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Stuff Every Husband Should Know
For newlyweds, happily married men, and every husband in between, this pocket-sized gift book is packed with tips and tricks for marriage.
This attractive handbook is perfect for the married (or soon to be married!) man. Great for engagements, weddings, or anniversaries, this little black book includes chapters on all the things a guy can do to make a good husband,
• How to Make Decisions
• The Ten Commandments of Laundry
• How to Hire Handymen
• How Not to Fight over Money
• Side with Your Wife, Not Your Mother
This attractive handbook is perfect for the married (or soon to be married!) man. Great for engagements, weddings, or anniversaries, this little black book includes chapters on all the things a guy can do to make a good husband,
• How to Make Decisions
• The Ten Commandments of Laundry
• How to Hire Handymen
• How Not to Fight over Money
• Side with Your Wife, Not Your Mother
- GenresNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 21, 2019
A lovely gift from my mother in law on the day after my wedding. While the author's style and sense of humor aren't really for me, there is a lot of good information, even if it's mostly reminders of things I already know. I found myself groaning more than laughing, but there were a few laughs, and it was great light reading on the honeymoon.
December 14, 2019
For a single man, I’ve probably gone through more “be a good husband/man” books than normal. I typically stick with Christian based books because at least then I know where the author draws his or her source material. For a secular book, this did disappoint a little.
First, I did like the size and the cost. A few things really made me scratch my head though. There’s a section about hiding your porn stash that I think hurts the author’s credibility. Even secular research points to the negative effects pornography can have on a marriage. At the very least there should have been something of a warning, even if framed as a take it or leave it section.
Early on the author flat out says, “your wife is always right no matter what.” My internal reaction was “ehhh.” I do see how that might keep tensions low for awhile, but I do not strive for that to be a default setting in my future marriage—mainly because avoidance can also be a cause of relational damage (and long term dissatisfaction). Maybe I’m just young enough to believe that marriage can work as a team, not a series of concessions in the hopes of sex.
I’d recommend the Art of Manliness podcast over this book if you’re looking for relationship advice. It’s secular, features experts, and maintains a moral compass.
Conclusion: I think the book makes for a good stocking stuffer and possibly a good conversation starter. It just relies on the author’s personal experience, not on broader research.
First, I did like the size and the cost. A few things really made me scratch my head though. There’s a section about hiding your porn stash that I think hurts the author’s credibility. Even secular research points to the negative effects pornography can have on a marriage. At the very least there should have been something of a warning, even if framed as a take it or leave it section.
Early on the author flat out says, “your wife is always right no matter what.” My internal reaction was “ehhh.” I do see how that might keep tensions low for awhile, but I do not strive for that to be a default setting in my future marriage—mainly because avoidance can also be a cause of relational damage (and long term dissatisfaction). Maybe I’m just young enough to believe that marriage can work as a team, not a series of concessions in the hopes of sex.
I’d recommend the Art of Manliness podcast over this book if you’re looking for relationship advice. It’s secular, features experts, and maintains a moral compass.
Conclusion: I think the book makes for a good stocking stuffer and possibly a good conversation starter. It just relies on the author’s personal experience, not on broader research.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2017
I never would have picked this book for myself, but since I’m getting married in October of 2018, and my fiancé gave me this book on Christmas as a stocking stuffer.
I’ll start off with the good things this book has going for it: Stuff Every Husband Should Know is well written and non confrontational. By this I mean that it’s simple, to the point, and keeps things light hearted, sprinkling in humor and never blaming either side for problems. It’s not as in-depth or as “self-help” as some books in this genre probably are, not is it a true “how to” guide in being the most perfect husband ever, but then again, I don’t think it’s meant to be. In addition, it’s short (at only 144 pages), and small enough to carry around practically anywhere. There’s also a few good tips (like how to patch drywall, make the perfect folded bed, and a few financial hacks for buying the perfect house).
The problem(s) with this book, however, keep it from being truly great. First of all, I’d say like 98% of it is just plain old common sense. I admit that as a male, I don’t always have common sense (thinking with my other head most of the time), but even then, it’s not exactly all rocket science. Yes, the female mystique is confusing as hell and even on the best of days is an mystery wrapped in an impenetrable enigma, however even the most sense of the XY chromosome brain knows it’s a horrible idea to tell your wife she looks fat in that dress. And even though it’s totally ridiculous and false, men should understand that a woman is always freaking right (even when they most certainly are not. Sure, reminders every now and then are good and all but I don’t think a book needs to point that out.
