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How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew
As members of the Greatest Generation, our grandfathers were not only defined by the Depression but also by their heroic service to the country in World War II. Courageous, responsible, and involved, they understand sacrifice, hard work, and how to do whatever is necessary to take care of their loved ones. They also know how to have a rollicking good time. Sensible, fun, and inspiring, How to Build a Fire offers a rare glimpse into the hearts and minds of grandfathers near and far by sharing their practical skills and sweet stories on how to be stronger, smarter, richer, and happier. Inside are more than one hundred essential step-by-step tips for fixing, leading, prospering, playing, and hosting, including how to buck up and be brave in the face of adversity play hard and break in a baseball mitt bait a hook and catch a big fish look dapper and tie a perfect tie get a raise and earn more write a love letter and kindle romance change a flat tire and save the day stand up and give a sparkling toast play the harmonica and make your own music Loaded with charming illustrations, good humor, and warm nostalgia, How to Build a Fire is the perfect handbook for guys or gals of any age. The first of its kind, this collection of our grandfathers' hard-earned wisdom will help you build confidence and get back to what's really important in life.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 24, 2010
42 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 17, 2012
Since I read it at the gym, I can confidently state it took less than 4 hours to read: two on a recumbent bike, less than two on a treadmill.
It's cute. The task-based how-tos are quite brief, obviously, since it's possible to write an entire book about any one of them, but the more esoteric how-tos were the ones I really enjoyed: how to be a friend, apologize, be brave, etc.
I'm interested in reading the other one, How to Sew a Button, and I suspect both would be suitable gifts for teens. Ha! Now that I think of it, they'd be ideal gifts for bar mitzvahs.
It's cute. The task-based how-tos are quite brief, obviously, since it's possible to write an entire book about any one of them, but the more esoteric how-tos were the ones I really enjoyed: how to be a friend, apologize, be brave, etc.
I'm interested in reading the other one, How to Sew a Button, and I suspect both would be suitable gifts for teens. Ha! Now that I think of it, they'd be ideal gifts for bar mitzvahs.
April 15, 2011
Handy, indeed, and fun to read; I never intended to actually finish it, it was brought home from the library by somebody else and found its way into my hands. The actual grandfatherly advice takes the form of a short quote at the start of each instruction whether it be for consoling a loved one or shopping for a car. I'll be looking for the grandmother version and intend to read that as well. This would make a decent gift for just about anyone.
January 25, 2011
This has information on just about EVERYTHING!! While it does seem to be slanted towards males, the skills inside the book are definitely ones everyone should know (changing a tire, buying meat, starting a fire, etc.). This is a book I come back to again and again to learn/remember new skills. Plus, its humorous and sarcastic in many places (as well as simplistic)!
September 15, 2016
Nomadic SA Chick's Book Reviews
Review
I have always been a tomboy, playing in the dirt, climbing corn cribs, and running through the pastures. Growing up, I was happy to hang out with father and grandfather in the fields or in the tractors. Following them around as they did chores and helping them out however I could. I also played with my Barbies, and they helped out on the farm as well. Some days, my dolls came home dirtier than I did. My mom wasn't as thrilled about this as I was, but I think she handled it pretty well.
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I thought the two most important men in my life had taught me everything I would ever need to know, that my mother, grandmother, and instructors could not tech me. There were a lot of things in this book I am grateful for already knowing how to do, like how to build a fire, how to change a tire, and how to bait a hook, but there are things that nobody ever taught me, and I never even thought about it before, like how to negotiate a raise. I semi-successfully navigated that for the first time a few months before reading the book. I say semi-successfully because while I did not get exactly what I walked in wanting, I did not walk away empty handed. After reading the book, I learned where my pitfalls were, and what I can do differently next time.
For me, there were several things in this book that I will most likely never need to know how to do, like how to shave my face (I really hope I never need to know how to do that!), or how to look dapper in a tie, though I think it would be slightly romantic to be able to tie a man's tie for him. Even the things that I realized I would probably never need to know how to do, I was fascinated to read about how to do them. What I really enjoyed about this book was how it was written. There were several grandfatherly men who wrote each advice article and instilled his years of wisdom into the reader. It was like reading a journal from my own grandfather who had left me instructions for life.
It wasn't until I was older, a senior in college not too long ago, that I realized how much my father and grandfather taught me out in those fields, and how much I still have left to learn from them. Unfortunately this was just two years after my grandfather had passed away, but fortunately I still have my father around. While this book didn't have a lot of new information for me, I still really enjoyed every aspect of it, even the bits I felt were not as relevant to my life. This is an all around handy little guide that I plan to keep in my personal library. It is a book that I would give out to any young teen, male or female, in a life skills class, and tell them they will learn more from this book than they will learn from baking cookies in HomeEc.
