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Man of the House: A Novel
For more than a decade, Linc Menner has raised the status of househusband to an art form. . . . While his wife, Jo, brings home the bacon, Linc Menner holds down the fort–his gourmet cooking is sublime, his cleaning unrivaled, and his devotion to his daughter, Violet, unparalleled.But when the Menners relocate from upstate New York to the steamy beaches of Naples, Florida, life takes an unexpected turn. As the Menners renovate their new home Linc’s bliss turns into a war zone of contractors, dry wall dust, and chaos. And suddenly being surrounded by guys whose faces go blank as he expounds on the virtues of lump-free gravy makes Linc realize he has forgotten what it feels like to be a man.So Linc trades his flip-flops for work boots, and his wild mop of hair for a barbershop buzz, and marches his flabby physique to the nearest gym–attracting the secret devotion of one of Violet’s teacher in the process. And his stunned family watches helplessly as they lose the man who keeps them all together. To make matters worse, it’s hurricane season and there’s a category 5 heading right for Naples. As life on the home front explodes into hilarity and catastrophe, Linc must chart his own delightfully crooked course to finally become the Man of the House.Praise for Ad Hudler’s Househusband “With self-deprecating humor and adroit expression, Hudler delves deep into the American psyche of gender roles. . . . The dialogue rings with authenticity.”–The State (Columbia, S.C.)“Winning . . . [a] breezy comic outing.”–The New York TimesFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 27, 2013
I would not have finished, or probably even started this book if it wasn't a book club selection. The writing wasn't very good, the story and the characters were uninteresting, and the commentary on gender roles was somewhat infuriating.
August 25, 2017
It was an okay read. Mildly offensive, the views on gender, gender roles and parenting, but different strokes for different folks I reckon.
June 9, 2019
The premise of the book sounded great. The different POV chapters were helpful in getting all sides of this family's life as Linc is going through this change and the writing wasn't horrible.
HOWEVER the author is a white man that feels it's acceptable for his white characters to use racial slurs. Especially towards the end of the story Linc sounds very racist but not sexist cuz *gasps in sarcasm* that would be crazy. Linc's transformation starts with little things and then just accelerates on the road to Manville. And at no point during that acceleration did he feel it necessary to talk to Jo about it. He just expected things to settle themselves but also got mad when Jo found a solution. All the things Linc changed about himself were stereotypical and frankly I had hoped this story would be about him finding a good balance between his old stay at home dad life and his new manly personality. The teacher's role after reading this was actually unnecessary. It was an outside POV but take her away and you'd just need the family's POVs to be expanded. She offered no real conflict just outside drama.
HOWEVER the author is a white man that feels it's acceptable for his white characters to use racial slurs. Especially towards the end of the story Linc sounds very racist but not sexist cuz *gasps in sarcasm* that would be crazy. Linc's transformation starts with little things and then just accelerates on the road to Manville. And at no point during that acceleration did he feel it necessary to talk to Jo about it. He just expected things to settle themselves but also got mad when Jo found a solution. All the things Linc changed about himself were stereotypical and frankly I had hoped this story would be about him finding a good balance between his old stay at home dad life and his new manly personality. The teacher's role after reading this was actually unnecessary. It was an outside POV but take her away and you'd just need the family's POVs to be expanded. She offered no real conflict just outside drama.
October 31, 2016
Hmmm. **I wanted to like this. But at the end, it was one of those books that left me feeling like I could have spent my time reading something with more substance. It's not the worst book I've ever read and there were a few funny parts.
** I was reading a signed copy of this book that my aunt loaned me. This author is from a town in Colorado where my aunt lives and where I spent quite a bit of time when I was younger. She tells me that at some point I probably met this guy but if it happened I sure don't remember.
** I was reading a signed copy of this book that my aunt loaned me. This author is from a town in Colorado where my aunt lives and where I spent quite a bit of time when I was younger. She tells me that at some point I probably met this guy but if it happened I sure don't remember.
November 11, 2008
Linc Menner is the stay-at-home parent of Violet Menner, now 13. The Menners have recently moved to Naples, Florida to accommodate Jo Menner's job as a top executive in several area hospitals. Instead of settling for a condo they have bought a house which requires lots of renovations. The renovations are going extremely slowly as sub-contractors or supplies do not show up.
Linc has been the perfect housekeeper. His meals are nutritious and supplies never run out. Violet is well tended to. Linc is getting to talk to males on a daily basis. Clearly these contractors do not care about gourmet cooking or cleanly houses. Linc finds himself getting sick of 'Girlyland'. When one of the sub-contractors makes a disparaging remark, Linc embarks on a transformation.