I also though San Juan’s solutions to everything were far too simple and basic. He writes like everything can be solved in 2 minutes. Yard work? Oh that’s a simple 2 minute task. Buying a home? Psh, easy. Having kids? It’s hard, but a no brainer. Can these all be gone through with less stress and issues than most people make them? Sure, however, they definitely aren’t nearly as cut and dry and easy as the author makes them seem. Arguments over money and spending habits aren’t exactly solved with one discussion. Buying furniture and household items isn’t a task that can be agreed on in one day.
Then there’s the near constant compromise solutions that San Juan suggests. Marriage isn’t easy, I know, and I also know that for a marriage to be successful, both sides have to come to terms with each other’s wants and needs and desires. The issue here, though, is that San Juan basically equates man to being a limp noodle, whipped and never able to get a word in edgewise. Oh, he does make a few suggestions about how to appease the wife to get one thing you want, but most of the time, it’s all deferred to her. Nothing wrong with wanting to make your spouse happy, and I agree that marriage is never all about me, but this relationship is a two way street. Us men have our own needs too!
Overall, I wouldn’t say I hated Stuff Every Husband Should Know. It was just humorous and simply written enough to make it fairly enjoyable, but it’s definitely not the end all, cure all to being a good husband. Most of that comes with time and experience. Not in a 144 page book...Not that this was trying to be a legit self help time.
I’ll start off with the good things this book has going for it: Stuff Every Husband Should Know is well written and non confrontational. By this I mean that it’s simple, to the point, and keeps things light hearted, sprinkling in humor and never blaming either side for problems. It’s not as in-depth or as “self-help” as some books in this genre probably are, not is it a true “how to” guide in being the most perfect husband ever, but then again, I don’t think it’s meant to be. In addition, it’s short (at only 144 pages), and small enough to carry around practically anywhere. There’s also a few good tips (like how to patch drywall, make the perfect folded bed, and a few financial hacks for buying the perfect house).
The problem(s) with this book, however, keep it from being truly great. First of all, I’d say like 98% of it is just plain old common sense. I admit that as a male, I don’t always have common sense (thinking with my other head most of the time), but even then, it’s not exactly all rocket science. Yes, the female mystique is confusing as hell and even on the best of days is an mystery wrapped in an impenetrable enigma, however even the most sense of the XY chromosome brain knows it’s a horrible idea to tell your wife she looks fat in that dress. And even though it’s totally ridiculous and false, men should understand that a woman is always freaking right (even when they most certainly are not. Sure, reminders every now and then are good and all but I don’t think a book needs to point that out.
I also though San Juan’s solutions to everything were far too simple and basic. He writes like everything can be solved in 2 minutes. Yard work? Oh that’s a simple 2 minute task. Buying a home? Psh, easy. Having kids? It’s hard, but a no brainer. Can these all be gone through with less stress and issues than most people make them? Sure, however, they definitely aren’t nearly as cut and dry and easy as the author makes them seem. Arguments over money and spending habits aren’t exactly solved with one discussion. Buying furniture and household items isn’t a task that can be agreed on in one day.
Then there’s the near constant compromise solutions that San Juan suggests. Marriage isn’t easy, I know, and I also know that for a marriage to be successful, both sides have to come to terms with each other’s wants and needs and desires. The issue here, though, is that San Juan basically equates man to being a limp noodle, whipped and never able to get a word in edgewise. Oh, he does make a few suggestions about how to appease the wife to get one thing you want, but most of the time, it’s all deferred to her. Nothing wrong with wanting to make your spouse happy, and I agree that marriage is never all about me, but this relationship is a two way street. Us men have our own needs too!
Overall, I wouldn’t say I hated Stuff Every Husband Should Know. It was just humorous and simply written enough to make it fairly enjoyable, but it’s definitely not the end all, cure all to being a good husband. Most of that comes with time and experience. Not in a 144 page book...Not that this was trying to be a legit self help time.
