Guess How Much I Love You

Amazon.com

All children want reassurance that their parents' love runs wide and deep. In Guess How Much I Love You, a young rabbit named Little Nutbrown Hare thinks he's found a way to measure the boundaries of love. In a heartwarming twist on the "I-can-do-anything-you-can-do-better" theme, Little Nutbrown Hare goes through a series of declarations regarding the breadth of his love for Big Nutbrown Hare. But even when his feelings stretch as long as his arms, or as high as his hops, Little Nutbrown Hare is fondly one-upped by the elder rabbit's more expansive love.

Anita Jeram's illustrations are bound to elicit an "aw" from even the sternest of readers; these loving rabbits are expressive, endearing, and never cloying. In turn, Sam McBratney tells a simple bedtime story of sweet familial love with humor, insight, and a delightful surprise at the end. Children and parents will love snuggling up for this one--a treat to be read again and again, just before the lights are turned out. (Click to see a sample spread. Text © 1994 by Sam McBratney. Illustrations © 1994 by Anita Jeram. Permission from Candlewick Press.) (Ages 4 to 8)

Book Description

The American Booksellers Book of the Year nominee is available as a sturdy board book for the youngest of children. Little Nutbrown Hare wants to show Big Nutbrown Hare how very much he loves him - but love as big as his is very hard to measure!

Customer Reviews:

For new baby.......2007-09-22

The first time I heard of this book was in my childbirth class. I loved it so much I had to buy it. I'm hoping it will become one of my baby's favorite books.

Good all-around baby book.......2007-09-19

I bought this baby book based on the reviews and the fact that Guess How Much I Love You is one of my favorite children's books. The book does a nice job of asking enough questions to make a complete record for your baby without being overly burdensome. Some of the other books I looked at seriously asked what the weather was on the day you found out your were pregnant. Seriously, who would care about that? This baby book also gives great suggestions for a few pictures which is helpful--like the place to put a picture of you pregnant. I am very pleased.

Don't Like the Message.......2007-09-15

I know many people love this book. I don't know why. We received one as a gift, and after reading it to my daughter, I was disturbed by the story. I felt sorry for the bunny whose parent invalidated his expression of love on each page. As many other reviewers said, it was a competition the adult wouldn't let the child win. This book contains a mean-spirited, misguided, sad, and disturbing message.

Family favorite.......2007-08-01

"Guess how much I love you" is a classic. The story is a simple dialog between a big rabbit (the parent) and a little rabbit (the baby), each professing and comparing the depth & "height" of their love for each other. We read this book almost every day to our infant daughter. She loves the watercolor illustrations & coos at the pictures. A lovely addition to a kid' book collection.

Wonderful - this really is a very good book.......2007-07-24

This is a fabulous book for little children and the grownups who read to them. When children are read to daily, they learn to love reading. Perfect bedtime stories, to calm everyone down and make us ready for sweet dreams. If you can find the LARGE size book get it- they're fabulous keepsakes. Perfect gifts for any child, and a perfect tradition in your own home and family!

Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family

Average customer rating:

Every Christian Man Should Read
Classic by Farrar!
Better than "Finishing Strong"
Excellent resource for Men
Like a good movie, you'll want to experience this again and again.

Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family
Steve Farrar
Manufacturer: Multnomah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1590521269
Release Date: 2003-04-02

Book Description

This bestselling classic encourages and equips Christian men to lead their families successfully through hazards and ambushes like divorce, promiscuity, suicide, and drug addiction. Men will find practical insight on topics such as a father's influence, maintaining purity, and husband-and-wife teamwork. In this war, renowned men's author Steve Farrar emphasizes, Jesus Christ is looking for men who will not die, but live for their families.

Customer Reviews:

Every Christian Man Should Read.......2007-05-09

This book full of practical advice that can be easily applied in today's separated world. The man, as husband, father and head of the family unit is divinely responsible for the leadership, love, protection and mentoring of our family and is further responsible to other men in the body of Christ for the example he sets. This non-condemning book speaks from understanding and love about the unique sins men face; and, about how accountability and fellowship provide a valuable tool for all Christian men seeking to lead a healthy, happy and blessed life according to the Lord's word. I recommend this book for any man, regardless of his personal maturity in Christ, as a guidebook for saving himself, his family and his soul.

Classic by Farrar!.......2006-05-23

I've read several Christian books encouraging men to celebrate their masculinity, to consecrate themselves to marriage, and to conduct themselves as servant leaders. This title however, far surpasses the others I have read. Farrar through many humorous stories and Divinely-guided insight, reaches deeper into the heart of the Christian man than many other writers do. I consider this title to be the classic work by Farrar.

We need more writers like Steve Farrar, who stir the heart and soul of Christian men to be all they can be for their God, their wives, and their children.

Better than "Finishing Strong".......2006-04-28

He uses too many military and sports illustrations. He tends to generalize about culture. He uses some Christian Psychological and sociological studies. I mean, who cares? If you don't know how the surveys are taken and what questions they ask, what can you tell from them? Anyway, my biggest beef is that he does not talk about about how Christians should function within the Church. Raising a family should be done within the family of families, which is the church. It should not solely be the duty of the lone point man on patrol. I have these same criticisms about "Finishing Strong." However, this book is not as gimicky or poorly written as finishing strong. He gives some interesting advice about "habits of the heart." He makes me look at my own walk with God and how I can do better, which is the purpose of this book. Christians need to be encourage on how to pass on their faith to the next generation. I might even read this book again. I would never do that with "Finishing Strong."

