I was delighted to get my own copy of my dad friend, Brett Grayson’s new book, “What Could Go Wrong?” It is his attempt at a comedic look at his journey through marriage, parenting, and depression.
This book is a perfect fit for all of us because, since becoming a parent, I feel like if I don’t laugh, I am going to cry. And I mean cry all the time! Being able to laugh with someone else about this parenting journey is a huge help. Similarly with marriage. We need to get out of our own heads, we need to share, and we need to commiserate with each other if we are going to make it through this journey with our sanity intact! Sharing with each other is a basic tenet of most self-help groups (I may be in one or a dozen), and they say laughter is the best medicine, and I need a lot of medicine. Brett helps us all laugh at the things we all go through as a family, and we all need that laugh, or even just a smile of recognition. I just need to know I am not alone with the thoughts that go through my head every day regarding the long arduous road that we call parenting and marriage!
About Brett:
“John Grisham Without the Success” is how Brett has been described by critics. In all seriousness, Brett is a successful trial attorney with offices throughout the five boroughs of NYC and New Jersey. He is originally from Long Island, but chose to live in New Jersey because he loves the long commute over the George Washington Bridge each day.
No, he doesn’t. And that’s what’s at the heart of what Brett writes about. When you get married and have children, you make sacrifices in the best interests of your family. Brett and his wife, Lauren, have been on a long journey since they met in 2001. They’ve faced adversity related to mental health, pregnancy complications, and birth complications.
There’s two ways to handle all they’ve faced. Get angry about it and internalize it all. Or get angry about it and use humor to cope.
I met Brett through my own travels in the dad blogosphere, and am happy to share news of his new bestselling book with you. It provides a brief respite from our own daily stresses, and an opportunity to laugh at someone else’s parent foibles/fails. I find that I end up laughing at my own travails as well, instead of beating myself for the many parenting failures I could list for you at any time. We sometimes focus on the negative, so any help guiding us towards the positive, which may start with just a smile, is most welcome!
Every part of this book is funny. One reason is due to Brett’s honesty. He says things that we are all thinking, but would never dare to say out loud, let alone put in print.
I loved the chapter on his wife’s birthing experience. Hilarious. Sharing the private thoughts of straight men as their wives have their private parts being poked and prodded for many to see. Having two sets of grandparents in the room while this is happening. What could possibly be going through the minds of the men! You will have to read the book to find out. I did stop and laugh out loud when the (not jealous?) husband referred to watching the handsome doctor get to third base (legally!) in front of him, with his wife. Now that is a funny, warped way to explain the doctor’s examination of a woman about to give birth! I love it! Oh yeah, and the description of the epidural needle as being the size of Wisconsin, Brett is a naturally funny guy!
In between the hilarity and the humor is also a lot of truth. Truth about how much we love our kids, and the work we do to get through the day to day existence with everyone in one piece, and our marriages intact. I 100% related to Brett’s observation: “One of the benefits of having children together is it gives you incentive to put your own ego and pride aside and try to fix what is wrong.” Parenting is humbling. I especially related to this comment in relation to my relationship with my husband and other family members. It is no longer just about me and how I feel about relatives. It is about my child and what is best for him, and what is best for him is as stable a household as I can provide, and also, as many healthy extended family relationships as possible. Thanks for the reminder Brett!
Here is my affiliate link to buy this book right now, it is one of the top selling books, in fact, the number one new release in Fatherhood! Grabbing a smile in the middle of the crazy family world we have put ourselves in, will make it easier to get through the day. Thanks Brett, I cannot wait for your next book!
Disclosure: I received this book for review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.
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