The bestselling and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Michael Chabon discusses some of the stories and themes found in Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son (HarperCollins, 2009), with Joseph Planta.

Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son by Michael Chabon. (HarperCollins, 2009) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Manhood for Amateurs

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Michael Chabon joins me from Toronto this day. His newest book is described as a shy manifesto, an impractical handbook, the true story of a fabulist, as well as an entire life in parts and pieces. Its title is Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son. I must admit, when I saw the book in the publisher’s catalogue in the spring, I wanted to read it simply for the title. I didn’t know anything about the author or his prolific career which includes bestselling books such as The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Wonder Boys, and the Yiddish Policemen’s Union, and a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his book The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. He’s also a screenwriter, having written Spiderman 2, which friends of mine who know about these sorts of comic book turned films, say is the greatest one ever. Manhood for Amateurs though is a fantastic read. It’s beautifully written, often funny, sometimes poignant, and as a man, I found it fairly instructive. The website is www.michaelchabon.com. Manhood for Amateurs is published by HarperCollins. I’m very pleased to welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Michael Chabon; Good morning, Mr. Chabon.

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