How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew

A HANDY GUIDE FULL OF HOW-TO TIPS AND SAGE ADVICE FROM GRANDFATHERS

As members of the Greatest Generation, our grandfathers were not only defined by the Depression but also by their heroic service to the country in World War II. Courageous, responsible, and involved, they understand sacrifice, hard work, and how to do whatever is necessary to take care of their loved ones. They also know how to have a rollicking good time.

Sensible, fun, and inspiring, How to Build a Fire offers a rare glimpse into the hearts and minds of grandfathers near and far by sharing their practical skills and sweet stories on how to be stronger, smarter, richer, and happier. Inside are more than one hundred essential step-by-step tips for fixing, leading, prospering, playing, and hosting, including how to

• buck up and be brave in the face of adversity
• play hard and break in a baseball mitt
• bait a hook and catch a big fish
• look dapper and tie a perfect tie
• get a raise and earn more
• write a love letter and kindle romance
• change a flat tire and save the day
• stand up and give a sparkling toast
• play the harmonica and make your own music

Loaded with charming illustrations, good humor, and warm nostalgia, How to Build a Fire is the perfect handbook for guys or gals of any age. The first of its kind, this collection of our grandfathers’ hard-earned wisdom will help you build confidence and get back to what’s really important in life.

Customer Reviews:

A great read and a perfect gift

By motherblogger - December 14, 2010

This wonderful guide is the grandfather companion to Bried's heartwarming How to Sew a Button, a book that was filled with homespun wisdom from savvy grandmas. How to Sew a Button covered all things home-economics-ish, How to Build a Fire offers a fair dose of boy scouting skills for men and women, but where it really shines is the lessons it offers in being a grown up. My favorite tips include:

How to leave work at home

How to say you're sorry

How to handle bad news

How to keep a secret

How to think about politics

How to buy flowers

How to ask for help

How to comfort a loved one

Plus other useful stuff such as how to build a fire, how to make a good cup of coffee, how to buy a car and how to make toast.

great little book for men... and women too!

By Bubbette "kitchen slave" - January 10, 2011

I ordered one of these, thumbed through it and ordered 2 more. This is a fun little reference book for men and women alike. Great, short how-to explanations on topics that you might talk with your grandfather about as you are growing up or as an adult. They are simple and presented in steps that are concise, informative, and entertaining. If you only have one reference book on your book shelf, I highly recommend this one and its companion "How to Sew on a Button". I also recommend it for those of us who have more books than sense, and those who have forgotten how satisfying it is to deal with things directly and efficiently. I gave this as gifts to 3 different types of people and found all 3 reading it. It isn't just for those fellows in your life; the ladies will love it too.

Be Warned - - - Female Perspective

By M. Delauro - January 1, 2012

This book covers a lot of ground and has a great deal of good information in it. Writing is done very well and the topics are thoroughly covered.

That said, I have to agree with another review, this type of book is usually aimed at being fun and educational, no reason to bring politics into the book. One other thing worth mentioning -- although the book description and some of the reviews seem to aim this book at a male audience the writing has a female flair in many areas and it might be better suited if the book were promoted as a uni-sex read. You won't find a lot of detail about hunting / fishing / bushcraft.