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Go the F--k to Sleep

by Adam Mansbach (Goodreads Author), Samuel L. Jackson (Narrator)

4.22 of 5 stars 4.22 · rating details · 35,172 ratings · 2,209 reviews

Publisher's Summary

Academy Award nominee Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) rocks this mock bedtime story, capturing a hilarious range of emotions as the voice of a father struggling to get his child to sleep.

Go the F**k to Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don’t always send a toddler sailing blissf...more

Audiobook, Digital Download, Unabridged, 1 page

Published June 13th 2011 by Audible Inc.

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Jun 14, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kat-s-book-reviews, leaves-awesomeness-behind

I can't express how much I love this book. My son is currently whining because he's supposed to be napping.

Yeah, good fucking luck on that one.

evil

But this book is so awesome because it's true. I think I've thought almost every word in this book toward my son at some point.

Seriously, boy! Mummy needs her GoodReads time so GO THE FUCK TO SLEEP!!!

97 likes · like · see review

Jun 08, 2011 Stephen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comics-graphic-novels, childrens, 2011, humor-and-satire

NEVER MIND THE VERY CATCHY TITLE...and disregard that it is only 32 pages long and designed to emulate those children’s books we parents read ad nauseum to our kids…THIS IS AN ANTHEM TO PARENTS EVERYWHERE, an honest celebration of that all too familiar experience that we have all been through…and I laughed my mental-cursing, temper-losing, patience-exhausted, anger-rising, sleep-deprived ass off the entire time I was reading it.

In addition to being Hangover funny, it is also surprisingly comfor...more

107 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2011 Miriam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: sucks to be you

Shelves: picture

I guess my parents were lucky -- we pretty much went to sleep without fussing. And if we got up again we usually played quietly without disturbing our parents. And the kids I baby-sat most often went to sleep pretty obligingly, too, probably because I played energetic games with them so they were wiped out. I remember having to convince one very docile girl that it would be okay for her to go to bed early if she wanted to. She could hardly keep her eyes open by 7:20 but thought she had to stay u...more

36 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Kaethe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: format-audio, animals, books-about-books, fiction, humor, kids, meta, parenting, poetry, realistic, retellings, contemporary

2011 June 16

Read by Samuel L. Jackson! And it's free for a limited time at Audible. w00t!

Pure, dead, brilliant. Mansbach has got his parody spot on. Jackson does a wonderful job of reading the straight bedtime-book lines in the perfect soothing-parent voice, and in vocalizing his growing consternation and frustration. Totally awesome, although I don't expect to many non-parents to enjoy the genius of the thing.

***

2011 August 03

I used this to demonstrate the audio books capability of the Kindle....more

19 likes · like · see review

Jun 18, 2011 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: humour

I heard of Go The Fuck To Sleep -- who hasn't? -- through the internet buzz about it. Actually, possibly through someone writing analytically about the internet buzz about it, which included distribution of illegal PDF copies, and what that means for ebook piracy. That's a pretty interesting phenomenon in itself, because this book sold like crazy.

It's in the style of a children's book, with pictures that might be appealing to a child (bright colours, exotic animals, etc), and short verses -- and...more

20 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2011 Catie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, humor

This book so perfectly homes in on the grand canyon sized pit of frustration, weariness, and impotence that every parent carries around inside. It’s that place that is systematically tamped down and compartmentalized to make way for an entirely new kind of person. The kind of person that can dig up the enthusiasm to clap and cheer for your three year old when she shouts “I NEED TO GO POTTY!!” at 2am, even though inside all you can think is, “my god, I am so fucking tired.” The kind of person tha...more This book so perfectly homes in on the grand canyon sized pit of frustration, weariness, and impotence that every parent carries around inside. It’s that place that is systematically tamped down and compartmentalized to make way for an entirely new kind of person. The kind of person that can dig up the enthusiasm to clap and cheer for your three year old when she shouts “I NEED TO GO POTTY!!” at 2am, even though inside all you can think is, “my god, I am so fucking tired.” The kind of person that spends thirty minutes desperately searching for that one special animal that she can’t possibly go to bed without, but has conveniently stashed behind the bookcase and doesn’t have the ability to recall where she put it. The kind of person that can answer questions like, “What is hair for?” which she just had to know the answer to at 10pm. The kind of person that stupidly begs, “Please, you only need to call me in here if it’s something important, like if you’re sick or hurt,” and then deals with the aftermath of malingering that follows for the next six months.

I guess what I am saying is, sometimes it feels like I have this uber-patient, “mother” persona that’s taking over. I had a nice conversation with the Serbian lifeguard at our community pool yesterday, about how awful the food is in America, and I went away thinking, “What a nice boy. I should make him a loaf of bread,” because apparently every male person that’s even remotely younger than me now belongs in the “child” category. It took a loud mouth obnoxious elderly woman flipping shit about him wearing a speedo to make me realize that I had in fact been speaking to a mostly naked man without batting an eye (which is something that probably would have flustered me ten years ago).

That’s why I love this book – I think that every parent gets to this place where it feels like the normal, adult part of you is disappearing in a flood of Yo Gabba Gabba, diapers, sparkly shoes, playdates, and that book that you just loved the first time but now makes you physically ill on the hundredth re-read. This book gives parents permission to give vent to all of that impotent rage that intensifies until you just want to fall on your knees and beg them to go to bed so that you can have twenty minutes (just twenty minutes!!!) to be a real adult.

I agree that this is one of the best gifts for anyone in your life that’s a new parent. In particular, I’d like to give this book to that person that comes in to your office and says, “Susie slept through the night! She’s only six weeks old!!” with the enthusiasm of the innocent. “That’s great!” you say, patting him sympathetically on the arm. Keep celebrating those “victories” while you still have the heart to…before you realize that it’s actually only just begun.

Pefect Musical Pairing

Barenaked Ladies – Crazy ABC’s

I believe strongly in musical brainwashing for all children. My daughters listen to my music, and I rarely buy anything that’s for kids. Also, I’ve already sacrificed the t.v. to all child friendly programming…you can pry my ipod from my cold, dead hands! That being said, there are a couple of kids’ albums that I actually really like and Barenaked Ladies’ “Snacktime!” is one of them. This song will probably be more likely to confuse a child that’s learning the ABC’s (for example, “J is for jalapeno,” “C is for czar,” and “P is for pneumonia, pterodactyl, and psychosis”) but it’s a highly entertaining listen for parents.
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35 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2011 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, humorous, audiobook, reviewed, challenge-1010

First, thank you StumbleUpon, for taking me to this site, and allowing me to experience the audio reading of this book, with accompanying video of the illustrations. It was awesome.

I think if I had read this on my own... 3 stars maybe. It was cute, kinda witty, but nothing spectacular. But I gave this 5 stars. And called it 'awesome'.

Why? Four words: Samuel L. Motherfucking Jackson.

That's right. Samuel L. Motherfucking Jackson. And for all 6 minutes of this audio, I was enthralled, laughing an...more

24 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, children

Isn't everything better when read by Samuel L. Jackson? Listen for yourself and download the audio version for free here. This is a cute and only slightly threatening childrens story for adults. I love it! =)

15 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2011 Steph Sinclair rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, i-loved-it, i-own-it, audio-books, awesome, pregnancy-and-child-rearing, all-time-favorites, funny, pure-win, so-wrong-it-s-right

If Snakes on a Plane (view spoiler) and Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes had a baby it would be this audio book. It was pure genius to have Samuel L. Jackson narrate. I mean, who's inner Samuel L. Jackson doesn't come out when they are sleep deprived, right?

When I'm sleepy, I'm the nastiest person you would ever have the misfortune of meeting. But somehow fate would have it that I'd be ~~cursed~~ blessed with the wor...more

18 likes · like · see review

Jul 17, 2011 Melody rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cute. Marginally clever one-trick pony. The sad part is that as clever and as cute as this is, Mansbach isn't a good enough writer for the concept. It could have been far, far funnier, instead of relying on the constant repetition of "fuck" to carry the weight. I especially liked the page with the tiger, but mostly it was an exercise in regret that this book was not in the hands of someone like Dr. Seuss or even better, Philip Larkin. Two and a half stars, more for concept than execution.

17 likes · like · see review

Jul 03, 2011 Arlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011

The giant pangolins of Madagascar are snoozing as I lie here and openly weep. Sure, fine, whatever, I’ll bring you some milk. Who the f&ck cares? You’re not gonna sleep.

LMFAO! Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!

What a great book for new, soon-to-be, or current parents. It’s both hilarious and harsh, but somewhat endearing in its own warped way. I loved it!! And, I actually read it a few times back to back and laughed harder and harder each time!

This book recants of a desperate sleepy paren...more

4 likes · like · see review

May 18, 2011 ♥ Amber ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Genius. This book was sent to me by a friend here on Goodreads, with a comment about "even if you don't have kids, this is hilarious!" She couldn't have been more right. I don't have kids. But I did help raise my nieces and know all too well about the relentless stalling tactics of a child at bedtime. This book was written for adults as a way to help them laugh at one of the most frustrating events in child rearing, putting your child to bed.

Go the F**k to sleep had me laughing hysterically as...more

9 likes · like · see review

May 11, 2011 Otis Chandler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Otis by: James Currier

Shelves: childrensbooks, humor

A friend sent me this. Hilarious!

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2011 Amy or "Ames" rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: all parents

Recommended to Amy or "Ames" by: Beth F.

Shelves: laugh-out-loud, read-in-2011, audiobooks, free-read, do-not-own

ETA June 2011: Listened to Samuel L. Jackson reading this on YouTube HERE and he narrated it perfectly. Profanity always sounds great when it's coming out of his mouth.

May 28, 2011:
The pdf viral is excellent. Funny because it's true. Definitely a bestseller in the making.

From Publishers Weekly:
Finally, one book whose buzz began weeks ago and kept rising after its .pdfs went viral, the wildly titled Go the F*** to Sleep by Adam Mansbach, illus. by Ricardo Cortés, from Akashic Books, is still goi...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 02, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-audible-dot-com, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge

I don't think they could have selected anyone better than Samuel L. Jackson to narrate this adult bedtime story. Laugh-out-loud funny, and it's free right now at audible.com Mr. Jackson gives his personal reasons for narrating this charmer; however, even if you are not a parent, you'll enjoy this one. Nevertheless, I wish I had the hardcover b/c I've heard the illustrations are wonderful.

YouTube Version Shows Pictures

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 28, 2011 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got a good laugh out of this one! My DH gave it to me as I was trying to get the boys to go to sleep Christmas Eve. Perfect timing,lol

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 24, 2011 BamaGal rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the most profane, hilarious things I've ever listened to. I downloaded the free audible version, then played it for my oldest daughter; who has two very young children.

If you are offended by the work fuck, or don't have a broad sense of humor; this is not for you. If you are broadminded, or have actually tried to get children to just go the fuck to sleep; you will laugh until tears run down your face.

Get it while it's still free at audible. Samuel L. Jackson is great on the narra...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2013 Bettie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fraudio, spring-2013, poetry, published-2011, shortstory-shortstories-novellas, amusing

Samuel L Jackson narrates

Fun that wears thin.

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 25, 2011 Jodie Riverina Romantics rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Shelves: on-blog

Oh my gosh this book is fucking hilarious!

I had a discussion only this week with my husband about why the hell people don’t tell you how evil kids are before you have the little fuckers.

The author of this book needs to write a whole series – I already have book titles prepared:
~ Sit the fuck on the toilet
~ Eat your fucking vegetables
~ Stop bitch slapping your brother
~ Stop screaming before mummy turns fucking cray cray.

And the one I currently need:
~ Get that finger out of your fucking nose

And o...more

23 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 Headacheslayer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, audio-books, favorite, humor, parenting, awesome-cover, classics, favorite-illustrator, favorite-author, must-read

Samuel L. Jackson made this a MUST LISTEN for me!! I can't wait to get the book, but have listened to the audiobook several times--my entire family has laughed themselves silly. YES it's inappropriate for younger kids (mine are 16 and 9) and YES there are plenty of F-bombs being dropped. But it is like they WROTE this for Jackson to narrate.

