Publisher’s Blurb
“When Rachel Balducci looks for material for her writing, she doesn’t have to look far. Her subject matter can be found climbing through the window, hanging on to the edge of the roof, and rummaging through the refrigerator. Here she chronicles the exuberant, awesome life of boys through bizarre conversations overheard, unbelievable rules she’s been forced to make, and the many episodes of boy behavior that continue to mystify mothers worldwide. From the care and feeding of her team, to travels out in public, to their wide-eyed adoration of Chuck Norris, this laugh-out-loud celebration joyfully explores the sweetly wild side of boyhood.”
from the Baker Books Website
Who is Rachel Balducci?
I’m Rachel Balducci. Welcome to my world! I am married to Paul and we are the parents of five lively boys — and one daughter! Here you’ll find my musings on life in a male-dominated household.
I’m a writer and a newspaper columnist.
If you’re passionate about swords, army guys, Chuck Norris and basketball, you’ve come to the right place.”
from her website Testosterhome
Thoughts
Initially I was a little disappointed as I read it. I had the impression that I was reading a boy related parenting book with tips and advice on raising them. Once I moved past my preconceived idea and embraced the book for what it was, I did enjoy it. It was lighthearted and entertaining.
The book is actually a collection of two page chapters with little stories about her everyday life as a mom with 5 boys. Some where funnier than others. I found her list of the advantages of single gender siblings quite humorous. My favorite was, “You like his shirt? Don’t worry, it’s yours in 12 to 18 months!” It’s fun to chuckle at others’ mishaps and often throughout the book I felt empathy for the author because {though I do not have 5 boys} I could identify with her. I think that is an important aspect when it comes to the author/reader relationship.
The book did capture and my attention, I read it in it’s entirety during a plane ride earlier this month. I wouldn’t recommend that though. I think it is more suited to a bit here and there, much like you would read a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” type book.
I think it would make a lovely gift idea for any mom “in the trenches”; a nice light read for a busy mom who maybe doesn’t have much to read. I actually plan to gift my review copy to someone I know who can definitely relate to Rachel with 5 boys of her own.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for review from Graf-Martin Communications. I was in no other way compensated for this review all opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Anyone who has a “super hero” in the family be it a girl or a boy will know patience, perseverence & concistancy is needed as these children have vivid imaginations & few have the ability to “shut off & shut down” but rather need to have help to learn how to unwind & prepare for whatever the goal is they are trying to accomplish. Bed time is a hard time for many kids but also is quiet time, learning time, or any structured time.
Repetativeness…. time! LOVE BALANCED.
What we at times as parents percieve as trials in “growing” our children……actually are good traits….needing direction, support & encouragement to grow upward in God’s purpose.
Be careful that you not desire to unsuper your kids & end up with kids who do not think or dream:-)