Compassionate Souls : Raising the Next Generation to Change the World

Rating:
Summary: A compelling read
Review: A friend of mine, who is a little into things on the fringe, suggested that I read this book. I must admit, that prior to reading Compassionate Souls I was very critical of the choices that my friend was making. It seemed that everything that she was doing with her children, flew in the face of what everyone else I knew was doing, and what every magazine article or book on parenting or health I had ever read advised.

Yet this book has definately changed my thinking. I no longer think that sleeping with one's baby will make them overly dependent. I am no longer fearful about my friend's decision to not vaccinate her children (nor do I veiw her choice to not vaccinate as a threat to me) in fact I am regretting that I did not look into this issue more fully when my own children were younger and I was being sold on shot after shot. I find myself wondering too, if some of the horrible illnesses my children had shortly after getting shots were caused by the shots (something I never even considered related before) I have began to make some small changes in what I am feeding my family (and found the recipes in the back of the book --especially the vegan caesar salad dressing, the Green Rice, and Jojo's baked potatoes absolutely incredible!!

Although I could never see myself homeschooling, I now realize that there many more benefits to it for children and families then I ever realized, and was amazed to learn that some people do it for reasons other then religious convictions and that they really made a lot of sense to me.

The first chapter, On Becoming a Parent, really drew me in. In light of all that has been happening, politically, socially, educationally in our country lately, I am finding myself questioning why, with so many conveniences, and benefits to our culture, families and children seem to be struggling with life more then ever?

Compassionate Souls has really been an eye opener for me. Thank you Ms Farb for writing this and sharing so much about your life and your extensive research with me. My only regret is that I didn't get a hold of your book earlier -- when I would have had more chances to act on your compelling information.

Rating:
Summary: A compelling read
Review: A friend of mine, who is a little into things on the fringe, suggested that I read this book. I must admit, that prior to reading Compassionate Souls I was very critical of the choices that my friend was making. It seemed that everything that she was doing with her children, flew in the face of what everyone else I knew was doing, and what every magazine article or book on parenting or health I had ever read advised.

Yet this book has definately changed my thinking. I no longer think that sleeping with one's baby will make them overly dependent. I am no longer fearful about my friend's decision to not vaccinate her children (nor do I veiw her choice to not vaccinate as a threat to me) in fact I am regretting that I did not look into this issue more fully when my own children were younger and I was being sold on shot after shot. I find myself wondering too, if some of the horrible illnesses my children had shortly after getting shots were caused by the shots (something I never even considered related before) I have began to make some small changes in what I am feeding my family (and found the recipes in the back of the book --especially the vegan caesar salad dressing, the Green Rice, and Jojo's baked potatoes absolutely incredible!!

Although I could never see myself homeschooling, I now realize that there many more benefits to it for children and families then I ever realized, and was amazed to learn that some people do it for reasons other then religious convictions and that they really made a lot of sense to me.

The first chapter, On Becoming a Parent, really drew me in. In light of all that has been happening, politically, socially, educationally in our country lately, I am finding myself questioning why, with so many conveniences, and benefits to our culture, families and children seem to be struggling with life more then ever?

Compassionate Souls has really been an eye opener for me. Thank you Ms Farb for writing this and sharing so much about your life and your extensive research with me. My only regret is that I didn't get a hold of your book earlier -- when I would have had more chances to act on your compelling information.

Rating:
Summary: More than a little judgmental
Review: Compassionate Souls addresses virtually all the issues faced by vegan parents today. From pregnancy to homeschooling to the vaccine issue, JoAnn will take you through her own experiences and considerable research and present you with invaluable information to help you become a conscious parent. This book really makes you think. It also gives you a great basis for debating issues with your family and friends. I consider this book a must read. It's also a great gift for family and friends who may not fully understand how vegans tend to raise their kids.

Rating:
Summary: If you're looking at this book, you don't need it
Review: I bought this book because I agreed with most of its principles-- natural birth, breastfeeding, conscious decision-making. But I expected to find research in it to help me discuss some decisions with my husband. I was very disappointed to learn that, although Farb seems to be capable of scientific research, she doesn't present any *objective* research in the book. She only presents one side of MANY issues, often beating ideas into the ground instead of providing solid facts to back them.

I get it, breastfeeding is good, mainstream media is bad, some doctors are bad. But I found myself defending the other sides of these issues while reading just to give them a fair shake. For example, I'm vegetarian and plan to raise my baby the same. Farb writes as if vegetarians and meat-eaters are entirely irresponsible or unaware, and that veganism is the only way. Though I believe in veganism and its benefits, the chapter on veganism didn't help me at all to see its merits, nor did it provide a healthy plan for vegan pregnancy and babies. I only saw Farb's broad opinions (many of which are shared by vegetarians and some meat-eaters alike). The vaccination chapter is full of errors and leaps of logic as well.

The result is that this reads more like a journal of Farb's personal pregnancy and child-rearing than a tool to help others make decisions. I'm glad these ideas are out there in book form, but I wish Farb provided more than her opinions and experience. As it is, she's told me nothing I don't already know more about from my own research, and her one-sided presentation has given my husband the impression that some of these issues *have* no good objective reasoning behind them.

Look elsewhere for defendable "how to be hippie parents" material. I am thrilled by Barbara Kingsolver's "Small Wonder," personal essays that present conscious earth-friendly issues factually without being preachy.

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: I just finished this book and was so happy I picked it up! Far from finding the author "preachy" or "judgmental," I found her simply informative and genuine. I enjoyed the segments about a Vegan pregnancy and how to handle misinformed doctors (of which I've seen my share). I was enlightened by the author's experience with midwives, her views on hospitals and being treated as a body part by doctors and nurses. I was pleased she shared the struggles she endured trying to do the best things possible for her family, despite opposition from outside influences. I appreciated the advice on how to handle relatives and other outsiders disrespectful of her parenting choices. It was encouraging to know there are others who view the world as I do, and I don't have to forge my way in the dark. This book was edifying, affirming and inspirational for me.

Rating:
Summary: Educational and Informative
Review: Mrs. Farb's book is one that all parents should read. She includes many thought provoking chapters on all subjects involving parenting. I especially appreciated the information on Breastfeeding and Vaccinations. This would make a great gift for the parent to be!

Rating:
Summary: Intro to some "Alternative" parenting practices
Review: On the outside it looks like this book is an introduction to what I consider the right things to do: homebirth, breastfeeding, selectively vaccinating (if at all), vegan diet, homeschooling. I found her personal methods of discipline pretty disturbing, though she does admit that perhaps they aren't for everyone. Physically restraining a child so that they will cry and eventually give up and submit to the adult restraining them is a technique used with children with severe behavioral problems. Children who have gone through this report that this "horse-breaking" style of discipline is pretty undermining to their confidence. I think a better book is "The Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart" by Jan Hunt or Joseph Chilton Pearce's "Magical Child." Other great introductions to "alternative" parenting: Mothering magazine and their "Natural Family Living" book.
I felt Farb mentions some great parenting/lifestyle choices that are available (the vegan section is very helpful) but there is a core element of HEART missing somehow.