Changing that diaper was my Vietnam.
-- Backman (What You Need to Know About Motion-Sensitive Bathroom Lights paragraph -)

Importance: In this quote Backman hyperbolizes when he compares the common parental task of changing a diaper to the Vietnam war. This is an example of the style of humor used by Backman throughout the book to amplify his unpreparedness as a father. His style is goofy and sarcastic but displays the difficulties he faces as a new father.

The realization that you will, from that moment on, draw all your breaths through someone else's lungs hits you harder when you aren't prepared.
-- Backman (What You Need to Know About Motion-Sensitive Bathroom Lights paragraph -)

Importance: As a first-time father, Backman comes to understand that he could not prepare to be hit by the unwavering urge to love and protect his son with everything that he has. He plays up his feelings of immaturity and feels unprepared to take on the responsibility of another human life. This quote has a much more sentimental tone than the majority of...