I marginally recommend this book to young fathers. We read this in our small group and everybody else liked it so I am bumping it up to four stars.

Excellent resource for Men.......2006-03-09

I am surprised by some of the reviews here. The book is written in plain language and is very direct in pointing out that men, are failing to fulfill there roll as God intended. It then gives excellent guidance on how take a stand for your family. I have given this book to fellow Christians and those who are not believers, and never have heard anything but positive feedback. In addition to this I have lead men in this study as a group and the results have been wonderful. If you are not REALLY interested at looking objectively / critically at yourself, then don't buy it. Some reviewers here seem unable to move toward accountability. Another reviewer made comment that the book was racist, in that it mentions many current african american families as lacking fathers in the home. As a black man, I realize the truth is hard to take. This is NOT offensive, but enlightening. Great book, and current edition has study guide that is helpful as well.

Like a good movie, you'll want to experience this again and again........2005-09-15

I have read the other reviews of Point Man. I personally disagree with the negative reviews and subscribe instead to the positive ones, as this book has been a most influential read. (have read it 3x and will do so again.) The author puts forth the premise that the family is one of God's gifts, and that the family unit is one of the most influential means for learning God's love/initiating a relationship with Jesus Christ that covers multiple generations/ensuring the continuity of faith. So where is Satan's most effective battle...the family. And how to most effectively neutralize the family...eliminate the point man (i.e-eliminate the Godly effectiveness of the man; destroy the bond between husband and wife/father and child...) I recently took this book to China with me (along with my Bible) for a 3rd reading on the 14 hour flight. Showed it to my Chinese national guide who was about to become a father for the 1st time. He couldn't read it fast enough and couldn't thank me enough for introducing him with such valuable guidance.

Average customer rating:

Fathers Breed Success
I hurt my husbands feelings terribly by buying him this book
Raising a feminist
Worth Reading
Great for dads and others!

How to Father a Successful Daughter
Nicky Marone
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0449002608
Release Date: 1998-03-24

Book Description

A father-daughter relationship is a special bond--and it requires very special attention. Statistics show that a father's caring presence can make all the difference in raising a daughter who strives to reach her potential. Step-by-compassionate-step, How to Father a Successful Daughter gives men high-quality parenting skills that will promote self-esteem and confidence in their daughters. Here is concrete, sympathetic advice and helpful suggestions on how to:

¸ Instill self-respect and boldness in your little girl--and avoid unintentionally programming her to become fearful and underachieving
¸ Encourage risk-taking, goal-oriented behavior with safe and specific techniques and activities
¸ Keep from sending your daughter messages that can result in eating disorders, learning blocks, and emotional dependence
¸ Work with your wife (or ex-wife) to give the best overall parenting to your daughter

Armed with these reassuring strategies, fathers will learn to communicate with their daughters with love, wisdom, and understanding.

Customer Reviews:

Fathers Breed Success.......2006-11-16

Child development psychology does provide evidence that fathers involvement in their daughters lives have a noticeable positive effect on life outcomes. Having a father around does a service to a daughter.

Children growing up in single-parent households are at a significantly increased risk for drug abuse as teenagers.
--Source: Denton, Rhonda E. and Charlene M. Kampfe. "The relationship Between Family Variables and Adolescent Substance Abuse: A literature Review." Adolescence 114 (1994): 475-495.

Adolescent females between the ages of 15 and 19 years reared in homes without fathers are significantly more likely to engage in premarital sex than adolescent females reared in homes with both a mother and a father.
--Source: Billy, John O. G., Karin L. Brewster and William R. Grady. "Contextual Effects on the Sexual Behavior of Adolescent Women." Journal of Marriage and Family 56(1994): 381-404.

A survey of 720 teenage girls found:

97% of the girls said that having parents they could talk to could help reduce teen pregnancy.
93% said having loving parents reduced the risk.
76% said that their fathers were very or somewhat influential on their decision to have sex.

--Source: Clements, Mark. Parade. February 2, 1997.

Among teenage and adult populations of females, parental divorce has been associated with lower self-esteem, precocious sexual activity, greater delinquent-like behavior, and more difficulty establishing gratifying, lasting adult heterosexual relationships. It is especially intriguing to note that, in these studies, the parental divorce typically occurred years before any difficulties were observed

--Long-Term Effects of Divorce on Children: A Developmental Vulnerability Model Neil Kalter, Ph.D., University of Michigan, American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 57(4), October, 1987

I hurt my husbands feelings terribly by buying him this book.......2005-12-24

This book is not for the loving Father that spends time with his daughter, gives her attention, wrestles with her, disciplines her, washes her hair, feeds her, takes her with him to putt putt, teaches her about football, softball, soccer and reads her fairytales before bedtime, takes her to Dr. appointments and makes her finish everything she starts.

This book has a list of successful women in the back. If one considers Gloria Steinem, a lesbian, manhating, abortion supporting woman a successful woman then by all means buy this book. Our idea of a successful daughter is one that is happy, honest, loving, compassionate, her cup is half full and she knows how to be a winner and a loser. This author seems to think if a man treats his daughter like a princess then she will not be a successful woman. Any man that treats his daughter like a princess within reason absolutely will reap a confident, outgoing daughter. Time and attention and never telling your daughter she cannot do something because she is a girl is all any Father needs to know. Don't waste your time reading this book, take your daughter out for lunch instead. A happy well rounded woman that contributes loving children and compassion to our society is our idea of a successful daughter, whether she is a mathmatician, housewife, secretary, school teacher or a stay at home mom.