Every bleary-eyed parent can relate to this hilarious tale.

And for the record, I have said "Go the F**k to sleep/bed!"

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2011 Hazel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mildly amusing; but fuck makes a line only so funny, even if it's Samuel L. doing the reading.

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 31, 2011 Joanne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s

I think the word f**k is one of the cleverest in the English language, with its myriad forms of application. I use it myself, sparingly, when the occasion's right. My initial reaction to "Go the F**k to Sleep" was that I liked it because it was funny. It's where most of us get to at a certain time of the night, when our darling little angels just won't play fair. But by the time I reached the end, I was over it.

So, who is it for? You can't read it to your child. You can't leave it lying around t...more

11 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2011 Lesley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Probably the funniest book I have ever read in my life. And there is so much truth in it!!

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2011 Dorsi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned-by-me

This takes all of two minutes to read and is well worth the two minutes. LMAO. This is absolutely hilarious. I love my kids more than life itself. I remember trying to get them to go to sleep when they were little & it could be quite a feat at times. This book is funny as HELL!

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2011 Paras Allana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: really-liked-it, children-s, humorous, book-club

How can I not like it. Its funny. Oh and the audio by Samuel L. Jackson, super good.
Also, you might love it, you might want to listen/red it before giving it to ur kid.

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 15, 2011 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: humour, 2011

If you ever get a chance to read this, it is very amusing. Also the audiobook with Samuel L Jackson narrating is pure gold.

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 21, 2012 Jeanette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-fiction, giggles, for-the-munchkins, artwork-and-comics

Why the fuck isn't this shelved in the children's section of my library?

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 ♪ Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gigglesnort, poetry, come-on-its-for-the-kids

Having been raised with a sufficiently extensive vocabulary, I was told that to swear and use bad language was the sign of someone uneducated and not well-read.

Well, damnit...this book proves a) that is not the case, b) that poetry is lovely in its many forms, and c) the F word can be hilarious couched between verse, prose, and liberal doses of parental wisdom only afforded to those who have previously attempted to lull a small child to sleep.

Funny, funny stuff.

**Ive been informed that the audi...more

1 like · like · see review

May 27, 2011 Petra X rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children, humour

Every parent whose ever lived has, at some point (but mostly regularly, at lots of points) wanted to tell their kid GO THE FUCK TO SLEEP. (And if you say you never wanted to, your child either didn't have vocal cords or you are telling big porkies). This book says it on every page and the beautiful illustrations and to-the-point poetry will elicit much sympathy and humour on the part of any reader. But perhaps not the knowing looks that will pass between the tired, sleep-deprived parents of a ba...more

19 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: humor, 2011

Way back in the day, when I was new to drawing peoples faces for a living I ran across a couple of people that still pop up in my memory. This book jogged it to the front of my brain once again.

Picture a rather large Italian American man, think Chris Christie, think Tony Soprano. Now picture this mans child of the approximate age of 7. Listen...hear the heavy New Jersey accents......and....

Tony: So, uhh, d'ya tink yous can draw my kid?

Me: Um, sure. ?

Kid: Awe c'mon dad! I wanna ride some coasters...more

11 likes · like · see review

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About Adam Mansbach

Mansbach is the founding editor of the pioneering '90s hip hop journal Elementary, and a former Artistic Consultant to Columbia University's Center for Jazz Studies. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, The New York Times, Vibe, JazzTimes, Wax Poetics, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Guilt & Pleasure, Poets & Writers, Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthet...more

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Quotes from Go the Fuck to Sleep

“I know you're not thirsty. That's bullshit. Stop lying. Lie the fuck down, my darling, and sleep.” — 37 people liked it

“All the kids from daycare are in dreamland.
The froggie has made his last leap.
Hell no you can't go to the bathroom.
You know where you can go?
The f**k to sleep.” — 10 people liked it

More quotes…

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