This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things:

by Clint Edwards

Clint Edwards has no idea what he's doing raising the son and two daughters he has with his loving and ever patient wife, Mel. The truth, of course, is that no parent knows what he or she is doing--not even Mel--and that's part of the fun as well as the horror. The short chapters either recount specific stories from the front lines ("The Day We Caught Our Kids Looking At Their Butt Holes," "She Sent Me to the Store for Feminine Hygiene Products") or take the form of lists--numbered observations, warnings, or words of wisdom ("5 things I Never Should Have Said To My Pregnant Wife," "10 Contradictions That Make Me Want to Run From My Minivan And Into The Woods"). Edwards is invariably funny, wry, and self-deprecating. Parenting and marriage, as he describes them, are humbling, in both the worst (lots of poop and vomit) and best (personal growth) ways. If you are a parent, husband, wife, or thinking about any of these roles, this book is for you. It will make you laugh. It will make you think. It will make you cry. Sometimes all three at the same time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Humor, Memoir

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2015

Reviews

[Unicorn Kisses · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read but there were many typos :-(

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dad sharing his story of raising a family. It was funny and touching at times. It was a fast read. I, for the most part, enjoyed reading the book. There were a few times I felt he was a bit preachy. I like it better when he tells it like it is and his own reactions in the day to day life of having a kid. Also, note the book includes past essays and blog entries and occasional chapters are like the top ten lists. I think it might have been nice to have more personal stories than these, and that is my only real judgment on the book.

[Amy Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half I didn’t enjoy at all and it made me cringe more than anything else. A lot of it felt disjointed and awkward. The second half was better with a bit more momentum, but unlike his Facebook blog page I felt there was way too much focus on the fights between him and his wife and the unruly state of his children. It was like I was intruding on personal family stuff, and not things I would want to witness or be a part of. It was an uncomfortable read.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sets this book apart from other parenting books is that it's written from a dad's perspective -- but he gets it. He's done the stay-at-home parent thing. He knows what his wife goes through. He tells the reality of marriage and parenthood. Clint Edwards describes the days of wondering why in the hell you had all these kids. He talks about the moments of worrying if you and your spouse going to make it through. By the end of his book, you'll have laughed, cried, said "been there", and you'll be in love with Clint, Mel, and their three kids and wish they were your neighbors.

[CYNTHIA Fillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right on the spot.

This man. This Clint Edwards was right on every subject he wrote about. At times I found myself laughing hysterically and other times I stopped and remembered similar instances in my own life with my now grown children that I had forgotten about. I have downloaded two more of his books and look forward to reading them and laughing my butt off.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping it real

I love this author's Instagram and read his posts religiously. They are honest and enlightening. They are also a bit more censored...I was a little surprised at the profanity but the book. There isn't profanity in Insta. Still a great read and I guess the best way to keep it real.

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY finished this book. I started reading it a couple months ago while I was running a garage sale and finally got around to actually reading it over Christmas break. I found myself laughing often, but was also kind of ready to be done. There were times where it felt really repetitive. Good, funny book!

[Staci Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the honesty

I laughed out loud several times because it was so relatable. Moments that I've asked myself if other people did or thought things such as me were in this book. A validation that I'm not crazy and we're all the same just trying to make a living. Great read!

[Brendan Hatton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very funny bits

This book has some cracking humour, and some interesting insights about married and family life. Some attempts at humour not so good and gets a little repetitive. The Kindle formatting makes some (small) sections unreadable. Not a bad read overall

[KC Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

My life, in a book

This book is SO honest and real. It captures the sad alongside the hilarious just like real life, and sugar coats nothing. I HIGHLY recommend everyone read this one.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an honest, fairly well-written, often clever father's account of family life. I was touched, tickled, and mostly entertained, but I tired of the potty mouth language and the repetition of uncomfortable language. Good editing would have cleaned that right up.

[Amy Norenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thoughtful and Funny Read

Thanks for writing such a heartfelt, relatable, and humorous book. It was both uplifting and thought-provoking. I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing perspective

I think every couple with or without children should read this book. It’s funny, insightful, and honest in how we often forget to walk in our partners shoes for a bit. Loved every chapter!

[Jennifer]

Read it in one day! WORTH IT!

What we could say, but don't.
What we think, with small swears and brutal honesty that had me laughing so hard I nearly hurt myself.
Read it.
You won't regret it.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hilarious read. As a new parent, it made me feel better about everything from middle of the night feedings to silly arguments with my husband. My husband will be reading it now too.

[Isilme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the chapters were so funny and relatable I cried from laughing. I also liked the fact that it shows parenting through a father's eyes. A great read!

[Kerri1975 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and very real

[Katri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read one page (any page) and you will be hooked. Funny, insightful, brilliant!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! It is one of those parenting books that makes you laugh and realize parenthood is hilarious and we have all been there.

[Delie Dell Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really funny but very realistic. I appreciate how mr edwards truthfully depicting parenting, he was also honest and truthful.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as amusing as I'd hoped. Mom works. Dad stays home with the kids 'cause he thinks that's easier than going to work. Must have been living under a rock to think that.

[Vgathright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was funny and relatable but didn't really grab me or resonate with me. I do admire the author's quest for self improvement and investing in his family

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatable. Easy to read in short chunks. Very funny.

[Spuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of stories of family, kids, and marriage

Witty and thoughtful, Clint does a great job capturing the messy, hard, and real moments that accompany marriage and children.

[Guadalupe Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Humorous

Reminded me a lot of my own family life, made me appreciate moments and made me laugh about the frustrating ones!

[Kyle Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book & I feel like I spent the day with Clint, over a cup of coffee or a well-earned stiff drink or two. His honest, hilarious story-telling makes me smile, and think, and then just give in to it... it's real life he's capturing. I suppose we all live it, but Clint has the gift of not moving past it too quickly, of taking note and sharing it in a way that we can all see it, too (& laugh, cry, and swear a little right along with him).

[Jennifer Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Humorous!

It's nice to read a book that breaks down the truths of parenting with a dash of humor! Finally, I don't feel like a complete failure as a parent knowing I'm not alone in caving in to the kids' demands just for the sake of an hour of peace and quiet! The author is brutally honest about the challenges of parents, but he reminds the reader it's all worth it once you receive a hug or an "I love you" from your irritable "threenager"!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Clint is an amazing author I have been following for a while. Clint is a great example of the new age of fatherhood, being involved all while keeping his sense of humor. Like Good Morning America said, he just gets it. This book is a fantastic collection of Clint's amazing articles.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing louder than was socially acceptable on public transportation. I actually had to put it away a few times because I was attracting dirty looks.

This book is great for anyone and everyone over the age of 25 whether you've got kids, want kids, or have no interest in breeding the little creatures. Really down-to-earth, relatable story telling.

[Heather Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painfully funny, as Clint relates the struggles of being an overwhelmed dad with three kids. But it's his wife, Mel, who's the star of the book. I laughed and read sections out loud to my husband. You will too. If I could, I'd give this book to every parent out there.