Writin' on Empty: Parents Reveal the Upside, Downside, and Everything In Between When Children Leave the Nest [Paperback]

Joan Cehn (Author), Julie Renalds (Author), Risa Nye (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2008

This collection of essays is indispensable for parents whose kids are leaving -- or have left -- the nest: for college, for the service, or for parts unknown. Writers share their touching, sometimes humorous, and always poignant reactions to watching the kids take off into the world beyond the comfort of home.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: No Flak Publishing (June 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615208851
• ISBN-13: 978-0615208855
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,357,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writin' On Empty, August 31, 2008

By 

Jill Jones (El Dorado Hills, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Writin' on Empty: Parents Reveal the Upside, Downside, and Everything In Between When Children Leave the Nest (Paperback)

I wish we had this wonderful compilation of essays to read when our sons left for college a few years back. All of the authors have tapped into the 'void' that parents have experienced when their kids leave home either for college or the service. The personal stories are very compelling and heartfelt!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writin' on Empty: Parents reveal the Upside, Dowside and Everything in Between When Children Leave the Nest, August 23, 2008

By 

Jeanette Symons (Cleveland, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writin' on Empty: Parents Reveal the Upside, Downside, and Everything In Between When Children Leave the Nest (Paperback)

Having just seen my son go back to his troop (again) while he was on leave, I discovered this book at the perfect time. I was pleasantly surprised that mixed in with the essays about packing kids off to college, that parents who have sent kids off to serve their country were heard from as well. There are two pieces that hit the nail on the head about what this experience is like for a family: Blue Sky, about a family waving goodbye as their son sailed off on his troop ship to leave his family wringing their hands in fear for his safe return. The other essay, Ready or Not, writes of a single-mother's anguish about her son's decision to join the military, resulting in a new dimension and respect for each other when he becomes a man in the process. This book is a treasure for all parents who are sending their children off to places unknown, sometimes with unexpected results.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for parents!, February 1, 2009

By 

Marisa (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writin' on Empty: Parents Reveal the Upside, Downside, and Everything In Between When Children Leave the Nest (Paperback)

A friend suggested I read this book while I was dealing with my only child leaving for school. Even though millions of parents have dealt with the "empty nest" syndrome, it hit me especially hard and I was searching for something to help me cope. Reading this collection of essays made me realize that I wasn't alone and that yes, I would once again feel myself and not feel sad all the time. These stories are touching and heartfelt. I highly recommend this book to all parents...especially those dealing with a loved ones departure.