***Edited to include book review***
Here are books #4 and #5. You may recall my New Year's Resolutions that I listed here included to read at least one book a month, optimally alternating fiction and non-fiction. So here's my latest "book" report:
April's non-fiction selection....James Dobson's Bringing Up Boys
May's read (This is technically non-fiction too since it's the author's memoirs): Jeannette Wall's The Glass Castle
After reading your comments, I decided I better chime in too with a review in addition to my "report"!
To be quite honest both of these books were somewhat disturbing to me. I guess once you become a parent, you have a whole different way of looking at things. Topics and subjects that may have never bothered me before just about turn my stomach when reading them in light of knowing what a huge commitment it is to raise our children.
That being said, Dr. Dobson's book, Bringing Up Boys, was scary in terms of what us parents are up against to raise up our boys for the Lord in today's world. Feelings that I felt throughout this book ranged from fear to anger to thankfulness for a better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead as we raise our son.
If you have a boy, I would definitely recommend this read. I would say it's a good parenting book in general. Three good pieces of parenting wisdom I got from the book...
"Rules without relationship lead to rebellion."
"Love is giving somebody your undivided attention."
"The primary mechanism by which these goals are realized is the application of confident leadership and discipline at home, tempered with love and compassion. It is an unbeatable combination."
As for Walls' The Glass Castle, I was having horrible dreams two nights into reading this book, so if you wonder if it's disturbing, the answer is yes. Now, I did profess to having a "weak stomach" for these sorts of things, but still. Perhaps the reality of knowing the events taking place in the book were true and that the author lived to tell about them is what stung the most. That being said the book was a compelling read, and I would definitely recommend it.
So, now, I have two questions for you!
1) Has anyone read Jeannette Wall's Half Broke Horses? If so, would you recommend it?
2) Does anyone have a good "light hearted" read? I think I'm in need of one!!!
4 comments:
i read "bringing up boys" a LONG time ago. i love his books, but i don't remember much about that one. my big question for you is - did you like the glass castle? i read it a few months ago and was SO disturbed by how the parents raised (i guess i should actually type "raised" - with quotation marks - since the really didn't do any parenting...) their children. those poor kids!!!
Just finished The Glass Castle, I really enjoyed it but a little depressing...would still say read it, though! You would!
nope - haven't read her other book. after the glass castle, i'm not sure if i'm ready to read another one of her's yet! ;)
and sorry - no recommendations for other books... seems like most of my other books have been "heavy". let me know if you find a good one - i could use it!
Loved The Glass Castle!
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