Bringing up Boys by Dr. James Dobson

Let me start here: I recommend it.  To moms, dads, grandparents, school teachers, social workers, etc.

Warnings: 

• The beginning is a bit slow.  Don't give up on it; get to chapter 4.
• Sometimes his writing is more conversational than textbook.  It is a matter of taste whether you prefer this or dislike it.  Either way, he presents a lot of great material.

Get ready to learn about the:

• Scientific differences between boys and girls
• Breakdown of the family affecting boys
• Immense importance of the father
• Importance of parents' presence in their kids' lives
• Origins of homosexuality
• Masculine confusion
• How to counter the culture
• Parenting and discipline tips
• Importance of pointing our children to Jesus Christ

In my opinion, the best way to read this book is with a like-minded friend.  Read one chapter a week, and then get together to discuss it.  That's what my sister and I did.  We not only learned information, but applied it to our parenting.  

My sister and her husband were struck by the realization that he was working a ton and neglecting all of his vacation time.  He stepped back from work and scheduled a vacation day to visit relatives with his wife and son.  

The book showed me the importance of boys learning masculinity and doing "man" things.  I switched our morning routine from watching "Curious George" to "Handy Manny," and I started letting my boys use real screwdrivers to unscrew screws out of the window handles and screw them back in again.  

I hope you pick up a copy.

Heather

Three Cups of Tea- Young Reader's Edition by Greg Mortenson

		This young readers’ edition of the worldwide bestseller Three Cups of Tea has been specially adapted and updated by Greg Mortenson to bring his remarkable story of humanitarianism up-to-date. It includes brand-new photos, maps, and illustrations, as well as a special afterword by Greg’s twelve-year-old daughter, Amira, who has traveled with her father as an advocate for the Pennies for Peace program for children. Taken from penguin.com

I have not read the adult version, so I don't have much to compare.  However, the map, photos, and interview with Greg's daughter are great additions to the book. These will make the story easier to read for younger readers.  I chose the young reader's edition because my friend, Heather, told me a couple years ago that the adult version told a good story but was very political with a lot of Bush-hating.  Like I said, I haven't read it, so I can't vouch for that review, but I can say that the young reader's edition did not fit that bill.

This book kept the focus on what Greg Mortenson is doing in Pakistan and Afghanistan. That being building schools in poor villages to promote learning for the impoverished children, specifically the girls.  It is an inspiring story about how much difference one man can make.  It is also a great story of adventure because it chronicles Greg's real experiences such as getting lost on a mountain and escaping fighting drug lords.

It's a great story for American middle schoolers.  I hope after reading it they gain an appreciation for their American school buildings, education, and opportunities for college.  I did!

Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff

I LITERALLY laughed out loud while reading this book. My sister lent it to me from the shelves of her music pastor husband. I read it aloud to her while she highlighted my hair. So basically I read this book aloud for 2 hours. The time flew by, and we were both laughing. At times she couldn't understand me because I was laughing so hard while trying to read it to her.

Here are a few specific satire sections that cracked me up: "Guide to Food Prayers" (Should you pray before eating a Snickers?), the intro to the "My Bad" section (where he throws his pastor friend under the bus for seeing an R-rated movie), "Finding Typos in the Worship Music" (You know you've done it!), "The Good Morning Flow Chart," and "Putting the devil 'On Notice'" (a new expression to me, but written about with such wit).

If you are a Christian who wants to laugh out loud, then I highly recommend this book!


Want to know more about the book? Read below or check out Jonathan Acuff's website

Author Jonathan Acuff uses satire, not mockery, to "clear away the clutter of Christianity so we can see the beauty of Christ." Here is the full quote from the article he wrote for Relevant Magazine:
Mockery is not the same thing as satire. Mockery always has a victim. Satire doesn’t. Mockery is about wounding someone and leaving a bruise. Satire isn’t that way at all. I define satire as “humor with a purpose.” My purpose is to clear away the clutter of Christianity so we can see the beauty of Christ. I do that with satire, which is a tremendous vehicle for truth. It’s like a big mirror: You take an issue and you blow it up so it’s big enough and obvious enough for everyone to see. Then you stand next to it and ask: “Is that us? Are we OK with that? Is this what it means to be the Church?” The other big difference is that God hates mockery. Satire? I feel He actually exhibits a bit of satire in the Bible. In Psalm 1:1, we’re told “Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (TNIV). Do you see that? Mockers are related to the wicked. But satire gets a shoutout. In Numbers 11:23, God says to Moses: “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” I don’t speak Hebrew, but I can’t believe God was asking Moses the length of His arm because He didn’t know. I think He was satirically pointing out to Moses that He could take care of him.