Saving Our Sons – Review
I am so excited for a “first review.” I sent the manuscript of Saving Our Sons to a young lady I’ve known for some time. She’s an English major, educator, wife and most importantly a MOM! Here’s what she said about my forthcoming book:
“Saving Our Sons: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Boys for Success”
By Clayton Lessor
Reviewed by Ashley Gwin ~ Wife, Mother, Educator
“Share your weaknesses. Share your hard moments. Share your real side. It’ll either scare away every fake person in your life or it will inspire them to finally let go of that mirage called “perfection,” which will open the doors to the most important relationships you’ll ever be a part of.” ~Dan Pearce, author of “Single Dad Laughing”
The authenticity of Clayton Lessor’s “Saving Our Sons” is palpable. It is full of weaknesses, hard moments, and real sides. Parents are forced to let go of the mirages called “perfection” regarding their sons. In doing so, however, doors open and problems are overcome, with the expertise of Lessor’s guidance.
Lessor holds nothing back in this manuscript, including details of his own childhood. This, and his professional background qualifies him to handle the trials and tribulations of the boys in this book. His work is taken seriously, and he truly believes in the strength that these boys had yet to see in themselves.
I read this book as a wife, mother, and educator. I could not help but to think of my own husband, son, and male students. I am grateful that my husband is not an “absent father.” My son is only a toddler, and while reading, I found myself praying that he would not grow up to face the problems described in this book. However, being an educator for the past 11 years, I am not naïve to the fact that those issues can arise. This leads me to my next point.
The research that Lessor had completed regarding ADD/ADHD was particularly interesting to me as an educator. I recalled instances in my career when I had been asked to fill out a form, questionnaire, etc on a particular student, which in turn would sometimes lead to that student becoming medicated. Was I setting them up for a childhood of failure or misdiagnosis? I can only hope that I was faithfully providing my professional viewpoint. I believe it takes a village of parents, educators, physicians, and more to shape the life of a child.
The case studies toward the conclusion of this book will deeply affect you. The attributes in these boys could parallel with many of my former male students. As emotionally challenging as the studies were to read, they are necessary to the power of this book. The struggles these boys faced growing up were trying, but lead them to become the men they are today. I found myself cheering them along as I read each one, and my tears would turn from those of shock to pride.
If you are a parent or work closely with children, please read this book. It will educate your mind and soul, and might even help you open a door for a child who is thinking of closing his own.
The last two sentences really summed it up. I hope you’ll stay connected as we get closer to the official release in September 2016!