Ratings (based on a 10 point scale)
Quality of Writing - 9
Pace - 5
Plot Development - N/A
Characters - N/A
Enjoyability - 9
Insightfulness - 8
Ease of Reading - 8
Photos/Illustrations - N/A
Overall Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Review
I have always been a tomboy, playing in the dirt, climbing corn cribs, and running through the pastures. Growing up, I was happy to hang out with father and grandfather in the fields or in the tractors. Following them around as they did chores and helping them out however I could. I also played with my Barbies, and they helped out on the farm as well. Some days, my dolls came home dirtier than I did. My mom wasn't as thrilled about this as I was, but I think she handled it pretty well.
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I thought the two most important men in my life had taught me everything I would ever need to know, that my mother, grandmother, and instructors could not tech me. There were a lot of things in this book I am grateful for already knowing how to do, like how to build a fire, how to change a tire, and how to bait a hook, but there are things that nobody ever taught me, and I never even thought about it before, like how to negotiate a raise. I semi-successfully navigated that for the first time a few months before reading the book. I say semi-successfully because while I did not get exactly what I walked in wanting, I did not walk away empty handed. After reading the book, I learned where my pitfalls were, and what I can do differently next time.
For me, there were several things in this book that I will most likely never need to know how to do, like how to shave my face (I really hope I never need to know how to do that!), or how to look dapper in a tie, though I think it would be slightly romantic to be able to tie a man's tie for him. Even the things that I realized I would probably never need to know how to do, I was fascinated to read about how to do them. What I really enjoyed about this book was how it was written. There were several grandfatherly men who wrote each advice article and instilled his years of wisdom into the reader. It was like reading a journal from my own grandfather who had left me instructions for life.
It wasn't until I was older, a senior in college not too long ago, that I realized how much my father and grandfather taught me out in those fields, and how much I still have left to learn from them. Unfortunately this was just two years after my grandfather had passed away, but fortunately I still have my father around. While this book didn't have a lot of new information for me, I still really enjoyed every aspect of it, even the bits I felt were not as relevant to my life. This is an all around handy little guide that I plan to keep in my personal library. It is a book that I would give out to any young teen, male or female, in a life skills class, and tell them they will learn more from this book than they will learn from baking cookies in HomeEc.
Ratings (based on a 10 point scale)
Quality of Writing - 9
Pace - 5
Plot Development - N/A
Characters - N/A
Enjoyability - 9
Insightfulness - 8
Ease of Reading - 8
Photos/Illustrations - N/A
Overall Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
July 3, 2017
I read this after reading "how to sew a button" - the version of this book for females- and found this version extremely offensive. Maybe I should have found the other one offensive.
The male version contains all kinds of useful information about how to do well at work, how to provide for your family, how to be a role model, etc.
The female version contains tips and tricks on cleaning your house, saving money, and hosting parties.
I found the male version more applicable and useful to my life as a modern female with a job and financial responsibilities -- please don't give your daughter the female version of this book unless you don't think she's very capable.
I should have seen this coming after seeing that the biographies of the "grandfathers" are 3x as long as the "grandmothers".
These books enforce unfortunate stereotypes - don't force your children into these pigeon holes.
The male version contains all kinds of useful information about how to do well at work, how to provide for your family, how to be a role model, etc.
The female version contains tips and tricks on cleaning your house, saving money, and hosting parties.
I found the male version more applicable and useful to my life as a modern female with a job and financial responsibilities -- please don't give your daughter the female version of this book unless you don't think she's very capable.
I should have seen this coming after seeing that the biographies of the "grandfathers" are 3x as long as the "grandmothers".
These books enforce unfortunate stereotypes - don't force your children into these pigeon holes.
March 5, 2012
If Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation and the Boy Scout Handbook had a baby, it would be this book. Nice grandfathers, simple advice from their lives and some humor that just tried too hard. Cute book to read while waiting at appointments or while killing time at an airport but nothing you would buy with intentions to use as an advice book.
July 11, 2012
I really think that every teenage male (or, heck, female) should be given this book upon hitting puberty. This stuff should be taught in a high school class. Some of the advice is a tad bit clichéd, kind of "Well, duh" instead of any real insider advice or anything in-depth, but it's a great starter skill set for the well-rounded young man.
November 29, 2016
I didn't read the entire thing, as it isn't so much a 'read through' type book. But I skimmed through most of it, and read the portions that I considered interesting / useful. I think it will be a good reference book though.
May 23, 2011
Covers a lot of subjects, though it could have gone more in-depth with any of them. Good enough that I'm considering buying a copy for a certain nephew about to start college.
