Craig's Blog of Destiny

This morning I read what is destined to become a classic in my library.  I’m going to recommend it highly, and to the degree that I’m capable, I’m making it required reading for my sons. The book:   “How to Talk to Girls” by Alec Greven.

Alec is currently nine years old, he wrote this book when he was eight.  Originally the piece was a pamphlet that he sold at his local book fair.  It was very popular, Harper Collins then got a hold of it, paired it with illustrations from Kei Acedera, an illustrator out of Toronto, and published it last year.

Like the essay “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”, Alec has managed to simplify things for us.  Specifically those relationships with girls.  It may not be intentional, but Alec shows wisdom way beyond his years.  Some of my favorites:

“Sometimes you get a girl to like you, then she ditches you.  Life is hard, move on!”
“You also have to be aware that girls win most of the arguments and have most of the power.  If you know that now, things might be easier.”
“When you see a pretty girl, don’t let her tractor beam pull you in.  Pretty girls are like cars that need a lot of oil.”
“If you want to start a conversation with a girl, first you have to say something like ‘hi.’  If she says ‘hi’ back, you are off to a good start.”
“If she doesn’t want to talk to you, then either she is shy or she doesn’t like you.  You might want to get out of there and try another day.  If she doesn’t like you, don’t worry, it happens.”
“If you like a girl, comb your hair and don’t wear sweats.  You don’t have to try too hard, but just try to look kind of clean.”
“It’s very rare, but if you do win a victory with a girl, don’t cheer in front of her or it’s a straightaway ditch.”

So, if you’re my son (there are three of you out there) I want you to read this book!  And if you’re anyone’s son, I’m recommending that you read this book.  For the rest of you, Alec has a couple of new books coming out: in March there’s “How to Talk to Moms” and in April “How to Talk to Dads.”  Sometime later this year his “How to Talk to Santa” will be out – that’s the one I’m looking forward to.