Someone Could Get Hurt

A Memoir of 21st-Century Parenthood

By: Drew Magary

Narrated by: Drew Magary

Audie Award Finalist, Humor, 2014

A sharp, funny, and heartfelt memoir about fatherhood and the ups and downs of raising a family in modern America.

No one writes about family quite like Drew Magary. The GQ correspondent and Deadspin columnist's stories about trying to raise a family have attracted millions of readers online. And now he's finally bringing that unique voice to a memoir. In Someone Could Get Hurt, he reflects on his own parenting experiences to explore the anxiety, rationalizations, compromises, and overpowering love that come with raising children in contemporary America.

In brutally honest and funny stories, Magary reveals how American mothers and fathers cope with being in over their heads (getting drunk while trick-or-treating, watching helplessly as a child defiantly pees in a hotel pool, engaging in role-play with a princess-crazed daughter), and how stepping back can sometimes make all the difference (talking a toddler down from the third story of a netted-in playhouse, allowing children to make little mistakes in the kitchen to keep them from making the bigger ones in life). It's a celebration of all the surprises - joyful and otherwise - that come with being part of a real family.

In the wake of recent best sellers that expose how every other culture raises their children better, Someone Could Get Hurt offers a hilarious and heartfelt defense of American child rearing with a glimpse into the genuine love and compassion that accompany the missteps and flawed logic. It's the story of head lice, almost-dirty words, flat-head syndrome, and a man trying to commit the ultimate act of selflessness is a selfish world.

©2013 Drew Magary (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"It’s an honest and hilarious portrayal of how aggravating it can be to raise a family." (Justin Halpern, author of the New York Times best seller Sh*t My Dad Says)

"The world needs Drew Magary’s wonderfully funny, breathtakingly honest book about parenting." (Jen Doll, memoirist and senior writer at The Atlantic Wire)

"The Father's Day book for dads who hate getting books for Father’s Day." (Will Leitch, author of Are We Winning? and God Save the Fan)

Funny

Which scene was your favorite?

When he was talking about the first few weeks of having a newborn. I could totally relate

Any additional comments?

Good book, wish it was longer.

Drew Magary is a Total Jerk

I read this book a few years ago and genuinely loved it then. For some reason the audio book got on my radar and I decided to try it out. I'm so glad I did. Drew is clearly emotionally invested in this book. You could hear it as he told the stories from his life. He has a unique ability to put you on a rollercoaster of emotion, especially if you've shared any of his more dramatic life experiences. The NICU is the best/worst thing in the world, and as he told his story I got incredibly emotional, something a grown ass man should never do. And this is why Drew Magary is a total jerk.

Raw. Real. Relatable. Refreshing

This is the best book written from a fatherhood perspective. It was raw, real, relatable, and refreshing. If you are a parent, especially a dad, you will enjoy this one.

Great reading of uneven provocative memoir essays

There are brilliant self-effacing and no-nonsense stories (and opinions) in here. There are also plenty of gross, abrasive, and boring bits. Good audiobook reading that could have been great with a more mature voice and/or some shrewd editing. Drew is an interesting writer, i hope to keep exploring over time.

Couldn't finish it.

The language/imagery just aren't my style. I simply didnt enjoy listening after putting about an hour into this one.

Love Drew Magary's style

Your story is so powerful, real and touching while also funny! I can't wait to get into your next book, keep them coming!

Excellent!

Laugh out loud funny, yet also very heartwarming. A very cleverly written and enjoyable narrative!

Enjoyable book that is perfect for new fathers

I loved listening to this on later this leave while taking care of my 3 week old NICU alumna. The audio version is excellent - the author does his children's voices, sings, and really adds to the experience.

Wow!

I laughed hysterically at this book. I saw a lot of negative comments about how the shower incident was "so unsettling" and terrible. I am more bothered by the fact that the children ran the whole house. What do we think parents are for? Discipline and guidance. Yes, you must keep your wits and remain calm. But the reason kids continue to run roughshod over adults is because they are ALLOWED to do so. I have 2 grown kids and I am one of those parents that are totally disgusted when parents allow such lunacy and disrespect (hot tub incident).
That being said, I was so touched by his love for his children and his honest introspection, that I worked my way around the disrespectful behavior that was allowed to go on. This book was simultaneously hilarious and deeply moving. I recommend it to anyone that has kids. Not only as therapy and levity but as a reminder of what you'll deal with if you allow children to remain unchecked with no consequences.

Relatable

When this book first opened, we're presented with a fairly serious situation and I thought, "This isn't funny, it's not what I expected." And then it turns around. Often, you can see your own parenting in his - and you can also find yourself thinking, "Well, that's what happens when you let the kids run all over you...". But it was laugh out loud funny at times, tear provoking others. Definitely worth a read if you've ever thought you were completely f@#king your kids up with your parenting.