Raising a feminist.......2005-03-24

This book, by the way, was published in 1988, NOT 1998 as the notes above indicate. It is also reflected in the books theme and attitude.

I have read three chapters so far and this is what I have gleaned from the book:
1) Your daughter will only be "successful" if she chooses male oriented occupations.
2) Your daughter will only be "successful" if she is a doctor, NOT a nurse. Heaven forbid she be a nurse, housewife, teacher.
3) Your daughter won't be "successful" if she goes to a coed school. Send her to a female only institution, that way she only has to compete against other girls.
4) Your daughter won't be a success without playing poker, chess or other strategy games. Don't even think of pulling out Dora or some other "girl" game.

Surely there must be better books for Dads to gain some info on theie daughters and ways to help them along as they grow. I could go on with more examples from this feminist rant, but frankly don't have the time. My daughter and I are going to kick the soccer ball.

And BTW, don't even let her enjoy an english class or play with dolls. Force her into that science and math slot. Sign her up for computer camp because we all know that PC's are designed strictly for boys.

I really feel this book is outdated, both in examples and most importantly, attitude. Try something different.

Worth Reading.......2004-09-04

This book is not specific only to the fathers; both parents should consider the material carefully. The main issue of this book is that we by ourselves are diminishing our daughters' abilities by upkeeping the dogmas about women that we've inherited from our parents. Examples of such beliefs are that girls are not good in sciences like math, are never possessing the necessary skill or talent to become a skilled professional in traditionally male (and thus higher paid) occupations. The differentiation of professions by gender is a dogma by itself.

The beginning of the book is quite noteworthy, the middle of it seemed to me to consist repetitions of previously said and kind of dull, but the ending of the book seemed deserving attention again.

The advises or the book couldn't be equally applied to all the cultures. Being an American author, Nicky Maroon had exposed the American gender gap that is deeper than it is in Russia, where Soviet Power since the beginning of 20th century took many efforts to gain the complete equality and liberty of women. Just estimate Lenin's publications on the status of women, or judge Olympic results. Former East Germany, the Soviet Union, and the Former Communist Bloc dominated women's running in the 70s and 80s, taking nearly 70% of the final placement points in those two decades in Olympic and world championship races.

Great for dads and others!.......1999-10-01

I wish all fathers would read this

What a Daughter Needs From Her Dad: How a Man Prepares His Daughter for Life

Average customer rating:

Solid advice
A powerful book about raising your daughter. A must read!
A new perspective to how we'll raise our daughters...
well worth reading
A Must must read for Moms and Dads

What a Daughter Needs From Her Dad: How a Man Prepares His Daughter for Life
Michael Farris
Manufacturer: Bethany House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0764228706
Release Date: 2004-04-01

Book Description

To encourage and guide men in becoming the dads they want to be, Michael Farris addresses issues common in all families with daughters: friends, dating, personal appearance, and preparing for the roles she'll have as a woman. Michael Farris challenges fathers to take their unique opportunity to train daughters for life's challenges-in ways that only a dad can. Originally published as How a Man Prepares His Daughters for Life, it now includes new material on relating to an adult daughter.

Customer Reviews:

Solid advice.......2007-07-16

Conservative advise on raising daughters. It is a refreshing viewpoint from someone who obviously cares for his daughters long term success. While not agreeing with everything I picked up several ideas that I hope will make me a stronger father.

A powerful book about raising your daughter. A must read!.......2007-02-23

What a Daughter Needs From a Dad is a book for dads about raising their daughters, from birth to parenthood. Author Michael Farris has five girls of his own and uses this book to advise men on their roles as their daughter's protectors, leaders and spitritual guides.

Farris gives advice on raising daughters from infancy to adulthood, and backs it all with Biblical principles and scriptures. Farris includes plenty of antecdotes from his own experiences to back up the points he is trying to make. Farris also warns you about what kind of dad you shouldn't be. You SHOULD NOT be an "All-Male" dad, only spending time with your daughter if it includes many activities such as watching sports. You shouldn't be a "pushover" granting her every request, or a "sugar daddy", thinking you can buy her love. Farris urges the reader to become engaged in his daugter's lives, to be supportive and admit when you are wrong.

The one unique point I will take away from this book is the chapter on dating. With my daughter being only three, I'm closer in years to my dating period that she is to hers, but Farris says he didn't let his daughters date until they were actually ready for marriage. This seems controversial, highly conservative, and pratcially unrealistic. But the principles are strong. Farris says that girls, and boys, when in "love" when they are young (high school or even college), but not ready for marriage, they will ultimately give parts of their heart to the person that will not end up being their spouse. So, while girls may remain sexually pure, their hearts will be damaged. I don't know if it is reallistic to keep a high school senior from dating, but I will definitely pass on to my daughter some of the wisdom in this book.

In conclusion, this is a short, powerful book on raising your daughters. Farris stresses that men can't do this alone. They need the help of others (spouse, brother, friend) and most importantly, God. Men should pray for their children everyday and men should not put off building a relationship with their children. In a few short years, their kids will be gone and out of the house. Now is the time to build that strong, biblically based relationship that God asks men to create with their children.

