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189th out of 1,871 books
—
3,702 voters
Fatherhood
Bill Cosby celebrates fatherhood with wit and wisdom. "...pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." "...thinking that the height of fashion is matching socks." "...knowing that you're in trouble when the child says "No problem!""
Paperback, 178 pages
Published
1987
by Berkley Publishing Group
(first published 1986)
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I read this book as a young father and didn't get too much encouragement from of it. I loved Cosby's comic routines and the Cosby Show, but I guess I was expecting some deeper insights on fathering more than all the cynical humor about all the trouble kids cause their parents. I also wondered why the book needed a lengthy introduction and afterward by a Harvard psychiatrist. Dr. Poussaint seemed to be trying to salvage Cosby's content with some expert professional advice on raising kids. Not tha...more
Apr 15, 2009
K.D. Oliveros
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Jillian's husband (in the future)
Shelves:
humour
I read this when I was still a young father. I particularly liked the idea of writing letters to you daughter or son in each of her birthday and keeping those letters in a safe place. Then when she is already getting married, that's the time you give those letters to her. I also got goosebumps regarding Crosby's poignant story of the box that he kept on the topmost shelf of his closet that contains the mememtos of his daughter's childhood like dried spilt spaghettis, coloring books, shoes, etc....more
This was a very enjoyable read! It was another one of those books that I’ve know about for a long time, but never had the interest in reading. I came across it again recently, and, since now I am a father of two, thought it might be interesting. It was. I laughed on almost every page. What I loved most is that Cosby is so sarcastic about his appreciation for his children, speaking often of a concealed desire to set them on fire or getting rid of them and making new ones. He refers many times to...more
2 likes · like · see review
-November 25, 1999
I was at my grandfather's for Thanksgiving when I picked up this book. I was soon laughing out loud all by myself! My sister, quite confused, asked me what I was reading (I had taken the paper sleeve cover off of the hardback edition). Once I explained it was Cosby, she just smiled and asked of she could be next.
So far (I'm already half way through the whole thing) Cosby's every little antic has seriously made me laugh out loud. Therefore I wouldn't recommend reading this say,...more
I was at my grandfather's for Thanksgiving when I picked up this book. I was soon laughing out loud all by myself! My sister, quite confused, asked me what I was reading (I had taken the paper sleeve cover off of the hardback edition). Once I explained it was Cosby, she just smiled and asked of she could be next.
So far (I'm already half way through the whole thing) Cosby's every little antic has seriously made me laugh out loud. Therefore I wouldn't recommend reading this say,...more
So with Father's Day in June, I thought it appropriate to choose this tome for my next read. My experience was not what I expected.
I remember when I was a kid Bill Cosby had this show called Picture Pages. The show featured a workbook with pages that the kids would complete together with Bill on the tele. I never had Picture Pages, but I remember watching the show and wanting so very much to have that workbook so that I could follow along. Then as I got older I remember The Cosby Show and how fu...more
I remember when I was a kid Bill Cosby had this show called Picture Pages. The show featured a workbook with pages that the kids would complete together with Bill on the tele. I never had Picture Pages, but I remember watching the show and wanting so very much to have that workbook so that I could follow along. Then as I got older I remember The Cosby Show and how fu...more
Hysterical from start to finish. As usual Bill Cosby’s humor hits home. He has so many ludicrous everyday family situations that are funny because they really happen, like the loss of bathroom privacy and begging children. It is relevant to anyone who is a parent, plans to be a parent, or who has ever been part of a family…so for everyone. His wit is for all ages. I had a smile plastered on my face throughout and laughed non-stop. If ever I feel overwhelmed with raising my 4 children I will pick...more
This is a wonderful book, and just as relevant today as it was when first published over 25 years ago. The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star review was the forward and afterword by Alvin Poussaint. What Dr. Cosby wrote is not just quotable and funny, but uproariously hilarious and something I can see in myself as I spend time with my daughter. What Dr. Poussaint wrote came across as much too academic and a little bit preachy.
As I read this I kept imagining what my parents may have th...more
As I read this I kept imagining what my parents may have th...more
Taken as a standalone book, this isn't really a four but I think that misses the point. The intro/afterword by Pouissant really helps to contextualize why this book is really something. Cosby's humorous take on fatherhood will be familiar to anyone who watched The Cosby Show, but what felt more real about this book in particular was the underlying message of how important parenting and fatherhood really is. Given the crises within the black community regarding single parent homes, this book seem...more
I enjoyed Cosby’s Fatherhood as it was filed with classic Cosby humor. I still find it hard to differentiate between Cosby the Man and Cosby the Sweatered Personality. Published in 1986, the year I completed Kindergarten by not eating glue (well, not much), somebody paid $14.95 for the hardcover copy at a B Dalton Bookstore.
