, 2021
A memoir of sorts from a stand up comedian who also has twins. Describes his journey to fatherhood until the twins become 2. I was expecting this to be quite funny as his blog/fb page is quite amusing at times. However I found a lot of the time it missed the mark. It only ever gave me the odd giggle, no full on laughing fits!
Unfortunately this isn't a book that I would recommend as I feel I have read other 'parenting' books that are either more informative or funnier
Unfortunately this isn't a book that I would recommend as I feel I have read other 'parenting' books that are either more informative or funnier
May 11, 2021
Utterly hilarious - laughed out loud. A must for all new parents. And old. It's ace.
November 29, 2017
This book is a must read for parents.
If you are looking for a book full of advice and tips on how to care for your baby/child this is not for you. What this book is however is an insight into parenting and the experiences, emotions and feelings that come with it.
This book had me smiling and laughing throughout. However the real joy of this book is how it brings back memories to parents that have already been there and tackled the first nappy, nursery drop off or solo shopping trips.
I read this over the course of 2 weeks while working shifts and managing my own family life, so it is a book that can easily be picked up and put down.
If you are looking for a book full of advice and tips on how to care for your baby/child this is not for you. What this book is however is an insight into parenting and the experiences, emotions and feelings that come with it.
This book had me smiling and laughing throughout. However the real joy of this book is how it brings back memories to parents that have already been there and tackled the first nappy, nursery drop off or solo shopping trips.
I read this over the course of 2 weeks while working shifts and managing my own family life, so it is a book that can easily be picked up and put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews