Wednesday, November 28, 2007

FOR PARENTS ONLY

‘Tis the Season for Family Friction

The holidays are almost here, bringing added stresses, misunderstandings, and teen attitudes. Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice can help families with these issues during this often difficult time, as well as the rest of the year.

For Parents Only

by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice

Click here to purchase the book at Amazon.com

Shaunti Feldhahn is known for unlocking the mysteries of relationships for men and women. Now she turns to a parent’s relationship with a child, particularly a child of the opposite sex. Drawing on the results of a nationwide survey of kids and teenagers, she explores questions such as:

  • What do moms need to understand about the “tough and tender” boy who values respect over love?

  • What do dads need to understand about their daughter’s need for affirmation?

  • What are the six biggest pet peeves teens have about their parents?

Understanding the answers to these and other important questions can help parents make the holidays a time of celebration and unity, not strife and friction.

For Parents Only offers a unique look into a child’s mind and frees readers to communicate in healthier ways as they discover that understanding their kids may not be as complicated as they think.


About the Authors:

Shaunti Feldhahn is the author of For Women Only and numerous other books, with sales totaling nearly one million copies. A nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and public speaker, Feldhahn earned her master’s degree at Harvard University. She and her husband, Jeff, have two young children. Lisa A. Rice is the associate editor of Christian Living magazine, the mother of two teenage girls, and a screenwriter and producer.

(side note: I first read Shaunti Feldhahn's fiction works back when she wrote fiction for Multnomah, and she's an amazing writer. Her mad fiction skills add a certain flair to her nonfiction works!)

Review:

If you are a parent of children, BUY THIS BOOK. I am serious. Put it on your Christmas wish list. This book is simply amazing.


I read For Women Only a year and a half ago, and I felt like it helped how I related to my husband in practical ways. Now, I'm reading For Parents Only and just tonight was able to catch myself in "mommy fix-it mode" and really listen to my youngest daughter as she cried and told me about her rough day. It is the kind of practical book that I know I'll read over and over.

Yes, some of the book deals directly with parenting teens; however, even if your children are small, I feel confident in saying that the sooner these skills are put into practice, the easier your path will be on the road to parenting an adolescent. (I am thankful to have its advice and insight as my tween daughter seems to be running headlong toward adolescence lately.)

Feldhahn and Rice did their research and in true scholar fashion, outlined their methods in the beginning of this book. It adds credibility to their findings, of course, and quite fascinating in its own right. But a reader could quite easily skip it and rush into the meaty, practical chapters following, and find help right away.


GIVEAWAY!

Leave a comment (with working email address such as: freshbrewedwriter (at) mymail.com) here on my blog and be entered in a drawing to win one of two copies of the book! I will leave the comments open through the weekend, as I've got an insanely busy schedule the rest of the week and a birthday this weekend. Be sure to comment because you NEVER know who will win!!!

I have my winners; the random number chooser thing chose from the other entries on my other blog. Thank you so much for your interest!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Carnival of Christian Writers


Gina is hosting the 14th Carnival of Christian Writers at her blog.



icon_cotton.jpg Carla Stewart discusses “To Plot or Not to Plot” at Carla’s Writing Cafe.
icon_cotton.jpg Tiffany Colter presents “Is Fear Blocking you?” posted at Writing Career Coach.
icon_cotton.jpg Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner exhorts writers to be encouraged, even if the news from agents or publishers isn’t what you want to hear. In A Little Encouragement she discusses the nature of encouragement and concludes that the truth, good or bad, is more important to the writer than pretty platitudes.
icon_cotton.jpg Camy Tang gives a list and asks for your input on “Christmas gifts for writers.
icon_cotton.jpg Literary Agent Chip MacGregor talks about “Writing and Marketing.
icon_cotton.jpg Mary Connealy confesses that the Techno-Genius Strikes Again.
icon_cotton.jpg Literary Agent Terry Whalin tells how to “Find Your Own Way”. Terry also shares a Thanksgiving inspiration for us in “Are Your Thankful for the Thorns?”

icon_cotton.jpg What makes a great Christian fiction book? How do you write one? How do you write a compelling Christian romance? Gail Gaymer Martin, author of Writing the Christian Romance, tells us how at Writing Right.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Originally posted on the Something About Me Reading Challenge blog

I chose this book from Juli's list, as well as for Nattie's Newbery Challenge (my list is here). I can't find Juli's post about this novel and why she chose it, but I imagine it's tied to the adventure and wonderful story.

This was one of my favorite books when I was growing up. I loved it, probably because I admired Karana's resourcefulness and strength. I still do. What an amazing book! I can't wait for my daughters to read and enjoy this.

I had the privilege of meeting Scott O'Dell himself in 1983 when I was in the 8th grade. Michele Andrews and I were chosen from both of Ms. Wood's 8th grade Unified Studies classes to be a part of a day where we could interview Mr. O'Dell. We had a great time, even though we were the oldest students there! (I think almost everyone else was in the 5th and 6th grades.) I remember Mr. O'Dell commenting on Michele's lovely Texas accent, and complimenting us on our insightful questions. That evening, I heard him read from one of his books, can't remember which one, but I remember his white hair, and his voice.

I am happy to show you the autograph I received inside my copy of the book!

Newbery Challenge Completed

You can see my post here that shows you which books I read for Nattie's Newbery Challenge. I am happy to declare this challenge absolutely and completely FINISHED! As Nattie would say, "Glory!"