Violet is growing up and distancing herself a little but is bewildered when her Dad lets her drink pop and puts a meal cooked in a pressure-cooker on the table. Linc hits the gym to buff up his abs and starts hanging out with the guys.
Jo works long hours and frequently has to travel away from home. She feels her marriage is getting stale. When Linc is not at home as much she has to fill the vacuum caused by his absence.
Jessica, Violet's English teacher, is increasingly interested in Linc. She ends up stalking Linc and involving Violet by getting her to blog about her father.
Man of the House is told in four voices: Linc, Jo, Jessica and Violet. It is interesting to have the four voices as each of them see a situation differently. Although Linc does not formally recognize his transformation, each of the characters notices different things. Each character is forced to come to terms with the changes in Linc and how they react and compensate. The Menners all change and learn how to fit together as a family again.
Throughout the story there is a threat of a category 5 hurricane. Linc at first goes completely overboard in preparation. I found this part hilarious as I imagined Violet walking though the neighbourhood collecting coconuts.
This book is a sequel to Househusband but is a stand-alone read. It is a funny, light, very enjoyable read.
Linc has been the perfect housekeeper. His meals are nutritious and supplies never run out. Violet is well tended to. Linc is getting to talk to males on a daily basis. Clearly these contractors do not care about gourmet cooking or cleanly houses. Linc finds himself getting sick of 'Girlyland'. When one of the sub-contractors makes a disparaging remark, Linc embarks on a transformation.
Violet is growing up and distancing herself a little but is bewildered when her Dad lets her drink pop and puts a meal cooked in a pressure-cooker on the table. Linc hits the gym to buff up his abs and starts hanging out with the guys.
Jo works long hours and frequently has to travel away from home. She feels her marriage is getting stale. When Linc is not at home as much she has to fill the vacuum caused by his absence.
Jessica, Violet's English teacher, is increasingly interested in Linc. She ends up stalking Linc and involving Violet by getting her to blog about her father.
Man of the House is told in four voices: Linc, Jo, Jessica and Violet. It is interesting to have the four voices as each of them see a situation differently. Although Linc does not formally recognize his transformation, each of the characters notices different things. Each character is forced to come to terms with the changes in Linc and how they react and compensate. The Menners all change and learn how to fit together as a family again.
Throughout the story there is a threat of a category 5 hurricane. Linc at first goes completely overboard in preparation. I found this part hilarious as I imagined Violet walking though the neighbourhood collecting coconuts.
This book is a sequel to Househusband but is a stand-alone read. It is a funny, light, very enjoyable read.
May 19, 2010
For fourteen years, Linc Menner has been content to be a stay at home husband while his wife Jo works in an executive position at a hospital. He's been perfectly happy cooking, cleaning, running errands, and shopping with daughter Violet. But things change when Jo gets a promotion and the family moves to Naples, Florida. They buy a house that is a fixer-upper and the renovations throw the family into turmoil. Violet is thirteen and growing up fast, Linc is helping fix up the house and questioning his manliness while unknowingly capturing the attention of one of Violet's teachers, and Jo is wondering what happened to her attentive husband. It's hurricane season both in Florida and in the Menner household.
"Man of the House" is a very funny semi-autobiographical novel. Author Ad Hudler uses four points of view in the novel - Linc, Jo, Violet, and Jessica Varnadore (Violet's teacher). This works well in several ways including watching the bewilderment that Jo and Violet feel as Linc changes in ways that he himself doesn't quite understand. Linc's change from househusband to he-man is very believable and very funny. His obsession with hurricanes and the Weather Channel is also very funny. Other funny bits include Linc's fighting for a parking space at Violet's school, his visit to a strip club, and his handy hints that are scattered throughout the book. All of the characters are believable - Linc with his increasing desire to be more than a househusband; Violet as she struggles with puberty; Jo as she tries to juggle a demanding job and family life; and Jessica with her increasing obsession with Linc. While the book is very funny and laugh out loud funny at times, there is also an undercurrent of seriousness, with the impending hurricane and the strains a marriage can go through. Also, Jessica is treated as a very troubled character, never an object of fun.
"Man of the House" is a very funny novel.