February 11, 2021
Really handy and approachable handbook that is humorous and digestible. Great for-reference chapters included:
-Taking care of kids/family (meals, activities, attitudes, mission chores)
-How to handle money
-Selecting / arranging a house
-Childbirth
-Saying 'I love you'
-Ways to spend couple time
Other good takeaways:
-Really try to put yourself in the other person's shoes
-Marriage is about accepting each other
-Try to have two bathrooms
-Have a kitchen you will love
-Family meals are important
-Be kind, don't blame things on her, don't blame her situations on your discomfort (she is probably even more uncomfortable)
-You will be expected to take care of spiders
-Hold off on video games and movies for young children--play board games, go outside, read books, do household activities together, listen to music
-Taking care of kids/family (meals, activities, attitudes, mission chores)
-How to handle money
-Selecting / arranging a house
-Childbirth
-Saying 'I love you'
-Ways to spend couple time
Other good takeaways:
-Really try to put yourself in the other person's shoes
-Marriage is about accepting each other
-Try to have two bathrooms
-Have a kitchen you will love
-Family meals are important
-Be kind, don't blame things on her, don't blame her situations on your discomfort (she is probably even more uncomfortable)
-You will be expected to take care of spiders
-Hold off on video games and movies for young children--play board games, go outside, read books, do household activities together, listen to music
November 14, 2024
Yeah, it’s pretty much all good advice. I didn’t agree with 100% of it, but still a solid 98% was personally relevant & relatable and I think most savvy people (male or female) would probably agree on most of it, too. It’s a little mainstream, but I think that’s kind of the point - but not really alienatingly mainstream, even if you’re kind of a freak. 😂 It holds up. Definitely worth a read. It’s quick.
February 27, 2019
My mother bought this for my new husband as sort of a joke for Christmas. I began perusing some of the titles and ended up reading it in it's entirety. Not only is this a good guide for husbands, this includes some great martial advice for both husband and wife. Highly recommend this little quick book!
May 12, 2022
Read this one during a quiet afternoon at the library. It's just warmed-over marriage cliches: Never tell your wife she looks fat! You're a dude so you must only care about having a big TV! Learn how to change a diaper! Don't forget your anniversary! Hahahaha, what fresh and original observations these are! And what's with the advice about how to hide your stash of porn??? Jesus.
December 28, 2018
Fun little, easy to read, entertaining book with lots of little tid bits of what should be generally expected of. Husband. Not overly detailed nor extensive. Great for guys with short attention spans. Makes for a terrific gift.
April 20, 2023
Even though I’m a female I still found this book really good
March 28, 2011
Our weekend was full of work but it one where Dear Hubby and I were very happy with each other. Not the heat of love but the constant happiness of being together. It is growing more and more as the years tick by. I know that when we were first dating and DH would say something sweet, I would remark what page in his lil black book was it from. I just knew he had to have some lil handbook to tell him all the right things. I had never met a man that showed me so much love and understanding. Well, he says he did not have one but I have found just that book! Really! And it is a Lil Black Book too! Stuff Every Husband Should Know is the perfect gift for the Man new to wed or this upcoming Fathers Day. It is another great book from Quirk. So what does every husband need to know? Well how about wife space comes before man cave? True. And how to say I love you in elvish (think J. R. R. Tolkin), Amin mela lle. I know women that would do backflips for that...okay odd. Others are how to serve breakfast in bed, politely looking at other women and how to meet your wife's friends husbands. It is really a wealth of information that men can use. I am going to introduce Dear Hubby to how to fold clothes. Hope it works!
February 22, 2023
Fun practical book about random husband/dad stuff. I would expect it to be funnier, given the topic and brevity but I would be proud if I wrote this.
May 26, 2011
This is such a great little book! First of all, I love the size, it could easily be put in a pocket. Is has everything a guy needs to know from making a bed to fixing a sink! I think this would be a good book to give to every teenage boy so they have time to learn all the basics they need to know to be a good husband. Actually it will help them whether they marry or not.
May 5, 2016
Interesting read. I think it gives a lot to think about, although I'm not entirely sure everything makes sense (i.e. not exactly the real situation). As a husband and father there are definite things that happens on a day to day basis that is not in the book and some of the ideas in the book I know don't work. Nevertheless a good read.
March 31, 2011
The hubs and I read this one together. We laughed A LOT! Mostly because a lot of it really applied to us, like how he is sooooo indecisive. Written very tongue-in-cheek but actually has some great advice for guys.
February 14, 2015
Its a quirky fun read for a single person as it gives prenoted insight into what having a relationship feels like.
August 17, 2014
A light impulse purchase book.
June 19, 2015
I guess every man needs this book :D
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews