beautiful, touching: required reading for all parents
926157
Everything about this exquisite work strikes a chord. I love the awkward affection and tug-of-war Peter Carey and his son share as they move through Manhattan comic shops and then through the alleys and byways of Tokyo. Leave it to Dad to weave nineteenth-century woodcut prints and Commodore Perry's "Opening of Japan" into Gundam Wing and Akira. And leave it to twelve-year-old Charley seek out "weird fish" and Sega World as the representative set pieces of Japan. Thanks to Peter Carey, I now have an inkling of why manga and anime are rocking the world of my teenage son, not to mention a companionable book to return to the next time his father tells me we've had an alien for a child.
2415295
Brilliantly beautifully fabulously touching! I can't think of enough words to describe how wonderful this book is. Teresa de Grosbois is a one of a kind author, an author who will ROCK our generation out of complacency and apathy, and bring forth an entire new generation of loving and balanced beings. I kid you not. Her words have the power to bring forth the soul. Children love her books, she has a way of writing that children come back to again and again and again.

This book is critical for every child to read.  Those who have been through a parental separation will benefit enormously from the lessons and advice gently offered in this book.  Teresa has a way of allowing her love to flow right through the pages and into the reader.  Even children who have not been through a parental separation should read this book, because it will offer them a perspective on what so much of society is going through.

To you want your children to grow up to be loving, responsible, happy beings?  Get all of Teresa's books, and read them to your children many times.  She has done half the work for you :-)
1804490
This is an excellent book that all parents should be required to read no matter the age of their children or for grandparents who may be raising their grandchildren. I found this book to be down to earth which made the book easy to read and comprehend. This book does not lecture to parents but instead provides parents and kids a blueprint to realizing a strong family bond by understanding the  5 critical needs adults and children need and require to be emotionally healthy citizens of society.
348550
Recommended by a family member, I read this book the weekend it came out and was TOTALLY impressed!  The author's substantiating the importance of parents' growing right along WITH their child(ren) is a much needed realization in the art of parenting.  Each of the nineteen lessons shares a personal and heart warming description of Adams' own experiences as a parent.  I found myself engrossed in each as though I was experiencing the situation myself.  Some brought laughter; some brought tears; each was thought-provoking.  Whether read in one sitting as I did (couldn't put it down!) or one 'lesson' at a time, I believe people of all ages will find The Self-Aware Parent inspiring and helpful.  While the target audience is certainly parents, it is not just a book for moms and dads but a guide for anyone who loves children.  I have purchased several to share with my friends as gifts.  I wish I could give it SIX stars!
10012
If you are a parent of a boy, know a parent of a boy, or will ever work with boys, this is required reading.  The authors take you through the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development of boys, with special care to highlight both healthy and normal development, as well as where lack of parental and community support can leave a boy stranded.  Taking the best of accepted developmental psychology along with their clinical expertise, and mixing in a good bit of personal confession from their own lives and adventures with their boys, they highlight the perils and joys of living with the Wild Things.  Beware though, their extensive resource list will have you hunting for more books to read (though that's not always a bad thing!).
4938088
From Santa to Sexting is pivotal reading for every parent earnestly desiring to rear strong children.  The average parent, who is also humble, will admit that he or she does not have the research time or necessary experience to be fully aware of what our middle-school-aged kids are facing in this technology-flooded era.

Authors Hunter and Blair have combined fierce love of children, years of professional and familial experience, hoards of careful research, and passion for America's faith and future, in order to GIFT every reader with knowledge and tools otherwise inaccessible to him or her.  As chapters unfold, meaty information about middle school life in general narrows to provide sharp, and sometimes startling,  insight into cell phone, gaming, and social media dangers, as well as the depths of bullying, sexting, depression and teen suicide.

As a single mom, and also a believer in the power of faith in God, I close this book feeling both terrifically disturbed, and profoundly empowered to make informed and intentional choices that will positively affect the lives of my boys (and all posterity) forever.

Thank you SO much, Brenda and Kristin, for the personal sacrifice, skill, vulnerability, and courage that you have laid on the altar of conviction.  May America's tweens and teens be blessed as committed parents choose to read and make hard decisions that will brightly color and shape their future.
1461884
I can relate to almost every page of this book and upon reading it, I felt understood, comforted, and supported. As a parent, and especially as a mother, our children become the center of our universe and we tend to put our own needs last, very last, feeling guilty when we think about ourselves. My children are grown now and I wish I had this book to refer to when they were small. But even now it has wisdom that continues to speak to me. Once a parent, always a parent, and we continue to feel the responsibility of being there for our children, regardless of their age. This book helped teach me how to think about my needs in a way that doesn't make me feel like I am compromising my care of my family. It reminded me that there are ways I can extend myself and explore my interests while being deeply present as a parent. The intriguing and self-exploring questions are enlightening and truly transformative. I highly recommend this book to mothers of any age and I intend to give copies out as holiday gits this year.
3662056
I could not quit crying as I read this beautiful book.  My husband and I our waiting for our child to come to us.  It expressed the love that adoptive parents feel, that complete love that is overwhelming.  This will be the first book I will read to our child.
1249118
When I read this book at Toys Are Us, I immediately knew I had to get several copies.  I had to give this remarkable book to each of the families for whom I provide childcare.

So far, most parents have been very grateful.  It provides yet one more opportunity to tell their little ones about their "when I was born" story and gives many repeated confirmations about God's love.

I just reread the book and again became teary.  It contains a powerful and positive message.  However, for children whose home life is far from ideal, it may not be the best choice since the book describes a completely devoted mom and dad.
900656
Roberta Maisel's book "All Grown Up" does a masterful job of providing a vision for the future for parents of adult children. No longer intimately engaged on a day-to-day basis with the lives of their offspring, many parents have no idea how to graduate into an adult-adult relationship characterized by equality, independence and respect. Maisel fearlessly forges ahead, taking on such sensitive subjects as financial security, privacy and grandparenting. Her notion of letting go of expectations and fantasies about our grown children and how we plan to interact with them is set in the context of individual spiritual development. She urges the reader to "consider your heart" and "pursue truth" rather than cling to some outmoded notion of what family life "should" be like. "All Grown Up" is beautifully written and accessible. It will ease your mind and soothe your soul.
4627026
I believe that if children could tell us what to think about them and how to listen and talk to them, then this is the book they would have written to their parents.  The authors have covered almost everything there is to consider about parenting.  And, they have done so in a heartfelt manner with a compassionate tone.  Each parent is encouraged to explore their own needs, wishes, and feelings about parenting, as well as their own childhood history.  However, this is DEFINITELY NOT a "therapeutic" workbook.  Rather, this is a book about choices, differences, expectations, and feelings.  It is so easy to over-identify with our young children and to want to make life better and even PERFECT for them.  The authors acknowledge this and then take us one step further...young children know what is; they live in the moment, thus our children don't expect us to be perfect so why do we expect it from them?  I will be giving this book forever as a gift to friends, family, and colleagues. This book is a gift!!!
32473
I had no idea what I was getting into when I downloaded this book. But I'm so glad I did. This is the sweetest, most touching book I've read in, maybe forever. The images and captions are so lovely. I found myself starting to shed tears right away, and had to stop a couple of times to wipe my eyes so I could continue to read.

This is what I REALLY want to say: Get this for every dad you know. It will inspire him to remember what REALLY matters, and to take the time...lots of time to be with his children. And I men just BE. This is not only a joy to read, it will inspire every dad who reads it.

I can't wait for my boyfriend to download it onto his Kindle. I'll tell him he should do it with his 7-year-old and have her read it. Maybe I'll secretly take a movie of it because it will be something they'll both treasure.

I didn't have a dad (left when I was 3, and I never saw him again) so this really hit home. If you want to make your dad cry, no matter how old you are, or he is, share this with him. Cuddle up to him and read the images to him. You'll both be crying well before the end.

Can you tell I liked it?
2539007
This picture book centers on the beauty of motherhood with a lovingly written text and beautiful illustrations.

Told from a mother's point of view, the first page starts with a calming scene of a pregnant mother enjoying the wait while the child grows inside of her. The narration continues step by step from there, revealing the loving thoughts and feelings up until birth and several years beyond. Love and warmth radiate from every page, making the special bond a mother has to her child very clear. And young kids will feel this.

The illustrations harmonize with the text and invite young listeners to flip through them time and again as they think of their own relationship with their mother.

Although anyone can use this as a calming, bedtime read, this book centers on mothers and will have the biggest impact and meaning when read by a mother to her child. The simple text and cute illustrations fit well to younger listeners (around ages 2-4), although the thoughts and wishes during the pregnancy itself are a little more than children will be able to wrap their heads around. In some respects, this book is more inspiring for the mother than the young listener. But especially first time mothers will enjoy reading this with their children (a great present idea) and should expect cuddle moments during and after the read.

Summed up, this is a beautiful picture book, which centers around the special bond between a mother and her child. The illustrations bring the words to life, insuring the feeling of love and warmth emit from each and every page.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
372090
This book is an incredibly touching look into the relationship between a boy and his mother. As a mother of a young boy this book reminded me to look at my mothering through the eyes of my son. It made me think about what kind of legacy I want to leave for him; the lessons I hope with all my heart that will somehow hook into his being and carry him through the threshold into adulthood. This book reminded me that a motherhood, like a childhood, can be imperfect and still be beautiful. We hope for the best for our children but often, despite our most genuine attempts, we hand them less than desirable circumstances. This book validates that our time with our children, what we say, what we do and what they watch us do overrides circumstances. It sings a quiet testimony that ordinary, every day mothers are important.

Unlike one of the other reviewers I was not disappointed by the end. I think part of the reason was because I did not expect any type of revelation so there was no build up. I simply enjoyed watching the work of a motherhood unfold in the life of a boy, then a man.

In summary, I think this is a book all mothers should read, especially mothers of boys.
4331115
A book that all parents should read!  I've purchased four copies and given them as gifts.
1448430
Andrew Solomon spent years of his life meeting and interviewing parents and children across the spectrum of difference. What a rich experience that must have been in and of itself. His gift to the world is to take the fruit of his research, and distill it into a book that so many of us can use to understand ourselves, our children, or our friends and family who have different children.

As the father of a young boy with dwarfism, this book makes me feel like I am not alone. It helps me understand why my wife and I feel the way we do, and gives us useful information as well as inspiration for the extra work we'll have to do as parents throughout our son's life.

I have read many academic books, but never one that combines such an abiding empathy with the scholarly rigor.

"Far From the Tree" is probably most interesting to someone for whom it is personal- the author, after all, has struggled his whole life with his own difference. Having three other healthy/average children, there is generalizable information within that I feel will also help me be a better parent to them.
3144195
As a practicing pediatrician and parent, I highly recommend this book.

TPGA is a readable collection of short essays from people whose lives have been changed by autism. The book provides real, practical help from those in the trenches; combining experience and expertise in a refreshing way.

The unique personalities of the individual contributors shine. Authors include parents and caregivers whose knowledge is shared as, "I wish someone would have told me" accounts. Therapists and teachers offer help to guide through the maze of educational planning. Adults with autism vividly describe the challenges of independent living. All the while, the various writers never "tell" the reader what decision would be best for every child; creating a palatable, "un-preachy" collection.

TPGA expands the impact of the essays by providing specific evidence-based references.

The passionate group of writers openly discuss the challenges and differences that are involved in raising autistic children. From feeding issues to sexuality, readers are linked to helpful places to collect a team of support for children and adults. The book also provides practical resources for planning for a child's financial future, educational services, and IEPs. Finally, TPGA hosts a full chapter devoted to movies, books, online resources, and reputable blogs.

Real emotion and real advice is oozing from the pages of TPGA.

The book shares the impact of autism on the whole family. The authors discuss the stress on marriages, the desperation of relatives, and the support of strangers. The raw stories of sadness and guilt are redeemed by the essence of understanding and hope.

The book highlights the character and strength of those affected by the spectrum of autistic disorders. There is honesty. It is refreshing. There is reflection and experience. It is challenging. And what drips from its pages from beginning to end is the journey of love, respect, and individuality that all parents want for their children.

TGPA is a must-read for parents, friends, family members, counselors, and physicians whose lives intersect with individuals with autism. My copy has been placed on the top shelf of my bookcase with other favorite medical and parenting books.