Rating: 
Summary: My husband loved this book!
Review: My husband returned from one of his deployements with this book in hand early during our 2nd pregnancy. He has read it constantly since. He says it really helps him put into words or know that he is not alone in some of the things he has been exsperiencing or feeling during this pregnancy. I enjoy it as well, but will add, as with any book you read, you will agree with some points and you will not. I also would like to comment, make sure this isn't the only book you, or your husband, or both of you read while pregnant. It is a book used to accompany other books, but not to be used as a "reference guide" if you understand what I mean.
Rating: 
Summary: Divided review
Review: I liked this book a lot, it was very informative. My husband, however didn't like the format of the book. Every chapter is in the same format: what's going on with you, what's going on with your wife, what's going on with the infancy. I liked the format, my husband didn't. I still think it's very informative.
Rating: 
Summary: The best resource available
Review: By far the best resource available to help not just new dads, but its great for moms too! I highly recommend it for anyone having a baby who wants real answers and practical solutions and its fun to read too!
Rating: 
Summary: Needs work
Review: Not very good. Lacking in details I feel are important. I thought that Dr. Marcus Goldman's book on Fatherhood (The Joy of Fatherhood) was more practical, down to earth and helpful.
Rating:
Summary: Superior, although not sufficient
Review: This is a great book, just don't let it be the ONLY book you read while preparing for your new arrival. And don't just just "read what your wife reads" but make sure she's getting a balanced perspective, not just the mainstream stuff. The best thing about this book is the format, which gives you different areas to focus on each month so that you do not become overwhelmed trying to do too many things at once, nor do you underestimate the consistant progress you need to be making. Since many have already written about what is good in this book, I would like to adress some of the critics. A larger share of the negative reviews seem to come from women. Their husband wouldn't read it or it was not a complete as "What to Expect..." I can only guess, but it may be that some of them have problematic relationships to begin with. Many detractors don't like the "tone" of the book. I did not find it patronizing, condescending or insulting in any way. It's an advice book for crying out loud, naturally it's going to be somewhat instructional. If you are the type of person who bristles when anyone tells you how to do anything than you will no doubt have issues with this book any many other things. Some found it "new age-y" well, yes, it talks about feelings and does not offer any religious content so to some that equates to the 70's and so on. In response to owensmomma, who says that the section on diapers is pathetic; I certainly agree that it's not very substantive (we use cloth as well), but reasonable people can disagree on this. The idea of this book is not to present an exhaustive analysis of the pros and cons on various issues, rather to bring them up and encourage you to do the research on the one's where you and your partner are on the fence. One reviewer said: "...I want to know stuff like how to change a diaper... , what I should be thinking about in terms of saving for college (tax issues, investment vehicles), whether I can take my wife to a smoke-filled restaurant once or twice, etc., topics that are glossed over in this book." They are glossed over because the answers are obvious. But for that guy, here are the answers: (1)You can not learn how to change a diaper in a book, the nurse will show you. (2)Save as much as you possibly can (!) - you may need half a million dollars to send your kid to 4 years of private school in 18 years, half that for a state school. If you are looking for one book to teach you the details of investing you are likely to fail. You either need a good financial planner or you need to make a major effort to study the subject. (3)Finally, you can't allow your pregnant wife to be exposed to smoke any more than you would bring a newborn into such a place.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting supplementary reading
Review: Hundreds, if not thousands, of books have been written for moms-to-be. Unfortunately there is a glaring paucity of books for dads-to-be. There is no denying the fact that fathers should be involved in the pregnancy, should have as much information as possible and most long to have "their own book". But unlike pregnant women who can experience many common symptoms, men's symptoms/fears/feelings are difficult to pin down. They can range from anger and confusion to expectation and pure joy... and anything in between. No wonder it is an uphill task to write for fathers. It is therefore no surprise that the title of the book, "The Expectant Father", makes would-be parents rub their hands with glee. If you are looking to understand the male psychology during pregnancy or if this is your first book or if you would like to so some surface grazing on the subject or if you are young and inexperienced, this book does cover some ground. It will give you some decent introduction on what she might be feeling, what you might be feeling and what is happening with the baby. It even gives some valuable tips to make pregnancy an enjoyable experience for all concerned. If you are looking to understand the nuts and bolts (physical aspects) of pregnancy, "her books" would be a better choice. Those who have already been reading them would be disappointed with the pedantic tone of this book, psychological aspect notwithstanding. Years ago men were categorized as insensitive slobs who felt their masculinity threatened if they expressed themselves. Most men today understand that masculinity and sensitivity are not mutually exclusive. And that their nurturing instinct adds to rather than takes way from their personality. They are caring enough to use their instinct and common sense to have an open and supportive communication with their partner- which is essentially what the book advices. This book is a good attempt but still leaves a lot to be desired.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful book -- why all the controversy?
Review: When my wife got pregnant I actually got three copies of this book--two from women. They all said that the book was great and I agree. The author addressed my concerns without making me feel stupid or useless, which is exactly how I felt when reading many of the other books for dads. It also gave me a huge amount of information on what my wife was going through so I could keep track. The truth is that I did often feel a little left out. I know, I know, my wife is the one who's pregnant, but it affects me too. I'm the one who's going to be working while she stays at home, which is what we decided to do. Plus, I have to deal with questions like what kind of dad am I going to be, how am I going to find a good work family balance, and where am I going to get some good role models. The book dealt with all those issues and a lot more with respect and understanding and, most of all, support. What amazes me in looking at a lot of the reviews posted here is how angry some of the reviewers are, and how personal their attacks are. In a lot of cases the negative reviews have nothing to do with the book itself, they're just trying to slam the author. I've never seen anything like it. The Expectant Father is not absolutely perfect--what book is? But it was filled with information that no other book had--especially not the books aimed for women. Nothing worng with those books, but they just don't acknowledge that dads these days are extremely interested in being involved and have a lot of issues and questinos and concerns that are simply different from moms' issues. Is that so surprising? Bottom line? It's the best thing out there for dads, hands down. It's also among the best for women, according to my wife and a number of other women I know who've read it.
Rating:
Summary: NOT JUST FOR MEN!!!
Review: I read this book after making my way through the large pile of expectant mom books by the side of my bed and found it to be refreshing. Not only did it contain information about me that was not in any of the typical women's books, but I also found it helpful to understand what my husband was going through. I think it made our pregnancy experience that much more rewarding and exciting.
Rating:
Summary: Real solutions for Dads
Review: I was delighted to find so many wonderful tips and so much information to help my husband understand what I was going through during pregnancy and childbirth. The Expectant Father helped my husband realize what I needed and also how the experience related to him and what he was going through. In addition, there are great ideas on how I can help him be a better dad. Pregnancy and motherhood typically do not speak to dads and their involvement, however Armin Brott brings Dads back into the picture and offers real solutions and tools to help make him feel a welcome and needed part of this wonderful experience of childbirth and parenting. Unlike the more simplistic information found in the traditional books on expecting, Brott speaks to both parents and reminds us that this is a team effort and you need to both be part of this process. He illustrates ways to help eachother which is ultimately a great key to being a great parent.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible!
Review: Somehow this guy has decided that parenthood is all about HIM. He is caught up in jealousy, insecurity, and misinformation. He has decided that his goal should be to be a pain in the [rear] to all around him. I was truly annoyed by him and could not get through this book. I was reminded that if I try to be a good dad I will be a good dad and I don't need some fool to tell me how to do that.
| 
