Customer Reviews

Father to Son: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I don't want to trash this book. It's cute and kind. I think it would make a good gift for a certain kind of father-to-be. But I agree with the reviewer from Philadelphia. We also need stronger, deeper books that speak of the true challenge and meaning of fatherhood. Would you rather read a chapter telling you to teach your son how to eat an Oreo or a chapter about helping your son shape his own spiritual journey? If you believe the latter is more important, you should get Nerburn's Letters to My Son. I read this book years ago and I still give it to fathers who are searching for ways to bring their sons to a meaningful manhood -- and to women whose sons have no fathers in their lives. So, give Father to Son to parents as a kind gift of the "oh, isn't this cute" sort. Give Letters to My Son to parents who are deeply concerned about raising good sons. Both kinds of books have their place. Just don't confuse the cute with the profound.

Not all parents were raised properly and not all parents are raising their kids properly. Oftentimes we forget the most elementary things mean the most to kids and can benefit them in innumerable ways. It's books like this that serve as subtle reminders of the things we can do NOT that we must do for children. And I'm guessing that's exactly what this book was intended for-- not as a bible or the final word on raising a son (or daughter, for that matter-- who would also enjoy many of these things)-- but as helpful hints to keep us thinking for ourselves on what we would like to share with our kids and how we would like them to see the world.

If Andy S is a better father-- then good for him, the world could use more of them. But there is something that made him want to purchase this book. And if Lenny was disappointed in it and expected gospel then perhaps he's looking in the wrong place. (He might also try a dictionary and spell check). But anger at an author for not providing all the answers seems silly. None of us has all the answers, we just try to do the best we can and when we need help, we look to others for ideas. The way I see it, if just one suggestion can add a smile to a kid's face, it's a small price to pay.

This book touches the heart of the matter in a very succinct and unpretentious manner. Stuff any father can execute. The book reminded me, page by page, of what is really important in raising my sons. It is also very funny. Harrison's books are great!

This is not a deep treatise on the challenges of raising a son, nor a challenging sociological essay. It is, however, a charming collection of very thoughtful and apt observations of some of the duties and privileges of being the father of a young boy; full of the kinds of points that seem obvious once you read them but which are still helpful to be reminded of. I have reread this book several times as my son has grown, and have taken away new points at each stage of his life. This would be a great gift for a new father.

This book was entertaining and I guess useful . . . but it doesn't go very deep. Other recent reads that take it to a deeper level include FATHERTIME by Scribner and Frey, and LETTERS TO MY SON by Nerbern. It's important for fathers to be reading stuff like this, but also to take it to the next level ...

This is a sweet little "knick-knack" book - one of those cute little gift books rather like "Life's Little Instruction Book", light and fun. Good break from reading a whole serious book on parenting. Perfect first Father's Day gift or stocking stuffer for a new dad.

Full of little tips and bits of wisdom, also has advice for just having fun with your son. Makes a great gift for the new dad.

This is a sweet book. But it has no real depth. If you want to read a great book, a truly profound book on fatherhood that touches all the real themes and difficulties and hopes, get Kent Nerburn's Letters to my Son. I guarantee it will give you what you are seeking.

This is by far one of the best books for a new Dad or soon to be Dad! It is simple and practical, and reminds us that the simple things in life are the important things to a child!

***** (5 STARS!)

It was a very cute book, the best father/son book out there, I would definetely reccomend it.