From Publishers Weekly
Give kids the freedom to be kids, says Kephart, in this delightful book that, like her
A Slant of Sun, centers on, in vibrant, loving detail, her 14-year-old son, Jeremy. Let children discover their own passions and interests; guide, but don't force; prod, but don't push; and, most important, let their imaginations flourish. Kephart and her husband have resisted the pressure from today's society to get kids involved in heavy competition and early preparation for college, sports or music. Freed from self-consciousness and with his parents' gentle encouragement, Jeremy has dared to dream that he could be a mystery writer, a poet, a comedian, a filmmaker. Understandably, Kephart's approach has made her an outsider among many parents who believe she's hurting Jeremy and his future prospects. "In the scheme of some things, these parents are right," she concedes. "It's Darwin's world, after all...." But, she says, "I do believe that the push to win is threatening—even already eroding—this generation's happiness." To resist this "erosion," she began a reading and writing group for her son and his friends. These kids' bursting creativity astounded and vindicated her. In serene and sage prose, she concludes that unleashing youths' imagination can create well-rounded, stable, happier people, both in their generation and the one guiding them.
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Kephart, author of an award-winning memoir trilogy and the National Book Award nominee,
A Slant of Sun (also starring Jeremy), is no typical mother. And
Seeing Past Z is no routine child-rearing book. What distinguishes it from all the other “how to” books on the shelf is its gorgeous depiction of the relationship between a mother and child—not always easy, never perfect, but always emotionally honest. With sharp, evocative prose, Kephart explores how imagination not only lets us relate to others, but also creates a blueprint for our futures (Jeremy wants to follow in Steven Spielberg’s footsteps). She also provides suggestions for how to inspire your own children’s imaginations. So, dump those other child-rearing books, let your children play, and wait and see where Jeremy ends up!
Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