A new perspective to how we'll raise our daughters..........2007-02-03

Sure, they're just 3 and 5 but every day counts, right? My husband embraced this book and so much of the suggestions rather solidly. He was raised in a home of all boys with rather Godless and unstable parents. While I was raised in a strong Christian home, I think my upbringing would have been so much richer and less heart-wrenching had this book been around 38 years ago... Our favorite part is about the dating-free courtship and how that will prepare our daughters for a lasting marriage and a pure unity to their future spouses. What a great book.

well worth reading.......2006-10-07

The book offers many good thoughts on raising daughters. Although the book is overtly Christian, an open-minded non-Christian might benefit as well.

The only thing keeping the book from a 5-star rating is that the author frequently amplifies one experience with one girl into a principle with broad application. Sometimes this practice works well, but other times it struck me as a stretch.

A Must must read for Moms and Dads.......2005-10-21

This is a wonderful book. I bought it for my husband b/c we are headed into the teen years and thought it would be helpful.
This is a must read for mothers and fathers. This book was so very helpful to us. I am hoping that it will save us from some of the heartache that we have seen others go though.

The book is wonderfully written and very interesting and easy to read.

I really do not think that anyone would be sorry for getting this book.

There are several girls in our family and we have been passing the book around to each set of parents.

Average customer rating:

The warm, emotional colors of award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson
Jewel's Reading Excellence Review: Helps children understand nature's life cycle
A Message of Hope for Children Who Are Grieving
Beautiful and excellent for all who grieve

The Dragonfly Door
John Adams
Manufacturer: Feather Rock Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1934066117

Product Description

Parents will help children identify the beauty and hope in all cycles of life as they follow two insect friends, Lea and Nym, and the struggles one of them endures when her friend disappears. This is a tender story about loss and change, written to help parents express their views about life and death. The book may serve many purposes, such as comforting a grieving child who has lost someone close or providing facts about dragonflies to inquisitive minds. Lea's transformation into a dragonfly may even be used as a metaphor for life-after-death. The Dragonfly Door is beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson. The book is cherished by parents, grandparents and teachers. It was recently brought to life as a mini-play in Alabama to help children cope with the loss of their classmates. The following is an excerpt from the book: While Nym slept, she heard Lea's voice saying, "Follow me, Nym. I'm going to show you where I am." "Will I see you again?" Nym asked. "Only when it's time for you to die too," Lea replied. "You won't see me in the marsh ever again. But let me show you what I will look like the next time you see me. Here, close your eyes." Nym closed her eyes. "Now look at me," Lea said. Nym opened her eyes and saw ...

Customer Reviews:

The warm, emotional colors of award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson.......2007-09-07

The debut children's picturebook of author John Adams, The Dragonfly Door dares to confront serious topics - of loss, death, grieving, and transition. Nym and Lea are two close insect friends, but one day after Nym yells at Lea, Lea disappears. Nym searches everywhere for her missing friend, and can't find her. At last Nym falls asleep, grief-stricken, and finally hears Lea's voice one more time. "'I died and went to this special place,' Lea said, her voice full of love. 'But I didn't want you to leave,' Nym pleaded. 'I'm sorry I yelled.' 'I know you're sorry,' Lea assured her. 'I left because my water nymph body died while I was picking flowers in the reeds, not because you yelled.'" The warm, emotional colors of award-winning artist Barbara L. Gibson illustrate this highly recommended picturebook for sharing the bittersweet realities of life with young people.

Jewel's Reading Excellence Review: Helps children understand nature's life cycle.......2007-05-10

John Adams brilliantly invites the reader into the world of Nymphs and Dragonflies to explore the changes that take place when Nym's friend goes to a special place.

When I had lost a family member I had read a wonderful story called, "The Water Bug Story." John Adams adds a fresh approach to this story by focusing on friendship loss and giving a voice to his characters. With the help of Gibson's eye-catching nature illustrations, "The Dragon Fly Door" answers general questions surrounding loss, such as feelings about loss, what happens to the nymph's body when he dies, and how a nymph is transformed into a dragonfly.

Adams creatively normalizes typical friendship rivalry and takes the reader on a nature journey to discover that one chooses to resolve conflict, loss, and changes in different ways. Adams concludes the book with uncomplicated educational facts for the inquisitive science mind.

This is a great educational tool for parents, grandparents or professionals to use to help explain the uncontrollable life cycle changes and loss.

Reviewed by Jewel Sample, MS
Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses(2006), also translated: Besos y Abrazos Al Aire(2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book(2007)

A Message of Hope for Children Who Are Grieving.......2007-02-26

As President of a nonprofit organization that reaches out to those who are grieving, I was very pleased to read a book such as The Dragonfly Door. This book provides a much needed way to offer children (and adults) a message of hope following the death of a loved one.

Children can relate to the playful nature of Nym and Lea who are the two young nymph friends, the sorrow of Nym when Lea dies, and the comforting feeling when when Nym realizes that he will one day see Lea again as a dragonfly, when he too has made his transformation into a dragonfly.

