Father to Son: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy (Paperback)

by Harry H. Harrison Jr. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A little book of wisdom for fathers on raising boys, Father to Son is a guide to the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. Divided into sections covering the different stages of a boy's life, the book features one succinct lesson per page-some lighthearted, some serious, all supported by the book's strong moral backbone. Here is the importance of passing along skills- "Show him how to eat an Oreo." "Show him how to put a baseball in a new glove and wrap a belt around it." Of setting a good example-"Be home for dinner." "Do push-ups together." Of staying involved- "Race him. You'll never forget the day he beats you." "Be sure to meet his girlfriends." Being flexible-"If his favorite thing about organized sports is the uniform, let him wear it to school." Offering guideposts, material and intangible- "Hang a punching bag in the garage." "Put a computer in his room. Never a TV." "Never tell him boys don't cry-ask him why he's crying." Nurturing responsibility- "Make him understand that even a small lie makes him a liar." "Teach him the joy of finishing a job." And instilling wonder- "Teach him the joys of staring at the moon." "Encourage him to go barefoot."

From the Back Cover
On the Important Business of Raising a Son A boy comes with boundless love and enthusiasm, but no instructions. In this little book of wisdom for fathers, discover hundreds of succinct thoughts--practical and intangible, lighthearted and serious, all supported by a strong moral backbone--to guide, to remind, to teach, and to inspire.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company; Min edition (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761118691
• ISBN-13: 978-0761118695
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,345 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars cute but not much more, September 21, 2002

By	robert danton (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews

I don't want to trash this book. It's cute and kind. I think it would make a good gift for a certain kind of father-to-be. But I agree with the reviewer from Philadelphia. We also need stronger, deeper books that speak of the true challenge and meaning of fatherhood. Would you rather read a chapter telling you to teach your son how to eat an Oreo or a chapter about helping your son shape his own spiritual journey? If you believe the latter is more important, you should get Nerburn's Letters to My Son. I read this book years ago and I still give it to fathers who are searching for ways to bring their sons to a meaningful manhood -- and to women whose sons have no fathers in their lives. So, give Father to Son to parents as a kind gift of the "oh, isn't this cute" sort. Give Letters to My Son to parents who are deeply concerned about raising good sons. Both kinds of books have their place. Just don't confuse the cute with the profound.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's the Little Things That Matter, August 21, 2001

By	latchkeykid "latchkeykid" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Not all parents were raised properly and not all parents are raising their kids properly. Oftentimes we forget the most elementary things mean the most to kids and can benefit them in innumerable ways. It's books like this that serve as subtle reminders of the things we can do NOT that we must do for children. And I'm guessing that's exactly what this book was intended for-- not as a bible or the final word on raising a son (or daughter, for that matter-- who would also enjoy many of these things)-- but as helpful hints to keep us thinking for ourselves on what we would like to share with our kids and how we would like them to see the world.

If Andy S is a better father-- then good for him, the world could use more of them. But there is something that made him want to purchase this book. And if Lenny was disappointed in it and expected gospel then perhaps he's looking in the wrong place. (He might also try a dictionary and spell check). But anger at an author for not providing all the answers seems silly. None of us has all the answers, we just try to do the best we can and when we need help, we look to others for ideas. The way I see it, if just one suggestion can add a smile to a kid's face, it's a small price to pay.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light, but Genuine, July 18, 2005

By	J. Jenni (Mountain View, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is not a deep treatise on the challenges of raising a son, nor a challenging sociological essay. It is, however, a charming collection of very thoughtful and apt observations of some of the duties and privileges of being the father of a young boy; full of the kinds of points that seem obvious once you read them but which are still helpful to be reminded of. I have reread this book several times as my son has grown, and have taken away new points at each stage of his life. This would be a great gift for a new father.