Customer Reviews

Homeschooling Odyssey: Second Edition

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

 

 

The book was very entertaining and reassuring. It is nice to read about other homeschool experiences.

I just read this book this evening on [...] (under education) and I enjoyed it very much. I plan to order it with my next Amazon order to loan to friends who won't be bothered to read a book online. Non-homeschoolers tend to think that homeschooling families either spend all day snacking and watching TV, or that they do exactly what is done in school, except at the kitchen table. Dr James does a great job of explaining what real home school is about, and how it's nothing like either of those scenarios. I especially related to his description of his adult friend, Adam, and his panic attacks when he realizes what his family has become. Very sad, but I see the same reaction in some of my friends and family members. This book is a quick read and I highly recommend it. It rises far above all the "but what about socialization?" type homeschool books on the market.

A heartfelt, enduring tale of a parent's determination to prioritize his love for his children. From the cycloptic monster of Television to the sweet, numbing, siren songs of public education, Matthew takes the reader through his own Homeric Odyssey to show us that at the end, all that is really worth struggling for is the protection and love for one's family.

A great contrast to out current performance driven culture that requires us to ask what's really most important for our children.

"Tell me, O muse, of that ingenious hero who traveled far and wide after he had lost faith in public education..."

Education by cows and Charles Dickens... who would have thunk it. I wish I could have lived this crazy adventure myself!

btw - excellent cover pic.

this is a first-hand account of the upbringing of a remarkable family. matthew james employs the words the way a beaver builds dams. i especially like the parts about adrian james, the oldest son. i wonder if he turned out normal.