Believing it All/Unabridged

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing Perspective
Review: Marc Parent knows what it's all about: the small things. Maple syrup and cowboy boots. Autumn leaves and Play Doh. The ironic afternoon on that ordinary Wednesday with the ceaselessly crying baby, the gap-toothed kindergartner, chocolate milk dribbled on the good sofa, no-you-can't-have-another-cookie. And silently pleading for five quiet minutes to write one more paragraph...one more page...daddy will be right there. Although the work at home option is idealized in current society, "Believing It All: What my Children Taught Me About Trout Fishing, Jelly Toast, and Life" provides an accurate yet optimistic viewpoint, observing children with their uncomplicated lives, simple pleasures exchanged all too soon, and the commitment needed to juggle work/family in the same location. A memoir more interested in the everyday nothing that constitutes a life of something, it's surprisingly worth a read for the 20-something childless as well as the harried soccer Mom (or Dad) who can relate entirely too well. Stroller walks, afternoon naps, and tying shoes. The novelty of all the small things which so quickly pass away, yielding to yellow school buses and Nintendo. Laugh, cry, remember, anticipate, and perhaps most of all, return with renewed spirit after an hour reading alone on that milk-stained sofa.

Rating:
Summary: I Too Believe It All
Review: Marc Parent's gently hysterical spirituality and humor made Believing It All my absolute favorite book on parenting. I found Parent's philosophy on the monumental moments of child rearing (which he reveals can take place over a game of Hi-Ho Cherry-O!) to be realistically poignant and yet spiritually uplifting. I cried as Owen's crib came down and laughed at the lessons of humility Casey teaches Marc over the corpse of a dead squirrel. This book depicts a rare and intensly beautiful relationship between a man and his kids. I am thankful for my glimpse into their lives and into Parent's heart. I can't wait for the next book!! (There better be one, I miss Casey and Owen.)

Rating:
Summary: Must read for anyone who loves children!
Review: This book is one of the best I have ever read. I am a 20 year old pursuing a career in working with children, read about this book in People magazine and thought it sounded like a good summer read. I was correct. The book was easy to read, very well crafted and is a great appreciation for children and all they have to teach us.

Rating:
Summary: Must read for anyone who loves children!
Review: This book is one of the best I have ever read. I am a 20 year old pursuing a career in working with children, read about this book in People magazine and thought it sounded like a good summer read. I was correct. The book was easy to read, very well crafted and is a great appreciation for children and all they have to teach us.

Rating:
Summary: If You Are A Parent You Must Read
Review: This book is so very, very real. My words can't describe how much I love this book. I want to loan it to everyone I know but I don't want to let it out of my sight. This is pure and tender yet some of it had me laughing out loud. I cried and then laughed at the very next chapter. Wow! what a book! Please don't miss this one. Or better yet go ahead and buy two. One to give away!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book--don't miss it!
Review: This book is wonderful beyond words. I read it, then my husband read it. We both laughed (I cried) and agreed that it was, indeed, one of the best books we have ever read (and we read quite a bit). Anyone who has children should read this and keep a copy on hand. We have purchased at least five copies and hand them out to friends who are expecting, grandparents, relatives, etc... The writing is great and the subject matter endearing.

Rating:
Summary: Touches me as a parent and brings back childhood memories
Review: This book touches me on so many levels that I can't even begin to cover it all. As a new parent, who has recently become a stay at home mom, I can totally relate to Marc's daily life. As a child who grew up on a farm and in the country, the carefree childhood memories of Marc touch me with almost a deja vu type of clarity. What can I say? From the children's fascination with a dead animal to the love of riding even after you're too big for the stroller....this book touches me as both a child who once was and a parent that I now have become. I loved it....and didn't want it to end.

Rating:
Summary: Touches me as a parent and brings back childhood memories
Review: This book touches me on so many levels that I can't even begin to cover it all. As a new parent, who has recently become a stay at home mom, I can totally relate to Marc's daily life. As a child who grew up on a farm and in the country, the carefree childhood memories of Marc touch me with almost a deja vu type of clarity. What can I say? From the children's fascination with a dead animal to the love of riding even after you're too big for the stroller....this book touches me as both a child who once was and a parent that I now have become. I loved it....and didn't want it to end.