Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First Time

Smith (Trumpicana) brings his blog of the same name to the page in his disappointing guide for new fathers. Raised by a single mother, Smith offers more than 100 wispy chapters with tips for “men who, like me, did not have a regular and dependable father figure.” The advice is broken into nine sections: there’s “setting your foundation” (which involves self-reflection before fatherhood); “your wife” (if she “really pisses you off,” respond with empathy); “your child” (in the first four months, focus on teamwork); “safety and structure” (use the Ferber Method, which advocates babies “cry it out”); “your work life” (not as important as parenting); finances (make a list of priorities); in-law relations (get good at setting boundaries); community (find wise role models); and “your legacy” (“raise a winner”). Smith rarely breaks beyond the obvious—he encourages readers to “Be the best father you can be,” and stresses that consistency is key—and he tends to be vague. His suggestion that as long as one’s child figures out what she loves “her job will be tethered to her true passion” rings hollow, as does his advice for parents who want to be millionaires: “It’s not impossible! It just takes commitment.” First-time dads will be better served elsewhere. (Jan.)