Customer Reviews

Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America's Parents

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I jumped at the opportunity to check out this read once I saw how Angela, Jo-Jo, Russy, Vanessa, and Diggy pitched a fit about their business being in the book, specifically because I wanted to read why Angela freaked about how her relationship with Bow Wow was mentioned. I had no idea they were a couple and wondered how that relationship worked out, so I picked up a copy quick.

I planned to read that chapter on Bow Wow and return the book, but as soon as I opened the book, I couldn't put it down. My initial hesitation was nothing facetious, but Run is a reverend, and I'm Agnostic. I figured the book would make me uncomfortable reading it considering my views on religion are so different. I respect Run DMC as one of the most phenomenal hip hop icons and "Run's House" is excellent, but I didn't want to be lectured. I was hoping the book wouldn't be preachy but still be positive. And Run did not disappoint. In the beginning of the book, he clarified immediately that this book was not going to be a sermon and talked about people from different walks of life "I know some people tune out when they hear a reverend start talking about prayer," but he also clarified immediately that he definitely honors God and religion "I truly believe that whatever religion you subscribe to (or even if you don't subscribe to one at all, we can all hear the voice of God inside us." I respect him for standing by his beliefs but throughout the book, not shoving them down his reader's throat. That's what kept me reading!

Readers learn how both him and Justine feel about extended families, how Justine deals with being a stepmother, a behind-the-scenes look at Justine's miscarriage, the relationship with Angela and Bow Wow, virginity, hip hop's influence on their children, being on a reality show, and parenthood. It's an easy read, and I found myself nodding and agreeing with many parts, especially the chapter about parents not realizing that even when their child is 18, they still very much want to be accepted and need your support and encouragement as adults. I almost want to copy and pass around that chapter to so many parents that forget that they will always be the "cool kid" to their children.

Although there were some parts that made me raise an eyebrow (ex. needing permission at 21 for Angela to get a tattoo, demanding that their kids not get any money unless they meet Run's expectations, Run saying he's head of the household and Justine saying she'll give him that title if it makes him feel good), I respected it all. It's just cool to see a positive show about hip hop and African American families to prove we're not all dysfunctional and stereotypical. Who's house? Run's House!

This book has a spiritual underline with a worldly twist! It has so many examples and reactions that I can now use their approaches for my children if those things arise in their lives. I love this book and wold recommend it to anyone!

It has been both an honor and a pleasure reading this book. Rev. Run and Justine put so much honesty and love into telling their story like no one else could. I truly enjoyed learning the quirks that go behind the scenes and getting a better understanding of their rise to fame. They are truly the American Dream!

This a great book the title is right on. Not only to take back your family but a how to guide on how to get your life straight. I can't recommend this book enough. There are not enough words to discribe.

I had been wanting to get this book for quite some time now and finally did. I am glad that I did becuase it was very inspirational and let me know that I'm doing the right things.

As a social worker, parent and author, I recommend "Take Back Your Family" - Rev. Run and Justine have written frank accounts of their own parenting techniques, in a world that cries out for help with this delicate subject. Their book covers many topics including step-parenting, adoption and how they managed to work through their own grief after a miscarriage. But there is more ... much more. There are also realistic stories about their children and their children deserve credit for accepting exposure to several aspects of their life in the book. The commitment of their family as a unit, regarding the public and child-rearing issues in general, is commendable.

It is also a rich account of their own voyage thru a complicated journey as a blended family with an empathetic take on the struggles both single parents and couples face in their daily lives raising children. Without being patronizing, they manage to be very clear about the obstacles to wellness families face while sharing many a story of their own with the reader, while referring to their own youth and families-of-origin, which impacted their development as indidviuals, as a couple and as parents along the way.

I would recommend this book to all families. In addition, it should be on the bookshelf of any social service agency including adoption agencies, therapists and educators. Step-parents and those who struggle with adolescent children would benefit from this book as well as people who plan to have children some day, as it really gives you a concise analysis of the daily work of love parenting actually is.

As Rev. Run states, parenting does not stop once your children turn eighteen, it is an ongoing process. Even among family members relationships are work, but the benefits of the work involved provide each member of the household, a link to one another that is life-sustaining and well worth the dedication and in many cases, the sacrifices one makes to raise a family. When the Piano Stops: A Memoir of Healing from Sexual Abuse

Love this book! Love Rev Run! LOVE LOVE JUSTINE! Wonderful family, the show is great! Very practical advice.

I bought this book because I enjoyed watching a functional family for once on MTV. The advise I gained from this book will help me navigate through the rough waters of today's shallowness. I deeply enjoyed this book! I wonder what will be their next book!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked it mostly 'cause it was written by someone i grew up listening to, had some similar experiences growing up as a kid in NY and I could truly relate. I liked the fact that Joey and Justine constantly reminded their readers that how they raised their family was not "bond" but merely what works for them and suggest to try some of their techniques. THe book was very insightful, made me think about how I could change somethings in my own household to make it run smother. The Simmons' are truly very down to earth despite their celebrity and I appreciate that they exemplify a functional celebrity family. Love their show because they act just like you and I, but just with a larger income.

I really enjoyed reading Rev. Run's book. What I was most please with is that most of the advice he gives is Biblically based. While most people may not pick up their Bible, the may very well pick up a book that chronicles the life of one of their favorite TV families. I truly enjoyed it and actually purchased for a friend of mine who is about to get married. She has a daughter and her husband to be also has a daughter. I thought it would be a blessing to her to read.