Customer Reviews

Believing It All: What My Children Taught Me about Trout Fishing, Jelly Toast, and Life

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having read Marc Parent's brilliant first book 'Turning Stones: My Days and Nights With Children at Risk',in which he recounts his experiences as a NYC caseworker for the child welfare service, I eagerly awaited his new book'Believing It All'. 'Believing It All' is a very different book from his first but once again the reader is in the presence of an extremely gifted writer and storyteller. Mr. Parent now brings his wisdom and insight to his own children. This is a deeply moving account of his relationship with his children and lessons he has recieved from them. This is NOT a cute little quick read... it is written with a gut truth that brought tears to my eyes. It's a wake up call to us so-called adults to open our eyes to the humor, beauty, honesty, and love that only children can remind us of, be it our own or others.This is an important book that will be read and reread for years to come.

Marc Parent is a man who truly understands children inside and out, and he has definitely leaned his lessons first hand. His words come from the heart, based on his experience as a social worker and, in particular, as a stay-at-home Dad. As a counsellor, I have met with many a stay-at-home Dads; it is among the norm these days and on the rise. With many women returning to complete their education, joining the workforce and taking management jobs, the parenting roles have in many cases been reversed. While it has been the traditional role of mothers to provide daily care for their children, I have seen fathers who do an excellent job, and in some cases, a much better job than those moms who view motherhood as a "tied down, unfulfilling, low-paying job." Fortunately, they are among the minority, but they do exist and we have probably all met one or two who fall into that category.

Parent is a unique man and a gifted writer. His touch of humor adds a special charm to the book and once read, you will be tempted to hug your child for no special reason other, than you love him/her. The author pragmatically brings to our attention, the honesty, beauty, innocense and wonder of a child, and how a look of sheer love and trust can bring tears to your eyes and conquer your soul. "Believing It All" is a five star plus and highly recommended.

This book touches me on so many levels that I can't even begin to cover it all. As a new parent, who has recently become a stay at home mom, I can totally relate to Marc's daily life. As a child who grew up on a farm and in the country, the carefree childhood memories of Marc touch me with almost a deja vu type of clarity. What can I say? From the children's fascination with a dead animal to the love of riding even after you're too big for the stroller....this book touches me as both a child who once was and a parent that I now have become. I loved it....and didn't want it to end.

This book is so very, very real. My words can't describe how much I love this book. I want to loan it to everyone I know but I don't want to let it out of my sight. This is pure and tender yet some of it had me laughing out loud. I cried and then laughed at the very next chapter. Wow! what a book! Please don't miss this one. Or better yet go ahead and buy two. One to give away!

This book is one of the best I have ever read. I am a 20 year old pursuing a career in working with children, read about this book in People magazine and thought it sounded like a good summer read. I was correct. The book was easy to read, very well crafted and is a great appreciation for children and all they have to teach us.

A book of extraordinary wisdom grounded in the authentic experiences of a stay-at-home dad. Marc Parent stays away from sentimentality but at the same time writes from the heart. A beautiful book worthy of anyone's library. Rosie O'Donnel says, "I love this book" ......I second that endorsement.

This book is wonderful beyond words. I read it, then my husband read it. We both laughed (I cried) and agreed that it was, indeed, one of the best books we have ever read (and we read quite a bit). Anyone who has children should read this and keep a copy on hand. We have purchased at least five copies and hand them out to friends who are expecting, grandparents, relatives, etc... The writing is great and the subject matter endearing.

Marc Parent knows what it's all about: the small things. Maple syrup and cowboy boots. Autumn leaves and Play Doh. The ironic afternoon on that ordinary Wednesday with the ceaselessly crying baby, the gap-toothed kindergartner, chocolate milk dribbled on the good sofa, no-you-can't-have-another-cookie. And silently pleading for five quiet minutes to write one more paragraph...one more page...daddy will be right there. Although the work at home option is idealized in current society, "Believing It All: What my Children Taught Me About Trout Fishing, Jelly Toast, and Life" provides an accurate yet optimistic viewpoint, observing children with their uncomplicated lives, simple pleasures exchanged all too soon, and the commitment needed to juggle work/family in the same location. A memoir more interested in the everyday nothing that constitutes a life of something, it's surprisingly worth a read for the 20-something childless as well as the harried soccer Mom (or Dad) who can relate entirely too well. Stroller walks, afternoon naps, and tying shoes. The novelty of all the small things which so quickly pass away, yielding to yellow school buses and the Nintendo blur. Laugh, cry, remember, anticipate, and perhaps most of all, face your brood with renewed mirth after an hour of peace and quiet reading alone on that milk-stained sofa.

As a part-time stay-at-home dad, I greatly enjoyed reading "Believing It All". It did take me awhile mostly because I didn't want it to end (also due to frequent diaper changes, nose wiping, sprinkler running cleanup, etc. ) Many of the challenges Marc and Susan faced (and are currently facing) during their two boy's early years will be familiar to parents of young children, but above this I would say this book is a must read for anyone who has children, who is thinking about having children, and who cares about children in any way. This book, I believe, charts a course for a new way of interacting with children and it's the best book I've read in a long time. Keep up the good work, Marc!

GREAT BOOK! Marc Parent is a gifted writer and this book is a warm and honest depiction of life with children. I laughed, I cried and I wanted to read it all over again when I was done. As a new mom who stays home with her one year old I agree with Marc Parent when he describes in countless ways how much children can teach us about life.