How to feel manly in a minivan by Craig Boreth (3 stars)

As Boreth says, "could there possibly be any market more saturated than parenting books?". I don't plan to review a whole bunch here, but I thought this one was noteworthy since it was fairly entertaining.

I was happily surprised that I shared a love of Just In Time with the author - he applies it to gaining baby knowledge only when you need it, and buying baby stuff only when you need it, not ahead of time. I'd agree although there are some basics you want to have when you get back from the hospital.

The most interesting thing I took away from the book was a recipe for chocolate salty balls. The tenuous justification for including it in the book was that they could satisfy sweet and salty pregnancy cravings at the same time...

Makes 12 balls

8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt (flaky, preferably Maldon)

Coarsely chop the chocolate, and place in a bowl. In a saucepan or in the microwave, heat the cream just until it comes to a boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate. Gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is melted and completely combined with the cream. Put it in the fridge until firm. Scoop about a tablespoon of the chocolate and roll it into bals. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with salt.

I also learned that:

If your baby is cranky or crying, and someone tells you what you should do about it [say]:

"Don't worry, he'll be fine once he sobers up."

And if someone touches your baby without asking:

"Ooh, I hope you had pelican pox as a child. 'Cause if not, you've got it now. You should probably call your doctor immediately. Sorry."

3 stars.