"Man of the House" is a very funny semi-autobiographical novel. Author Ad Hudler uses four points of view in the novel - Linc, Jo, Violet, and Jessica Varnadore (Violet's teacher). This works well in several ways including watching the bewilderment that Jo and Violet feel as Linc changes in ways that he himself doesn't quite understand. Linc's change from househusband to he-man is very believable and very funny. His obsession with hurricanes and the Weather Channel is also very funny. Other funny bits include Linc's fighting for a parking space at Violet's school, his visit to a strip club, and his handy hints that are scattered throughout the book. All of the characters are believable - Linc with his increasing desire to be more than a househusband; Violet as she struggles with puberty; Jo as she tries to juggle a demanding job and family life; and Jessica with her increasing obsession with Linc. While the book is very funny and laugh out loud funny at times, there is also an undercurrent of seriousness, with the impending hurricane and the strains a marriage can go through. Also, Jessica is treated as a very troubled character, never an object of fun.
"Man of the House" is a very funny novel.
December 6, 2008
Even though I should be packing for my flight tomorrow, I wanted to take the time to write my review of Man of the House by Ad Hudler. Here is a summary of the book from the author's website:
We find Linc Menner thriving as a stay-at-home dad. His gourmet cooking is sublime, his cleaning unrivaled, and his devotion to his daughter, Violet, unparalleled. But when the Menners relocate from upstate New York to the steamy beaches of Naples, Florida, life takes an unexpected turn. As the Menners renovate their new home, Linc’s bliss turns into a war zone of contractors, drywall dust, and chaos. And suddenly being surrounded by guys whose faces go blank as he expounds on the virtues of lump-free gravy makes Linc realize he has forgotten what it feels like to be a man.
Overall, I liked the book very much! The author did a great job of moving the story forward by having each chapter told from the perspective of a different character. While there is more acceptance of stay-at-home dad's, not very much is written about the experience. The book challenged notions of masculinity and fatherhood. I especially enjoyed how the main character struggled with being a devoted father and parent while trying to figure out what makes him feel fulfilled. My favorite character was the daughter, Violent. The way she describes and witnesses her father's change was entertaining and insightful.
We find Linc Menner thriving as a stay-at-home dad. His gourmet cooking is sublime, his cleaning unrivaled, and his devotion to his daughter, Violet, unparalleled. But when the Menners relocate from upstate New York to the steamy beaches of Naples, Florida, life takes an unexpected turn. As the Menners renovate their new home, Linc’s bliss turns into a war zone of contractors, drywall dust, and chaos. And suddenly being surrounded by guys whose faces go blank as he expounds on the virtues of lump-free gravy makes Linc realize he has forgotten what it feels like to be a man.
Overall, I liked the book very much! The author did a great job of moving the story forward by having each chapter told from the perspective of a different character. While there is more acceptance of stay-at-home dad's, not very much is written about the experience. The book challenged notions of masculinity and fatherhood. I especially enjoyed how the main character struggled with being a devoted father and parent while trying to figure out what makes him feel fulfilled. My favorite character was the daughter, Violent. The way she describes and witnesses her father's change was entertaining and insightful.
July 18, 2010
Pulpwood Queens, you are in for a grand evening with Ad Hudler to talk about books and all things literary and the theme of his latest book Man of the House and gender identification. How many times as I was reading this book did I think, he's nailed it, he really understands and communicates well, what it means to be a stay-at-home caregiver. What I found insightful was the passion he gave the main character, Linc Menner, in his role of man of the house; candlelight dinners, extravagant dinner parties, great care in finding the perfect home accessories, due diligence in interactions with teachers and principals. Just all around Perfect! Then as the house is remodeled, Linc also begins a remodeling job on his character. Hilarious to the point of laugh out loud, a totally enjoyable book.
AND not only are we reading this book for our July 14th meeting, Ad has us a a stop on his Tailgate Tour! To celebrate our good fortune we are opening up our meeting to the public and joining with the Calcasieu Parish Public Library to host this event.
So put grab your tiara, your hot pink T-shirt and Man of the House, to meet up at the Central Branch Library corner of Claude St and Ernest St in Lake Charles on July 14 from 5 - 7:30 pm!
We are asking each member to bring 2-3 dozen cookies/brownies for refreshments.
--
Posted By Kay Huck to Southwest Louisiana Pulpwood Queens Book Club at 7/08/2010 03:52:00 PM
AND not only are we reading this book for our July 14th meeting, Ad has us a a stop on his Tailgate Tour! To celebrate our good fortune we are opening up our meeting to the public and joining with the Calcasieu Parish Public Library to host this event.
So put grab your tiara, your hot pink T-shirt and Man of the House, to meet up at the Central Branch Library corner of Claude St and Ernest St in Lake Charles on July 14 from 5 - 7:30 pm!