Our nonprofit organization recommends this book so highly that we have decided to make it available for purchase at all of our events.
-Valerie Marquardt

Beautiful and excellent for all who grieve.......2007-02-18

I received this wonderfully beautiful book on the 8th anniversary of my son's graduation to Heaven ... that evening, I was able to read it with his daughter, who is now 9... I believe she gained another understanding of her Very Own Daddy in a beautiful place that we have not seen just yet ... and though she already knew he is waiting for her, this was another good reminder of that ... I was unaware of the dragonfly's life cycle and was so blessed to see how it seemingly parallels this life and the next. Thank you, John, for a wonderful way to help us all in our continuing journey with grief and the Hope we can have.

Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character

Average customer rating:

Good, solid practical wisdom for dads
A helpful book for fathers

Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character
Rick I. Johnson
Manufacturer: Revell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0800730984
Release Date: 2006-05-01

Book Description

The relationship between a father and a son is like none other. Dads have a God-given role to protect and provide for their families, always striving to teach their sons the life skills they'll need to grow into honorable men. But many dads struggle with feelings of inadequacy regarding their fathering abilities. They want to be better dads. Rick Johnson can show them how. In this insightful and practical book, Johnson shows how fathers can be equipped and inspired to be positive role models for their sons. He stresses the significance of male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership; discusses important topics such as sexual purity, respect, and self-discipline; and reveals the top ten mistakes to avoid as a father. From commitment and courage to honesty and humility, Better Dads, Stronger Sons helps men strive to be the dads God designed them to be--so their sons can grow to be everything they are meant to be.

Customer Reviews:

Good, solid practical wisdom for dads.......2006-10-23

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Rick Johnson is the founder of Better Dads, a fathering skills program designed to equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children and he writes from the experience of a less-than-adequate father turned "super dad" following his conversion to Christ. Johnson shares his own failings, fears and weaknesses as a challenge to other dads to encourage them that they, too, can and should be more diligent about their fathering. The book is full of practical advice mixed with godly wisdom and would make a great gift to any father young or old, especially for that dad who feels overwhelmed or under-equipped for the task of spiritually leading his family.

Johnson addresses pretty much all areas of concern for a man. He deals with the importance of fathers bonding with their children, especially the need for an older man to bond with a younger man - he argues that true manhood is something that is caught by being in the presence of men, not something that a woman can teach and definitely not something that the culture is promoting or endorsing. Johnson also deals with the issues of sex and the important role that the father plays in this issue as well as discipline. Johnson is seeking to help fathers produce men of honor...not simply successful by the world's standards, but successful by God's standard - men who live by a code of honor that is greater than themselves and are willing to pay the price necessary to achieve "greatness." Johnson was one of those worldly successes who found that when he reached the top of the ladder, it was leaning against the wrong building - but he has changed directions and now is not only a successful husband and father, but a mentor and equipper of others!

A helpful book for fathers.......2006-07-10

At a time when there is a renewed emphasis on the importance of Fathers, BETTER DADS, STRONGER SONS provides an excellent guide for anyone who would like to have a part in helping to build a generation of stronger young men. By following the Biblical principles and practical applications outlined here, parenting can become a more exciting and less formidable role for every man who is a father. While much of the material will not be new to those who have sought guidance in parenting, Rick Johnson presents it in a dynamic format that inspires follow-up.

His list of "The Top Ten Mistakes that Fathers Make" is enlightening. It includes not only the expected "Giving too little time" but also "Forgetting to have fun" and "Being complacent and passive." Johnson covers many other topics that often are avoided or given the scripture treatment: i.e. the Bible says don't do, so don't do it. He discusses sex, respect, and the importance of showing love toward the boy's mother.

Each chapter is filled with examples, inserted highlights and Biblical references, and is followed by several suggestions for reflection and application. Used as a guide, these are sure to trigger more ideas that a man could develop to meet his own situation. For example, in the chapter "Making a Noble Man," one of the suggestions is to "Tell your son what you think makes a man. Ask him what character traits he thinks are manly." A follow-up might be to rent several "guy" movies and discuss whether the heroes were manly or simply macho.

Rick Johnson not only has written a timely book, he also founded Better Dads, an organization dedicated to equipping men to be better fathers. He delivers training workshops to businesses, churches and schools. Like many in the field, the author lived his subject. He was raised in a chaotic home where he did not get the fathering he needed. As a result, he spent his early adulthood trying to fill that void with drugs, alcohol and looking for love in all the wrong places. His epiphany came with the birth of his first son, and with God's help he has become devoted to forging a better path for future generations.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ. who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.bookreporter.com and www.womenonwriting.com. To contact Maggie, e-mail Magster2@cox.net.

The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--And Bucked the Medical Establishment--In a Quest to Save His Children

Average customer rating:

A well written captivating story
Great book!
Just a great read
A book about love
It makes you think and it makes you care

The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--And Bucked the Medical Establishment--In a Quest to Save His Children
Geeta Anand
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060734396
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

The remarkable true story of one father's race against time to found a business that would cure his sick children.

John and Aileen Crowley were on top of the world. With a brand-new Harvard Business School degree, three beautiful children, a new house, and a great job, they thought that they had just entered the best years of life. Then doctors diagnosed their two youngest children with Pompe disease, and everything changed.

Fifteen-month-old Megan and five-month-old Patrick were given only months to live. Pompe disease, the Crowleys were told, was so rare that no company had bothered spending the money needed to sponsor research. There was no cure, no treatment—only the gradual degeneration of muscle so that at the end, the children would be unable to walk, eat, or even breathe on their own. It was a nightmare the Crowleys could hardly comprehend.

