I started listening to the audio version of the book Raising Real Men by Hal and Melanie Young on the way to my daughter’s ballet class. I found it engaging from the beginning, but what I did not expect was what happened when we arrived at ballet 35 minutes into the book.
As my daughter (age 11) exited the car she said, “Mom, can you pause the book for me?”
“Oh, Are you listening Clara?” I asked.
“Well, I will be raising boys of my own someday…” was her reply as she hurried away.
Now I will admit that I have spent a great deal of time “training” my children to listen to audio books in the car; but even I was shocked to discover that not one, but three of my oldest children were following along with this parenting book. My seven year old daughter now asks as soon as we get in the car if we can turn it on. My nine year old son laughs out loud during some of the funny stories, and he too specifically requested I turn on the book even during a five minute car ride.
We are nearing the end of the book, and I have to tell you I heartily recommend it to all mothers of boys. I have four boys of my own; and I have been soaking up the information like a sponge. I find myself asking all sorts of questions as I listen to Hal’s engaging voice reading the book aloud to me. Like, I wonder what books they recommend for free reading? Or, I wonder how much they choose to limit game time and television? I am delighted when I ask such a question in my mind and then find out that the answer is presented later in the chapter!
Raising Real Men is insightful, practical, and even humorous as the Youngs explore different aspects of raising boys such as competition between boys, financial training, educational differences, training in leadership and Scripture and much more. You will not be dissappointed by this book.
If you have a long commute or any length of time in the car, you will enjoy the audio version as much as we have. Audio books are a great distraction from the mundane task of travel! This particular audio book is well read and pleasant to hear. Most of my faithful readers know how much I love a good audio book! However, a print version is also available for those who prefer to hold the book in hand. We will probably end up owning both versions — it’s that good.
***A copy of this book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review on my blog. I am always honest, and my opinions are completely my own.
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