As Cosby repeatedly told humorous stories of his own five children’s antics I couldn’t help but think of his son’s murder in the mid nineties, which sobered my amusement at...more
As Cosby repeatedly told humorous stories of his own five children’s antics I couldn’t help but think of his son’s murder in the mid nineties, which sobered my amusement at...more
Most likely the people who read this book are fans of Billy Cosby - it's unlikely anyone interested in just reading a book on parenting/fathering would read it without knowing who Bill Cosby is. This may not have been the original intended audience, but for this book to have any staying power 30-some years after it was written, that's most likely the only way it will continue. If this is so, the majority of the content will be a bit repetitious to the audience already familiar with the comedy al...more
I picked up the "Nationwide #1 Bestseller Deluxe Paperback Edition" of "Fatherhood" for fifty cents from a historic society's book sale. Like much of Bill Cosby's work, it's a gem.
This is a guide to parenting. It follows along the lines of Cosby's famous standup routine so some of the material will feel familiar. Many of the antidoctes told in here also found their way into the Cosby Show. That said, it's great and you should read it.
Since I am so privileged to own the "Deluxe Paperback Edition...more
This is a guide to parenting. It follows along the lines of Cosby's famous standup routine so some of the material will feel familiar. Many of the antidoctes told in here also found their way into the Cosby Show. That said, it's great and you should read it.
Since I am so privileged to own the "Deluxe Paperback Edition...more
I would probably give this 2 1/2 stars. There's nothing really wrong with it, it's just not THAT great. I bought it for Damon at a used book sale awhile back and gave it to him for Father's Day. I picked it up last week in between other reads and zipped through it. Cosby was/is clearly a loving father who was part of a new generation of "hands-on" dads, and in this book he gives comical advice from his experiene raising 4 daughters and 1 son. I loved "The Cosby Show" when it was on and you can c...more
This quarter I chose to read a non-fiction book. This makes it very easy to identify the purpose, which in this case is to inform readers about the humorous ups and downs of raising children. “Yes, having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.” (Cosby, Bill. Fatherhood, pg. 18). Conversely, the theme seems to be that children are more enjoyable when you have less contact with them. The prime example of this is the tale of Jeffrey the airborne te...more
This book Fatherhood by Bill Cosby is an amazing book that explains the life a father teaching his kids valuble lessons. Even though he is Bill Cosby doesn't mean that he isn't a normal father. He does everything a normal father does and in this book it is obvious that you can see that. I learned that when I become a father if I become a father then I want to be the best one I can possibly be. Even better than my own father.
I LOVE this book and its nice to know that I have accomplished a book so...more
I LOVE this book and its nice to know that I have accomplished a book so...more
I love Bill Cosby and this book was classic Cosby. I could actually see The Cosby Show sitcoms as I was reading the book. There were 4-5 pieces of good advice. A few laughs because I could actually hear Bill Cosby's voice saying these things. But it was not a page turner. Nor did it have to be as long as it was, and it was not that long. For the most part this book let me down. I was really hoping for some wisdom from T.V.'s favorite dad. However, I guess I will just have to keep watching The Co...more
Funny. Quick. I read it in about two hours. He basically repeats everything he has ever said on his show, or in his stand up act.
Not a deep, meaningful read. I was suprised by how many people said they read it for advice after becoming fathers. I am a father, but that fact had nothing to do with why I read this. I read this because I found it in my roommate's bookshelf and didn't want to walk all the way back upstairs to get the Blake Butler book I have been trudging through for the past few da...more
Not a deep, meaningful read. I was suprised by how many people said they read it for advice after becoming fathers. I am a father, but that fact had nothing to do with why I read this. I read this because I found it in my roommate's bookshelf and didn't want to walk all the way back upstairs to get the Blake Butler book I have been trudging through for the past few da...more
Jul 27, 2011
James
added it
This book is intended as humor, not as a guide to parenting. Unfortunately, Cosby's theme seems to be that a father is an effete, impotent doormat, incapable of leadership or filial discipline. It was quite surprising to hear this from a man who today takes bold stances on parenting faults within the 'African-American' community.
Don't read this book if you are even mildly interested in learning how to be a parent. Its only redeeming features: it is a quick read, and is at times humorous.
Don't read this book if you are even mildly interested in learning how to be a parent. Its only redeeming features: it is a quick read, and is at times humorous.
Classic Cosby. As mentioned if you've seen his comedy special Bill Cosby: Himself this is the text (extended) version.
He doesn't blast parenthood or kids, but he does relay how it's not as beautiful and damn sure not easy being a parent, let alone a father. In the end all the work pays off in knowing you did your best. He also says some tidbits like making sure never to ignore your children and refrain from calling them an idiot (and of course people slip on occasion).
He doesn't blast parenthood or kids, but he does relay how it's not as beautiful and damn sure not easy being a parent, let alone a father. In the end all the work pays off in knowing you did your best. He also says some tidbits like making sure never to ignore your children and refrain from calling them an idiot (and of course people slip on occasion).
This was a very comedic perspective on fatherhood and parenting that is enjoyable to read. Bill Cosby never pretends to be an expert on the "right" way to raise children cause indeed there is no one"right" way to do such a task. The book is simply filled with relatable everyday challenges and experiences that he shares from his own journey through fatherhood. This book isn't for anyone who is looking for direct advice for specific situations, but it is a great book if you want to hear someone el...more
Read this back in jr/sr high school when the Cosby Show was all the rage. I had to ask what soap-on-a-rope was-- had never heard of it before this book.
I think my father might have shared some of Cosby's exasperation with his daughter . . . I also started stealing my dad's shirts and sweaters in junior high school. Big, long shirts (cinched with a belt, a la those Gap Girls on SNL) were all the rage, and my dad had a closet full of them!
I think my father might have shared some of Cosby's exasperation with his daughter . . . I also started stealing my dad's shirts and sweaters in junior high school. Big, long shirts (cinched with a belt, a la those Gap Girls on SNL) were all the rage, and my dad had a closet full of them!
This is just a fun book to put being a parent into perspective. Well maybe out of perspective a little bit. It is a bit negative about what it means to be a parents and what a parents has to deal with but it is in such a wonderful light that we just laugh at the truth and move on. So many funny things in this book that just explain how children think and what causes parents to stop thinking at times. Bill Cosby has such a great style, Classic.
This was a hilarious adaptation by Bill Cosby, turning his stand-up jokes into something parents can use. Now, I'm not a father, or about to be one, but this was a tremendous read for my purposes: a light read when I don't feel like delving into American history with Howard Zinn. I strongly recommend this text, if for no other reason than picking Bill Cosby's brain
May 05, 2012
Brett
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fathers-to-be, naturally.
Recommended to Brett by:
The Wife!
We grew up on the cassette tapes of Bill Cosby, and the stand-up film "Himself". Lots of those jokes and stories are in here... We're expecting our first child, so this was only right to dive into. I read the entire thing, front to back, in one night. A quick, easy read that isn't dated despite being published two years after I was born.
This is Bill Cosby at his finest. He uses a lot of his stand up material to tell personal stories about his life as a father. I read this while my wife was pregnant with our son. I have never laughed so hard while reading a book. Not all of the stories are practical for all families but the principles are. It is well worth the read.
Bill Cosby does a wonderful job talking about family life and specifically, the fun of being a parent. He reminded me of my own dad and it brought back some good memories from my own childhood. We enjoyed reading it together and imagine the audio version would be even funnier, as it is read by Mr. Cosby himself.
Bill Cosby's humorous book about parenting his five children kept me laughing. The reader can feel Cosby's strong love for kids, and admire his knack for finding humor even in stressful situations. The book also contained a serious introduction and afterward by the child psyciatrist about parenting, with emphasis on the role of the father.
While not as funny as I would have expected, there are plenty of stories in there, some of which i have encountered withmy rather precocious three year old daughter, and some of which I will look forward to/dread in the folowing years. i do agree with others that the forward and end notes by the eminent child psychologist are boring, to say the least, and best when rabidly skipped over to get to the stories.
I've always liked Bill Cosby and this was just as good. The advantage to a book over performance is that you can stop when you want to think about what you read. Mr Cosby make important points with humor. The basic point in the book is about all you can do is raise kids with love.
I wanted this to be a lot funnier than it was. Maybe it was better in 1986 but it felt like there wasn't anything original. I saw where all the stories were going. There were some poignant things in there about parenting but nothing I haven't been exposed to before. At least it was a short, quick read!
I gave this as a gift to my brother-in-law, but decided to read it first. It contains a lot of his spoken material so I could hear him reading the book to me (I'm familiar with several of his sketches). I would recommend reading this book AND listening to some of his work.
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American comedian, actor, television producer, activist, and luminary. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a vanguard role in the 1960s action show I Spy.
He later starred in his own series, The Bill Cosby Show, in the late 1960s. He was one of the major characters on the children's television show for its first two seasons, and created the humorous educati...more
More about Bill Cosby...
He later starred in his own series, The Bill Cosby Show, in the late 1960s. He was one of the major characters on the children's television show for its first two seasons, and created the humorous educati...more
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“Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.”
—
117 people liked it
“In spite of the six thousand manuals on child raising in the bookstores, child raising is still a dark continent and no one really knows anything. You just need a lot of love and luck - and, of course, courage.”
—
17 people liked it
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Jun 23, 2011 06:07pm
Jun 24, 2011 07:28am