But John Crowley refused to accept this death sentence—and in the absence of other options, he made his own. Determined to find scientists who could develop a replacement enzyme that would keep the disease at bay and his children alive, Crowley quit his job as a financial consultant and invested himself and his life savings in a biotechnology start-up company. In just over a year, Novazyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc., went from an endowment of $37,000 to $27 million, and was sold to Genzyme Corp. soon thereafter for a news-breaking $137.5 million. But the struggle wasn't over yet, and scientific setbacks, accusations of conflict of interest, business troubles, and the children's own worsening condition would test the limits of John and Aileen's minds and hearts as they fought towards a cure.

With deft prose and devastating clarity, Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal reporter Geeta Anand weaves together the disparate threads of this remarkable story of cutting-edge science; of business acumen and daring; and of the indomitable fighting spirit of a family that refuses to give in.

Heart-wrenching yet triumphant, The Cure takes readers from the boardrooms and laboratories to hospital beds and kindergarten classrooms. With its captivating and ultimately deeply uplifting narrative, The Cure is a wholly American story of commerce and technology, of determination and daring, and of family and the power of a belief in happy endings.

Customer Reviews:

A well written captivating story.......2007-02-10

The story of John Crowley and his family is amazing. Anand did a great job of telling the story in a way that I could feel what the family was going through and the business challenges that John took on.

Great book!.......2007-01-05

This book gives great insight into what parents of terminally ill children experience and the lengths they will go to to save those who are the most important people in their lives. A must read, especially for those who have any similar experience!

Just a great read.......2006-11-10

As a father of small children and a businessman I really enjoyed this book on multiple levels. Very well written. I could not put it down. Watch out, it made me cry several times.

A book about love.......2006-10-17

Ms. Anand tells a wonderful tale of true love. Love of a husband and wife faced with unexpected challenges so early in their marriage, and how they struggled to keep that love alive under both sad and horrific conditions. Love of children for their parents and each other. Love of family, both immediate and extended. And love for each and every person touched by the fight for the cure. I was swept away by the human drama and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, the story look another unforeseen turn. It's amazing to realize that this is a true story. Life and love doesn't get any better than this.

It makes you think and it makes you care.......2006-10-13

This wonderful book has a lot of emotional depth and complexity. John Crowley, the young father, is brash, brilliant, arrogant, and ignorant. He makes personal mistakes and business mistakes, yet you remain drawn to his story by empathy for his desperation as he fears that his small children will suffer a slow painful death. It's an honest and interesting portrait of a real human being, not a one-dimensional hero.

It's not really a business book and you don't need any familiarity with venture capital financing to understand the text, but John Crowley's business provides the book with a fascinating emotional contrast between his frantic urgency as a parent and the dispassionate PowerPoint analyses expected by his investors. They share a common goal, but the mindset is completely different.

It's not really a science book, but the drug development process adds to the story's drama. There's no Eureka! moment when all the problems are solved. Patients are desperate for anything they can get as soon as they can get it, but the science is ambiguous, the bizarre biotechnology manufacturing processes are difficult to operate, and then the clinical trial results are uncertain. An experimental compound might kill a young patient, or bring quick improvements that fade over time, or have different impacts on different patients. And even with these uncertain prospects there's strong competition among parents for the extremely limited number of places in trials.

One of the most appealing aspects of the book is the author's light touch. She never puts herself or her opinions into the story. The book ends with an Afterword relating events subsequent to the basic text, but the author doesn't seize pages to tell us what it all means. At the end I found myself wondering, "Well, what does it all mean?" I looked up Pompe disease information on the internet, wondered what people in the Pompe "community" thought about the book, and wanted to know how the science has progressed. The book makes you think and it makes you care.

My Father Before Me: How Fathers and Sons Influence Each Other Throughout Their Lives

Average customer rating:

PARENTS NEED TO READ THIS
The Parenting Alliance
A terrific, touching book for all kinds of families
A wonderful read for the layman and the clinician

My Father Before Me: How Fathers and Sons Influence Each Other Throughout Their Lives
Michael J. Diamond
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0393060608

Book Description

A powerful depiction of the unexplored reciprocal relationship between fathers and sons.

For decades, mothers were thought to be the only real influence on a child. Now we recognize that the father's involvement also has a profound impact, but how sons affect their fathers is too-often overlooked. In My Father Before Me psychoanalyst Michael J. Diamond firmly establishes fatherhood as an essential event for both the son's and the father's development. With chapters analyzing the father/son relationship throughout the life cycle, and demonstrating the powerful influence between them, Diamond calls for a more inclusive notion of masculinity, thus allowing men to access parts of themselves they previously ignored. He argues that sons are largely responsible for helping their fathers embrace this more flexible notion of manhood, making them better partners and better parents. Diamond has written an important book that enables us to make sense of the question: what does it truly mean to be a man.

Customer Reviews:

PARENTS NEED TO READ THIS.......2007-06-27

Dr. Diamond is exploring the relatively uncharted waters of the psychological relationship between fathers and sons. As a father reading the book, I realized how many things I took for granted in the relationship between my father and me and between me and my sons that are broken down and discussed in this book. The analysis and the examples provide a reference for how I conducted myself at various times in my life and the effect it may have had on my family. This is a wonderfully insightful look, written in straigt forward prose, to learn how to be a better son and father.
P.S. It doesn't hurt to be a baseball fan. For those of us who love the game, there are lots of examples where baseball is the vehicle for insights and understanding.

