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Wonderful book--don't miss it!

Customer Rating:
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.

How life is like if you choose to a full parent

Customer Rating:
I am not a parent thus, this book allows me an insight into full time parenthood. I was attracted to this book not because it preaches parental duties, rather, I was intrigued by what a child could teach me about life- the title of the edition that I have does not mention trout fishing nor jelly toast. Before I commenced reading this book, I already have preconceived ideas about what these teachings are. Got some of these correct while missing some. One that struck me intensely was the depiction of the elder child wanting to kick a dead squirrel. How real and how many times we want to do the same but never cos' it is not the honorable thing to do, so we think. But kids are more intuitive and unpolluted by the adult notion of what's right and what's wrong. They just do what come to their mind. The search for a good school will strike a chord with any parent struggling to decide which school is best for his/ her child.

Refreshing Perspective

Customer Rating:
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 the Nintendo blur. Laugh, cry, remember, anticipate, and perhaps most of all, face your brood with renewed mirth after an hour of peace and quiet reading alone on that milk-stained sofa.

Bravo to the man pushing the double stroller!

Customer Rating:
As a part-time stay-at-home dad, I greatly enjoyed reading "Believing It All". It did take me awhile mostly because I didn't want it to end (also due to frequent diaper changes, nose wiping, sprinkler running cleanup, etc. ) Many of the challenges Marc and Susan faced (and are currently facing) during their two boy's early years will be familiar to parents of young children, but above this I would say this book is a must read for anyone who has children, who is thinking about having children, and who cares about children in any way. This book, I believe, charts a course for a new way of interacting with children and it's the best book I've read in a long time. Keep up the good work, Marc!

Before you have children: read this book

Customer Rating:
If you feel you aren't capable of dealing with the stories Marc brings up in this book, think twice about bringing a child into this world. People register their dogs, doctor's should pass this book out when they talk to woman about having children.

Great book. I too, miss Casey and Owen.