Go the Fuck to Sleep

Go the Fuck to Sleep is a book written by Adam Mansbach and illustrated by Ricardo Cortés. Published in 2011, it is described as a "children's book for adults" and gained notable attention for its humorous and explicit take on the frustrations of parenting young children. The book is written in the style of a traditional picture book, commonly read to children before sleep, but with language and themes aimed squarely at adults, particularly parents.

Synopsis

Go the Fuck to Sleep mirrors the structure of a children's bedtime story, featuring a series of vignettes in which a parent attempts to coax their child into sleeping. Each scene escalates in its depiction of the child's resistance to going to bed, paralleled by the parent's growing frustration. The narrative is presented in a rhythmic, lullaby-like verse, culminating in the titular refrain, "Go the fuck to sleep."

Background

Adam Mansbach wrote the book following his own experiences with the challenges of putting his daughter to bed. The concept originated from a humorous Facebook post by Mansbach, lamenting his daughter's reluctance to sleep. The post quickly went viral, indicating a widespread identification with the sentiment among parents. Encouraged by the response, Mansbach decided to turn the idea into a book.

Publication and Reception

The book was initially published by Akashic Books, a small independent publisher. Prior to its release, PDF copies went viral, significantly raising its profile. Upon release, Go the Fuck to Sleep received widespread media attention and topped Amazon.com's bestseller list, even before its official publication date. Critics and readers praised the book for its candid humor and relatability for parents. However, it also sparked debate regarding its appropriateness and the use of profanity in the context of a children's book format.

Cultural Impact

Go the Fuck to Sleep has been translated into more than 30 languages, reflecting its universal appeal to parents' shared experiences. The book has also inspired various adaptations, including an audiobook version narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, whose rendition further popularized the work. The book's success has led to the creation of similar adult-oriented picture books, contributing to a niche genre that combines the aesthetics of children's literature with adult themes and humor.

Controversies

While many celebrated the book for its humor and honesty, some critics and parents expressed concern over its explicit language and the implications of reading such material to children. The controversy primarily revolves around the juxtaposition of a traditionally innocent bedtime story format with adult language and frustrations.

See Also

• Children's literature
• Parenting
• Humor in literature