December 23, 2017
Stuff everyone should know.
May 5, 2018
This was a fun quick read. I learned a few things, I laughed a few times. A book I might buy to have for those "just in case" moments I could reference it.
September 28, 2017
Bried's book charmingly takes us into the lives of ten men from the greatest generation to share their insight and wisdom on varying topics such as how to hold a baby and how to hold onto your sweetheart with the current generation. Each lesson begins with a quote from one of these men and is approximately two pages, which makes it a quick read, and in some cases there are some illustrations to help with step-by-step instructions. One of the most fascinating items in the book is a history of the meaning of flowers from the Victorian era, which lends itself to being a practical lesson. While this is a must read for all young men before they enter adulthood, nothing replaces the personal connection between a grandfather and his grand-child.
May 30, 2018
This is a fun little reference book for men and women alike. Great, short how-to explanations on topics that you might talk with your grandfather about as you are growing up or as an adult. They are simple and presented in steps that are concise, informative, and entertaining. If you only have one reference book on your book shelf, I highly recommend this one and its companion "How to Sew on a Button". I also recommend it for those of us who have more books than sense, and those who have forgotten how satisfying it is to deal with things directly and efficiently.
July 19, 2011
Not to bad. It rare that theres a book that actually gets things right. Especially when dealing with doing stuff for yourself. I'd rate it correct about 95% of the book. But the fishing and wood splitting is written from some romantic point of view that I personally know could use some better insights.
November 27, 2012
A fun little book, but it didn't really contain much that I didn't already know how to do (or didn't apply to me). If there was really something that I wanted to learn how to do (paint a room, refinish a dresser, write a love letter), I'd be better off doing a Google search as you won't find any in depth instructions here. A good graduation gift idea.
December 4, 2012
A panel of grandfathers have assembled good advice and instruction for topics ranging from how to be brave to how to mow the lawn. I preferred the concrete informative sections (how to play bocce ball, how to identify animal tracks) over the big existential issues, but I think that is partly a product of the book's format. Anyone up for bocce?
March 31, 2013
It's a pretty interesting book. It contains many different instruction for many basic skills in life ranging from household stuff to survival skills. While some of the skills mentioned in the books are not always used in life but overall, it really helps knowing the things said in the book. Strongly recommended for young boys.
March 10, 2011
Great concept, but it was hard to believe that some of the "advice" was coming from the grandfathers. For instance, I find it hard to believe that these grandfathers know enough about Lady Gaga to make a joke about her.
September 20, 2011
This was a fun collection of all the handy old-fashioned how-tos you need to live a happy and productive life. Well, maybe not all. *grin* But it was a really nice read, the stories were interesting, and I did actually learn some stuff.
October 7, 2011
This was a little gift from my Aunt-in-law that I read on the can. Not much of real value advice-wise here and Bried is more interested in making tons of little jokes than giving useful info, but it made me feel smart to say "no duh" to most of the stuff in the book.
November 13, 2011
This book was very similar to "Man Up!: 367 Classic Skills for the Modern Guy" and honestly if you are over 25 there is no reason for you to not know 80% of the things in this book before reading it.
I did enjoy that the advice was dispensed by grandfathers which gave it a more personal feel.
I did enjoy that the advice was dispensed by grandfathers which gave it a more personal feel.
November 6, 2013
I had such an amazing time reading this book - it was like growing up at our house all over again. People just don't teach these skills and wisdoms anymore, and it's a shame. Do yourself a favour and grab this book and take its priceless lessons to heart.
December 27, 2010
A quick read with a writing style that often detracts from the theme of the book. I could have lived without reading it, but I will keep my copy around for occasional reference.
March 1, 2011
This is a great book. I knew much of the things, my dad had taught them to me. I am sure my sons know much of this book also from their grandfathers. I think the book is very practical advice
November 1, 2011
Interesting topics, but I wanted more information on each of them!
December 18, 2011
If ever there was a book that was the manual of how to be a man, this is it. If I ever have boys, this is a book I will definitely purchase for them.
April 26, 2013
This a book that every young man should get once they are out on their own. Much of it is common sense, however, that tends to be somewhat rare these days.
July 13, 2012
Lots of good tips and written in an easily accessible style. Chances are you already know how to do at least a few of the things listed in the book.
August 27, 2012
A light and fun read full of practical tips and hints to navigating life.
July 22, 2016
Another book I found to be a great idea badly executed.
The idea and content of this book was intriguing to me, but the writing was flat, the information simplistic.
The idea and content of this book was intriguing to me, but the writing was flat, the information simplistic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews