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The Dangerous Book for Boys (Hardcover)

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Conn and Hal Iggulden are two brothers who have not forgotten what it was like to be boys. Conn taught for many years before becoming one of the most admired and popular young historical novelists with his Emperor series, based on... See more » Conn and Hal Iggulden are two brothers who have not forgotten what it was like to be boys. Conn taught for many years before becoming one of the most admired and popular young historical novelists with his Emperor series, based on the life of Julius Caesar, and his newly embarked series on Genghis Khan, while Hal is a theater director. We asked Conn about their collaboration. Amazon.com: It's difficult to describe what a phenomenon The Dangerous Book for Boys was in the UK last year. When I would check the bestseller list on our sister site, Amazon.co.uk, there would be, along with your book, which spent much of the year at the top of the list, a half-dozen apparent knockoff books of similar boy knowledge. Clearly, you tapped into something big. What do you think it was? Iggulden: In a word, fathers. I am one myself and I think we've become aware that the whole "health and safety" overprotective culture isn't doing our sons any favors. Boys need to learn about risk. They need to fall off things occasionally, or--and this is the important bit--they'll take worse risks on their own. If we do away with challenging playgrounds and cancel school trips for fear of being sued, we don't end up with safer boys--we end up with them walking on train tracks. In the long run, it's not safe at all to keep our boys in the house with a Playstation. It's not good for their health or their safety. You only have to push a boy on a swing to see how much enjoys the thrill of danger. It's hard-wired. Remove any opportunity to test his courage and they'll find ways to test themselves that will be seriously dangerous for everyone around them. I think of it like playing the lottery--someone has to say "Look, you won't win--and your children won't be hurt. Relax. It won't be you." I think that's the core of the book's success. It isn't just a collection of things to do. The heroic stories alone are something we haven't had for too long. It isn't about climbing Everest, but it is an attitude, a philosophy for fathers and sons. Our institutions are too wrapped up in terror over being sued--so we have to do things with them ourselves. This book isn't a bad place to start. As for knockoff books--great. They'll give my son something to read that doesn't involve him learning a dull moral lesson of some kind--just enjoying an adventure or learning skills and crafts so that he has a feeling of competence and confidence--just as we have. Amazon.com: You made some changes for the U.S. edition, and I for one am sorry that you have removed the section on conkers, if only because it's such a lovely and mysterious word. What are (or what is) conkers? Iggulden: Horse chestnuts strung on a shoelace and knocked against one another until they shatter. In the entire history of the world, no one has ever been hurt by a conker, but it's still been banned by some British schools, just in case. Another school banned paper airplanes. Honestly, it's enough to make you weep, if I did that sort of thing, which I try not to. Reading Jane Austen is still allowed, however. Amazon.com: What knowledge did you decide was important to add for American boys? I notice in both editions you have an excellent and useful section on table football, as played with coins. Is paper football strictly an American pastime? I'm not sure I could have gotten through the fourth grade without it. Iggulden: I like knowing the details of battles, so Gettysburg and the Alamo had to go in, along with the Gettysburg address, stickball, state capitals, U.S. mountains, American trees, insects, U.S. historical timelines, and a lot of others. Navajo code talkers of WWII is a great chapter. It probably helps that I am a huge fan of America. It was only while rewriting for the U.S. that I realized how many positive references there already are. You have NASA and NASA trumps almost anything. As for paper football, ever since I thought of putting the book together, people keep saying things like "You have rockets in there, yes? Everyone loves rockets!" Paper football is the first American one, but there will See less »

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Comments (30)

From the list : Dylan's List by grmnvixen

This will be for when he is a bit older of course....But it looks like a GREAT book for Boys.

From the list : Books by flower276

Looks like such a fun book to have good for kids and adults!

From the list : Books by ktolmich

Thinking I may like to get this for Michael and the boys. Sounds really neat.

From the list : jenngfer's Closet by jenngfer

Saw this on a TV show...., Frankie will love this!

From the list : barbie_doll_10's Wish List by barbie_doll_10

n3rd

From the list : Gift Ideas by yodagirl68

for fred

From the list : Reference by catherrick

I want this to go through with Justen.

From the list : butterflyluv's Wish List by butterflyluv

For Garrett

From the list : The Teacher's Pets by ryanandamy

This was recommended by plenty mom...

From the list : Christmas gifts by nlg2a

sam & Zach

From the list : for the boys by mamatash

thinkin of my three and four year old boys when i saw this one.

From the list : zeegerman's Wish List by zeegerman

I know that the title looks very innocent but the author recommend this book for 8 to 80 years old boys... So technically I'm in the age range. Should be a very nice gift (for me)

From the list : Gift Ideas by aromachock

Father's day gift for Kei.

From the list : chez9402's Closet by chez9402

i have this version in girls and it is great

he will love itcause its made for boys

this seems like a good choice...

this is such a good book!

Well, if the title needs to catch his attention...

it really depends on your nephew's taste. most boys that age like the adventure and fantasy books. comics and graphic novels are also VERY popular right now. i would only recommend water for elephants for adults.

boys oh lolo

I've read great reviews of this as well as "Daring Book for Girls" I'm sure he'll love it!

sounds more interesting!! yah[[[:

I gave this to my brother, who is 12, and it is just fun!

My boyfriend just bought this book for himself and thought it was really fun. It looks like the kind of book that might stick around for awhile and maintain interest :)

kool

all boys should have this book

this one looks like a good read

I think that this would be more appropriate for a 10 year old.

This one looks funny.

From the list : Hall Family things we want... by hallste

From Daddy

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The Dangerous Book for Boys (Hardcover)

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