Rating: 
Summary: Perfect balance of story and history
Review: If you have a kid in the scouts, this is a must read. If not, read it to see why your kid SHOULD be in the scouts. Peter tells about how scouting came to be what it is, and what it should be, based on its founders ideals. He also shows how parents can do something to bond with their children, and discover a lot about themselves. I found it to be a perfect beach read.
Rating:
Summary: A hilarious book from a "committed indoorsman"
Review: If you've ever been a Scout, if you loved Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, or if you've ever spent a weekend in a tent in the rain because you had to for your kid, this is the book for you -- so funny, full of fascinating information about the history of Scouts in America, and above all a very sweet story of a father and son who find a new way to be closer to each other. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful story of a Scout and Scouters Journey Together
Review: Outstanding Read, I caught myself reflecting on all of the experiences I valued while growing up in scouting. I'm pleased those same experiences are still around for my son and I to share and enjoy some 25 years later. What a program! For those who have a hard time digesting the political inferences and self-analysis that Mr Applebome makes in his book, I say to you; the story is only about a dad learning and growing with his son and ultimately becomes a better person for having those experiences. That is precisely what the scouting experience was designed for. I'm pretty conservative in my world view and found that if everyone thought like me, what a boring life we would live. Cheers to you Mr. Applebome, just let us know when "Ben" makes Eagle.
Rating:
Summary: A balanced view & a heartwarming father & son story
Review: Scouting has come in for its share of adverse publicity in recent years, and some of it is deserved. However, as a trained "Scouter" with a son who is closing on his Eagle, I found this book to be exactly the kind of fair-minded look at Scouting I'd have welcomed as a novice Scout dad. The author is a terrific story-teller, and celebrates the best in Scouting with stories that mad me laugh and sniffle. Those who would condemn Scouting for its narrow-mindedness should read this account of what it accomplishes at the Troop level.
Rating: 
Summary: The Scouting past and future
Review: The book is funny and well-written, but I was disappointed with the ending. The author suggests how to improve the BSA by lowering its standards to be like other youth groups; allowing homosexuals as youth and adult members and no uniforms are two suggestions. These two issues will hit the hot buttons of those for and against Scouting. Make your own choice. The best parts of the book concern his and his son's experiences in the 'church in the woods' and the outdoor experience. Skip the issues' chapters and you will enjoy the book more.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I had enrolled my sons in the Boy Scouts
Review: The warmth, the humor, the insight made this a joy to read. I have spent much time with my children, but the experience of camping and watching them grow as scouts would have been something special in this hectic world. Thank you for this book. I urge all parents to read this as soon as possible.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I had enrolled my sons in the Boy Scouts
Review: The warmth, the humor, the insight made this a joy to read. I have spent much time with my children, but the experience of camping and watching them grow as scouts would have been something special in this hectic world. Thank you for this book. I urge all parents to read this as soon as possible.
Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried, I fell off the sofa. When's the movie?
Review: This adventure story is non-fiction, but it reads like a comic novel. Only Dave Barry made me laugh as loud - and he doesn't write as well as Applebome does. There are serious topics here: growing up, friendship, doing the right thing, responsibility. They are examined through a cast of characters so zany you wonder how they all ended up in Troop 1.
Rating:
Summary: delightful father and son romp through the woods
Review: This was a terrific look at the world of Scouting and a fathers love for his son. Peter Applebome writes with wit and charm, and almost made me want to spend $$$ on camping gear. I guess this means I have to be a good parent too and go on one of these crazy outings?
Two thumbs up for this great summer read.
Rating:
Summary: Highly entertaining...and very well written
Review: Those not previously connected in some way with the Scouting movement will likely find this book highly entertaining nonetheless. I was disappointed to reach its end.Those that were or are Scouts / Scouters (as I was & am,) and who, like me, have experienced very painful internal conflict with the public unpleasantness the BSA has experienced in recent years will, in all likelihood, find a soothing balm in Mr. Applebome's ruminations on the issues at hand: God, Gays & Girls. Sharing Peter & Ben's (father & son's) journey via this book elicited queries from my wife: "What in the world are you reading that you're laughing out loud at?" Thank you Peter. Good night Scouts.
|
