"What you need to know about: Falling in love: "Find someone who doesn't love you for the person you are, but despite the person you are." Manhood: "I want you to always remember that you can be whatever you want to be, but that's nowhere near as important as knowing that you can be exactly who you are." Ikea: "Don't pee in the ball pool." Things My Son Needs to Know About the World is the personal dispatches of a man on the front lines of fatherhood, capturing the profound awe of experiencing all the "firsts" that fill each and every parent with wonder. His honest, forthright account of what it is to be a parent touches on every range of emotion: The fear of failing that causes you to buy every plastic toy in the store. The embarrassment when you dress your kid so they'll be ready for a day on the tundra, but forget to put on his shoes. The uncertainty that drives every parent to always try and do the right thing. Along the way, Backman shares the story of how he fell in love with his wife, a woman who is his complete opposite, reminisces about touching moments with friends, and reflects on how to live a life that revolves around the people you care about unconditionally. Alternating between funny side notes and longer essays offering his son advice as he prepares to venture out into the world, Backman relays the big and small lessons in life: -How to find the team you belong to. -How airports explain everything about religion and war. -Why professional wrestling is key to understanding good and evil. -The reason starting a band is crucial to keeping friendships. -Why, sometimes, he might hold on to his son's hand just a little too tight. -Is a baby born at 36 weeks and five days born in the 36th week or the 37th? -Why you should buy your first sofa second-hand. -The ultimate recipe for fried chocolate bars."-- Provided by publisher.