Completely brilliant. Very funny and very poignant

Would you consider the audio edition of How Not to Be a Boy to be better than the print version?

This is brilliantly narrated by Webb himself, and you get SO much from autobiographies narrated by the author. When the author happens to be Robert Webb, you get a gold-standard, addictive audiobook that you'll immediately try to make everyone else on the planet listen to as well. He delivers the funnies to perfection, but his economy on the more emotional and poignant passages is almost unbearably moving. I feel like cheering and clapping.

What did you like best about this story?

It's completely satisfying if you're a fan of Robert Webb as a comedian, or just like amusing books in general. It's VERY funny throughout and the humour is smart and stylish. But there are passages and observations that are described so movingly by the author, the emotion will pin you to the spot.

Which character – as performed by Robert Webb – was your favourite?

The way the author commits all the members of his family to the page is just lovely, flawed and human though they are. But it's the author/narrator himself who you really root for. I have so much respect for the way he's laid himself bare in writing this book, and am hugely impressed by his wit. I was a fan before, but now I'm die-hard.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES and then I'd go back to the beginning and start again, in the same sitting.

Any additional comments?

It's achingly brilliant, I can't recommend it highly enough!

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28 people found this helpful

Excellent Autobiography with a twist

Robert Webb is hilarious and honest in this book, both in his writing of it, and his reading.

It's an autobiographical book, with the added twist of being blatant and upfront about the (not so) hidden political agendas. This book is not about trying to say men shouldn't be proud to be men, but it does try to address the stereotypes put on boys as they grow up, which then go on to hinder everyone in general.

This book is full of both funny insights and incredibly honest pain. It uses Webb's personal accounts and experiences to try and reassure boys and men that it's okay to cry, it's okay to have emotions and to like pink.

We hear all too often about how stereotypes on women hold them and wider society back and, as a female, I have seen that and know it all too well. It's less talked about how the same happens to men. This books was refreshing in that it came at the subject from a different point of view.

I will be recommending this book to both men and women. It was a great listen, and it made me think about my life and the world around me. Thank you Robert Webb for writing such a raw, honest and thought-provoking book.

And I loved the Audible Extras.

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13 people found this helpful

Marvellous

There isn't anyone I wouldn't recommend this book too. Lincoln and feeling different from the Lincoln norm was described perfectly. A lot can be learnt from this book about nurture, feminism and masculinity.

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1 person found this helpful

Essential Reading

As a northerner from a small village, who eventually went to a Grammar School and good, fun, uni (Edinburgh, not Cambridge), perhaps this book is more a mirror for me than most.
Webb hasn't written a story, he's here to take you on a journey. The road is neither straight nor comfortable, but journey makes the destination matter, and reminds us why we need to get there.
This but might not change the world, but it's an excellent guide to get us moving in the right direction.

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1 person found this helpful

brilliant best bio of the year

this is a great audio book robert webb is a great narrator and i laughed out loud at times and his thought full bio is full of great insight into his life and the man he has become today. i cannot reccommend this too highly brilliant

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1 person found this helpful

Insightful, warm and thought-provoking

This book contained some great insight into Robert Webb's life, but, unlike most autobiographies it really offered a great look into his views on feminism, masculinity and friendship. The title itself suggests this book is going to be more than just a step-by-step story of his life.
Webb really takes on his own prejudices and prejudices he felt affected him, and affect many others, whilst being endearing, honest and funny.

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Read it!

This is excellent: excellently written, excellently narrated. If you are, have ever been, or have ever known a boy or man then you should read this book. A wonderfully accessible critique of masculinity and its perilous effects on boys and men. It's also funny.

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Honest and Personal

I enjoyed this book and the performance. It is a refreshing perspective on growing up, told with honesty and candour. I’m aged 63 and male. I have also done a lot of self reflection, but this book was nevertheless very educative. The section dealing with men and mental health sums up the situation perfectly. I agree with Webb’s conclusion that women’s liberation is also men’s liberation. Men must find a way of overcoming what Webb calls the ‘trick’. We are being conned and manipulated by an oppressive ideology.

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Outstanding

Thoughtful, brutally honest (hopefully) and exactly as funny as one should expect from Mr Webb. Absolutely excellent.

Highly recommend.

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really insightful into his life and ours

thoroughly enjoyed. really touched on powerful and important themes that resonated a lot with my conflicts of being 'a man' and just generally find place in the world. sad but funny for large parts

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