We are asking each member to bring 2-3 dozen cookies/brownies for refreshments.
--
Posted By Kay Huck to Southwest Louisiana Pulpwood Queens Book Club at 7/08/2010 03:52:00 PM
July 7, 2010
Different perspective here, but I really liked it. Apparently this book is a sequel, but I didn't know that and didn't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. This is about a short period of crisis in a family brought on by moving, renovating, hurricanes, puberty, and all the related changings of the status quo. The husband, who has always been the caregiver of the family as a stay-at-home dad, goes through a personal re-evaluation of his masculinity and is unhappy with his state of domesticity. His attempts to change the way he and others define himself are alternately humorous and healthy, although painful for the rest of the family since so much navel-gazing means he's spending less time giving care to the household. Overall, neat book. I liked the characters and I will definitely ponder the gender issues raised herein.
May 18, 2009
The continuation of the Menner family following the Ad Hudler's earlier book Houseband.
I have to say I didn't like Lincoln Menner that much in this book. I grew to love him in Houseband and then in this book it was a complete 180. He was not so lovable to put it lightly. Eventually Linc comes around and once again Hudler's writing made me turn the pages faster than before. An interesting perspective and would certainly get book clubs talking about role reversals an the husband staying at home and being the primary caregiver.
All in all a fun read..but Linc was much more lovable in the first book about the Menner family!
I have to say I didn't like Lincoln Menner that much in this book. I grew to love him in Houseband and then in this book it was a complete 180. He was not so lovable to put it lightly. Eventually Linc comes around and once again Hudler's writing made me turn the pages faster than before. An interesting perspective and would certainly get book clubs talking about role reversals an the husband staying at home and being the primary caregiver.
All in all a fun read..but Linc was much more lovable in the first book about the Menner family!
September 18, 2009
In thirty or fewer:
Lincoln, an erstwhile landscape architect, grapples with the female/male and nurturer/breadwinner roles when gets a taste of motherhood and housework following his high-powered COO wife's move to a new job.
Reasons to read it:
-The concept is at least a somewhat original move from the typical life-of-a-housewife novels.
-It does a surprisingly deep job of tackling the gender roles and accompanying sense of self inherent in caregiving, and looking at how a man in a woman's role is accepted in some circles and rejected in others.
Reasons not to:
-After awhile, the character's quasi-depression, endless navel-gazing and neuroses drove me crazy.
Lincoln, an erstwhile landscape architect, grapples with the female/male and nurturer/breadwinner roles when gets a taste of motherhood and housework following his high-powered COO wife's move to a new job.
Reasons to read it:
-The concept is at least a somewhat original move from the typical life-of-a-housewife novels.
-It does a surprisingly deep job of tackling the gender roles and accompanying sense of self inherent in caregiving, and looking at how a man in a woman's role is accepted in some circles and rejected in others.
Reasons not to:
-After awhile, the character's quasi-depression, endless navel-gazing and neuroses drove me crazy.
May 29, 2009
I didn't realize this was a sequel when I picked it up and I didn't read the first book so maybe I just wasn't as endeared to Linc as I should have been, but I found him very whiny and annoying. The book started off good, but then it just got bogged down in his mid-life crisis and I really wasn't interested.
September 1, 2009
I really enjoyed the characters, especially since I'm married to a domestic male. The wife's POV gave me some comfort and I really loved how you got the POV from four different characters, definately made it an easy read. I was a little dispointed with the ending though, I didn't feel any closure. I will read more by this author.
June 21, 2012
I really enjoyed the first book in this "series" Househusband. I thought it was unique and thoughful and thought-provoking. This book seemed a little more formulaic and, though thought-provoking in spots (mainly about ups and downs of creativity/obsession) I didn't think the gender stuff was as good. Almost a 2 star but not quite.
September 23, 2011
The back blurb was a lot more fun to read than the actual execution. Got tired of the author's portrayal of a manly man and the main character's long windedness, then got too tired to want to finish it.
September 10, 2015
I picked this book for book club and felt obligated to read it. I will apologize for years to come for picking this! It wasn't horrible, but hated that I wasted 3 1/2 hours reading it when I have so many more books to read that will be much better!
Want to read
May 26, 2009Need to get
June 25, 2009
I liked this one better than Southern Living although it took me a while to like the characters.
June 29, 2010
Very funny book--great relax at the lake kind of book!
August 20, 2010
fun book....again a male's perspective
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews