Not mind blowing but an interesting collection of bucket list items. ( )

An easy book to breeze through, filled with thoughtful pearls of wisdom. Some of the "rules" brought a smile on my face because they seemed so very appropriate for a boy of a particular age (what 12-year-old wouldn't benefit from the rule that states, "When excusing yourself from the table, you need not give a reason."), and some of the quotations or rules sent a chill up my spine, but only because I know the context that a young boy might not yet know (Churchill's quotation: "It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.").

Reading through these rules is undoubtedly more useful for a father (or mother) than a strainght read for a son. That is because it reminds fathers of many things that are important to teach sons. The rules are particular statements pulled from general, though unstated, principles, such as treat women with respect, be humble, and remain loyal to friends even when it's not easy. Boys need to learn the principles, and fathers need to be reminded of them even though they may already know them.

Overall, a very worthwhile book. ( )

I loved this book. The snippets of advice throughout the book are simple, yet germane. I found myself constantly thinking of how my own siblings, and even my parents, would react to the myriad of tips contained within the pages.

The 'rules' cover a wide range of topics, from where to sit in a roller coaster (the first seat), to what to wear to a funeral (a dark suit, there's no reason to own a black one), to how to treat people (treat girls with respect, they have brothers that can beat you up).

I would give it to any of my friends that are expecting a child, whether it's a boy or a girl. Not all of the rules are geared towards men and boys, and even the ones that are can be shifted ever so slightly for a female perspective. I even think it could make a good baby shower activity, all the guests coming up with rules for the unborn child to live by.

Ever since I got my copy, I've been opening it up in the morning, to a random page, and reading one of the rules on the page, and using it as a thought for the day. A rule like "Unless you have served in the armed forces, no fatigues" isn't just about fatigues. You can see how it's about not pretending to be someone you're not, or not claiming respect given to a group of people that you're not part of.

I loved the book. I giggled at some of the rules, I scoffed at some, I got teary eyed at some, and whether or not they were all rules I agreed with, they were all true bits of wisdom that any of us could afford to consider from time to time. ( )

I received "Rules for My Unborn Son" as part of the reviewers program, and loved reading every page. In this book are hints, tips and lists that, if followed, will keep a son on the straight and narrow. The style of the book is very reminiscent of the style of the 1950's and 60's. As you read through Walker Lamond's "Rules", you are reminded of a simpler time when ettiquette and politeness were still considered important. Lamond reminds us of this with enjoyable suggestions such as; "To execute a proper tackle, lower your shoulder not your head, and remember not to wrap up", "Be able to identify all of the trees on your block", and my favorite
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects". - Robert Anson Heinlein

The rules found here pertain to everything from appearance to sports, drinking to dating, and everything in between. Many of the comments are quotes from famous people, but all of them make sense and will cause you to think about how you yourself act. I was also pleasantly surprised by the appendix which has just 2 items. "Required Listening for Boys", and "Essential Reading for Boys". I guarantee you'll be surprised at some of the items that made the lists.

I have to honestly say I couldn't come up with any sound criticism of this book. I loved reading it, and find I'm occassionally trying to improve myself by following some of his suggestions that I don't live up to. Now how often do you get a humorous, enjoyable book that also motivates you to improve yourself as a human being, even after the book is put away...just don't put it too far away! ( )

Received this book from the Early Reviewers program.

The aesthetics are wonderful. Subtle color, illustrations, humorous vintage photographs.

The rules themselves are good ones to live by, whether you are male or female. They hint at being polite, well dressed, sensible, and decent. You don't have to be rude to have fun, basically.

I love the fact that Rules started out as a sort of web 2.0 project. I'm a big social media/crowdsourcing geek, so it gives me tingly feelings to see demonstrations of cutting-edge technology being used to preserve old-fashioned values. In this age, we have no excuse to delete or forget our emails, conversations, nuggets of wisdom. Our children may need it one day. ( )