The Parenting Alliance.......2007-03-12

Although, Diamond's book is ostensibly about the reciprocal father son relationship through out the life cycle, he opines the importance and need for a "parental alliance", whereby both parents support the others role in active parenting. As Diamond re-asserts the important role of the father he by no means neglects a mother's role and at the same time stresses how this "united front" on parenting allows for the son (child) to experience
the gifts that both partners bring to child rearing. This is a MUST read for both men and women who are either new parents or seasoned parents searching for a mindful and contemporary paradigm on understanding the nuances of parenting.

A terrific, touching book for all kinds of families.......2007-03-12

This book was a delight -- informative and poignant, obviously informed by the author's experience as a psychologist, yet accessible to the lay-person (like me). This is an easy read, full of insights for ANYONE who's a parent or a child, not just fathers and sons. I heartily recommend!

A wonderful read for the layman and the clinician.......2007-03-09

Dr. Diamond's book is accessible and informative and warm. His clinical work with his patients comes through so beautifully and tenderly. As I read his book, I was filled with emotion for all the fathers and sons I know. And as a clinician, I was rethinking my work with my own male patients. Lives are multifaceted and complex; and in Dr. Diamond's case examples he provides vignettes of many different kinds of relationships. Each vignette educates the reader and illustrates the capacity of people to grow and heal at any age. I recommend this book for fathers, sons, mothers, sisters, and clinicians of any persuasion.

When Your Father Dies: How a Man Deals with the Loss of His Father

Average customer rating:

A great book with a Christian dimension
Comforting and Supportive
A Must Read for men of any age, who have experienced their Dad dying.
Great book on a tough topic

When Your Father Dies: How a Man Deals with the Loss of His Father
Dave Veerman , and Bruce Barton
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0785263667

Book Description

Experiencing the death of a parent is a traumatic experience for anyone. For men, though, the death of a father is uniquely and deeply traumatic. Whether or not a father and son are close in life, they are undeniably connected-and this is acutely evident to a man when his father dies. At that moment, a man realizes how much of his identity has been defined by his father. The powerful emotions and life adjustments that follow Dad's passing catch most men completely off guard.

Authors Dave Veerman and Bruce Barton both experienced the life-altering deaths of their own fathers, and in When Your Father Dies they share not only their experiences but also the experience of more than sixty men, including Max Lucado, Chuck Colson, Hank Hannegraaff, and Bill Hybels. They also include insight and practical advice from professional counselors to prepare readers for the emotional struggles that accompany the death of a father.

Veerman and Barton's biblical perspective on grief and long-term life adjustments, along with important sidebars and probing discussion questions, will help men understand their emotions, heal other damaged relationships, and even change the way they parent their own children. Many women will want to read the book so that they can understand the complex emotions and changes the men they care about are going through.

Customer Reviews:

A great book with a Christian dimension.......2007-02-08

In this wonderful book, two Christian authors discuss the subject of the death of a father, and its affects it has on sons. Based on years of working with men, both old and young, this book shows how the death affects men, what they experience and how they deal with it. But, it goes on to discuss how men should face the future, and think about the legacy that they themselves will leave. As an added bonus, each chapter ends with a series of question to make you think about what you are going through.

Overall, I found this to be a great book. Yes, it was written by two conservative Christians, so expect it to have a Christian slant. In fact, I liked the Christian slant, which added a real dimension of spirituality that many books don't bother to discuss.

I am now a son without a father, and it's something that affects me much more than I ever expected. I am glad that I got this book, which really spoke to me. (I never picked up this book without ending up with tears in my eyes.) I think this book is great, and I give it my highest recommendations.

Comforting and Supportive.......2006-02-26

Of all the books that I have read in my lifetime, this is one that I wish I never had to. The death of a father is one of the most difficult things that we can ever expererience and one that I went through recently. This book cuts through the trite and simple ("He's in a better place" etc) and offers a viewpoint that is more the way of a fellow traveler along a very difficult passage in life. I left this book knowing that I was not alone or crazy, and with a sense of having my feelings acknowledged as reasonable and necessary components of the healing process. The authors touch a nerve with this work and I would highly recommend it for any man who unfortunately finds himself in need of it.

A Must Read for men of any age, who have experienced their Dad dying........2006-02-23

My daughter bought this book for me while she was home for my father's funeral. It was such a good "source" to help me begin the journey of not having a "living" father. My mother had died 10 years earlier, but it is not the same experience. Since reading this book, I have purchased 4 more, for a brother, my 2 sons, and my late best-friend's son. Whether you are 60 like me, or 30's , it still helps. It is full of "experiences" shared by other men they interviewed.

Great book on a tough topic.......2005-08-02

This is a fantastic book for men or women dealing with a death of their father. Highly recommended.

Letters From Dad: How to Leave a Legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love for Your Family

Average customer rating:

Read it then LIVE IT - great book for all men!
Digestible Wisdom
Something all Fathers should consider
An essential guide to leaving a legacy of love, blessing, and affirmation to your children
Great Concept

Letters From Dad: How to Leave a Legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love for Your Family
Greg Vaughn
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1591453429

Book Description

What began as a passion in the heart of a father of seven has led to a new men's movement. Many fathers are asking "How do I leave something of lasting value to my children and grandchildren?" This book helps dads leave treasured words of love and blessing to their children.

Customer Reviews:

Read it then LIVE IT - great book for all men!.......2007-05-03

Men, if you're looking for something practical that you can do to bless your family - this is a great book for you! Vaughn readily admits that he wasn't going to win any "father-of-the-year" awards any time soon, but he felt that the Lord was leading him to bless his family and leave a tangible legacy for his own children that his father never left for him. The idea of writing letters to this children was planted and a ministry and this book are the fruits of his labor. In fact, there is now a web site that has all the resources and materials that you'll need to do exactly what Greg Vaughn did - leave a legacy for his children and grandchildren. [...].

The book was a great read - very encouraging, challenging and uplifting. As Vaughn set out on this journey to bless his family, he surrounded himself with fourteen other men and they began the first Legacy Group that went through the process of writing and giving a letter of blessing first to their wife, then to their children, next to their parents and finally a letter to those they would leave behind after they passed away. These four letters are the backbone of this book - how to write them, how to give them to their recipients and the shared stories of the men that went on this journey to bless their families with Vaughn. One great aspect of this book is that Vaughn includes the real life stories of these other men - some who were divorced and others who were estranged from their children for years - and while not all of the stories were filled with tears of joy, Vaughn and his fellow warriors were on a quest to bless their families regardless of the response from the members of their family.

The book is an easy read for men - it's a very short 240 pages with short chapters and plenty of white space and pictures throughout. The book is great for men wanting to connect with their wives and children and who want to lead their families spiritually as well as leave a legacy for generations to come as the Lord commanded in Psalm 78. I highly recommend this book to all husbands and fathers - it is worth the investment of time and money to buy and read - a real life-changing book!

Digestible Wisdom.......2007-01-16

Greg Vaughn has written this terrific work in such a way as to allow the reader to read the book according to their time table. The short chapters allow the reader to keep up the momentum in the face of a demanding schedule. The content is excellent. It delivers awareness, inspiration and practicle, applicable action steps. This is a great second generation companion to The Blessing, by Smalley & Trent.

Something all Fathers should consider.......2005-11-29

Not really having much information about my father, and being a father that wants to pass on something of significance to my children, I found this to be a very enriching book.

There are a couple of chapters toward the end that drag a little regarding how Vaughn went from leading a lunch group to championing a ministry.

It is a very quick read, and is packed full of encouragement, I would highly recommend it.

An essential guide to leaving a legacy of love, blessing, and affirmation to your children.......2005-08-05

Greg Vaughn had never been close with his dad. So after his dad died and Vaughn was cleaning out the garage, he was surprised at the depth of his grief. "The only thing I had left from my dad was an old tackle box and silence." He continues, "I remember crying out to God, 'This is it? This is all I get? I don't even have my father's signature!' "

That garage moment set in motion Vaughn's growing nationwide movement to encourage men to write periodic letters to their children --- and wives and parents --- leaving a legacy of blessing, affirmation, and love.

The book essentially explains how to set about writing letters, complete with sample letters, a table of contents listing topics that letters might address over time, and writing tips from a college professor. Vaughn suggests that letters include three elements: praise, hope and vision for the future, and assurance of loving commitment.

But it also has an unfolding plot with multiple characters, explaining how Vaughn gathered a dozen men to join him in his initial, tentative venture. They met monthly for four months, agreeing to write and then read to the group letters they'd written --- first to wives, then to children, then to parents, living or dead, and finally a letter on the order of a final testament: "If our friends who've passed away had been able to speak at their own funerals, I wonder what they would've said. Have you ever thought about that? What would you say if you could speak at your own funeral?"

You see the men interested in the letter-writing concept but clueless as to what to say or how to start. You see the reactions of wives and children when they receive their first letters, presented, according to Vaughn's schema, in wooden boxes with engraved nameplates. You see glimpses into Vaughn's own blended family. You see the birth of a church-based course called "Letters from Dad."

On one level the book is a promotional piece for Vaughn's ministry, but it should not be discounted on that count. It is an inspiring and encouraging tool in its own right. Its breezy tone, airy design, and short (four-page) chapters make the venture accessible even to reluctant participants. It would make a great gift for any father but especially those looking for some tangible way to connect with their children and those who are facing their own mortality and need to feel that they will be remembered after their passing.

As for leaving markable legacies, every chapter of LETTERS FROM DAD begins with a page of feel-good, multigenerational family photos that create nostalgia and interest. But the people are never identified. It seems most --- but not all --- are Vaughn's own family. It makes one wonder: Who are those guys?

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

Great Concept.......2005-07-29

It's not just a book, it's a movement. The author wants fathers to write legacy letters to loved ones giving them a tangible expression of love showing the appreciation a father feels for the children and spouse. Wouldn't we all love to have something like that from our own parent.
I read in the Orlando paper about a church adopting this concept, planning to teach it using Vaughn's curriculum. I don't think you need a group or to attach it to religion and it doesn't have to be just for fathers. I need to do this for my parents, my bothers and sisters, and my friends.
Here's the question that moves this book: "If you died today, what would your children hold in their hands tomorrow that would let them know that they're the treasures of your life?" Let this book help you provide that special letter to your loved ones.

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