Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love [Paperback]

Kent Nerburn (Author), Richard Carlson (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 19, 1999

In an attempt to gather what wisdom he could to guide his son into adulthood, Kent Nerburn published a powerful collection of essays that touched the hearts of parents and children everywhere. In this beautiful revised edition, Nerburn refines his advice and expands his thoughts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; 2nd edition (January 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577310314
• ISBN-13: 978-1577310310
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Fatherhood

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've ever read of things that should be said., February 3, 2007

By 

Tom J. Lefebvre (Ukiah, California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love (Paperback)

In my 61 years of male life experiences, this is my favorite book, for it puts to words human ideals that are so beneficial for people of all ages to understand.

I found this book by chance in a used book store and bought it to read, to reflect on my experiences with my two sons and two step-children. Immediately I realized that Kent had put to words the things I had wanted to say to my children, but didn't know how to express it.

I then bought 30 copies, giving them to my children and friends with children. I read it again, this time calling Kent and thanking him for writing his thoughts for me to share with others whom I love.

I'm here at Amazon again, sending a link to Kent's Letters to a friend, who's husband has died, leaving their teenage son so alone. I'm constantly recommending this book, as well as quoting from it to share thoughts with others. When my brother-in-law died a couple months ago, Kent's thoughts on Tragedy and Suffering were most comforting to my sister and her in-laws. I know Kent's thoughts on Falling In Love I've shared with others has mended many a broken hearts.

Kent's dedication page statement - "We are born male. We must learn to be men." implies it's a book for guys to read, but I know many gals who have found it a valuable read.

I was just on a lengthy trip, with a number of extended layovers. Knowing this, of all I could have chosen to bring to read to make that time most worthwhile, I brought Letters to my Son. And I'll read it again and again.

For years I've thought that too often people read one book after another, searching for something very meaningful to be made know to them. Here is a book I believe, if read a number of times in a thoughtful way, and taken to heart, it will be the most satisfying read ever. I've become certain that it's good enough to last my lifetime.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Letters to My Son, February 3, 2000

By 

timothy g. smith (Valley Forge, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love (Paperback)

This book is extremely well written and very insightful. A great book for any man or any father of a boy. The book is full of wisdom and advice that will provide insight to the reader on how to convey values to their son. It crafts solid explainations to difficult questions that men have throughout life.

The book gives the reader the tools to become a better person and to appreciate other people and life in general. It could be called "the gentle-mans coaching guide". I couldn't put the book down until I finished it and I can't remember the last time that happened.

Hats off to the author for crafting this magnificient work which gets us to stop and think about what is important. That's quite a feat in this "point and click" society.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift, July 23, 2004

By 

D. K Christiansen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love (Paperback)

Over the years I have had read numerous books of this nature, but always find myself returning to read a section, a paragraph or a few pages. A wonderful book that I have had the opportunity to share with numerous friends. I think I have purchased at least 20 copies a gifts.

A must read.