Letters to My Daughters

Rating:
Summary: worth reading, but could go deeper
Review: As a mother of a daughter, I thought this book had a lovely message. I highly recommend it for anyone with children.
Debbie Farmer, parenting columnist and author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!'

Rating:
Summary: Five Stars
Review: As a mother of a daughter, I thought this book had a lovely message. I highly recommend it for anyone with children.
Debbie Farmer, parenting columnist and author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!'

Rating:
Summary: Republican
Review: I really can't say that shes a person worth listening to if shes a republican.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Tribute!
Review: Letters To My Daughters by talented writer Mary Matalin is such a moving book and loving tribute. I would recommend it to anyone to share with their children!

Rating:
Summary: First chapter made me cry
Review: Mary's book touched me deeply because like her, I lost my mother before I got married and had a child (a daughter). Like her, I read everything I could get my hands on, from Spock to Sears, but nothing filled the huge void created by my mother's untimely death at 52 (Matalin's died at 50). While her specific advice to her girls may not be earthshattering in its originality, it serves as a poignant reminder to all of us parents that we just might not be around to tell our kids what we'd want them to hear from us first. I will use this book as a jumping off point for letters to my own baby girl. In this busy world we live in, it's far too easy to think we'll get around to teaching our kids important life-lessons "when the time comes," but before we know it, they're grown and all-too-often, our busy lives have gotten in the way of those all-too-important conversations. If you have a daughter, of any age, read this book. A great mother's day gift too!

Rating:
Summary: Handbook for raising children of either sex
Review: This audio book was not something I would have picked out myself. It was sent to me by a girlfriend so I took the time to listen. I have heard my husband talk about this "politically opposite" husband and wife team many times and admired their ability to make a life together when they work on such opposite sides of the political fence.

Listening to this compilation of thoughts and desires from Mary Matalin to her daughters brought back things my mother try to pound into my head as a teenager. From the bittersweet happenings in a teenager's life to the everyday down-to-earth, get-it-right thoughts on life, these letters provides the basics every child needs to grown up right. They tell about the fears of being a mother and the hopes to "get it right" for your child. They provide insights into the fact that just because a mother is now over 21, she can and does remember what it was like to be 8 or 10 or 16.

Ms Matalin tells about her own family background and some of their hopes, dreams and family tragedies. She shares with the listener some of those wonderful growing up stories that happen in every family and the same stories that are told and retold and handed down through the generations. If you are looking for a good way to talk to your daughters - or sons for that matter - grab a copy of this audio book and go for it.

Rating:
Summary: worth reading, but could go deeper
Review: This is a fine book as far as it goes. As a parent who knows that there are no easy answers, I appreciate the fact that she doesn't give a toolkit or a formula for childraising or growing up. But there is a book out there with a surprisingly parallel title, Letters to My Son, by Kent Nerburn, that is a truly brilliant work that deserves to be read along side this or any other parenting book. I have daughters as well as a son. I would give both these books to my children of both genders. Don't be seduced by Matalin's high profile. There are other authors out there who have as much to say. Give Matalin her due; she's done a good job. But if you want more wisdom and less psychology, get Nerburn's book as well.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous!
Review: While I can't believe that Mary has created two beautiful daughters with the sleazy likes of James Carville, I was able to get a copy of this book, and it really touched my heart. The book has lots of great ideas for mothers.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous!
Review: While I can't believe that Mary has created two beautiful daughters with the sleazy likes of James Carville, I was able to get a copy of this book, and it really touched my heart. The book has lots of great ideas for mothers.