All the moving, changing shapes of a family, ever in need of work, are shown in Edith Schaeffer's imaginative reflections on infancy to grandmother...
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Oct 29, 2009
Natalie
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I loved this book! Mrs. Schaeffer’s writing style is vivid and poignant. I was immediately drawn into the very scenes she described, watching their family dynamics unfold before me. She captures the essence of family life and the purpose of family in a way I’ve never contemplated before. Each chapter is full of the beautiful possibilities that exist in a family environment, without neglecting the realities of the effects of our sinful natures and the sinful influences of the world around us. The
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Apr 20, 2009
Mikejencostanzo
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Not that I've read a lot of books about "family," but I'd have to rate Edith Schaeffer's What is a Family? as a really unique and valuable find. When I picture your typical book that sets out to both define and celebrate the idea of "family," I get the picture in my mind of a "too perfect" happy nuclear family -- Dad, Mom, 2 kids, and the family dog in their mini-van. A book with parenting tips and little ideas for rainy-day activities for your pre-schoolers, etc,
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Jun 26, 2010
Mandy
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Love this! Talks about family being an artform. Lots about having grace with each other and making special memories.
Feb 09, 2010
Crystal
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Great book for wives who do not have a lot of older ladies of wisdom to glean from.
Dec 16, 2009
Heather
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Schaeffer seeks to define the family in terms of a balanced environment, birthplace of creativity, formation center for relationships, a shelter, a relay of truth, economic unit, educational control, and museum of memories. She uses heartwarming examples from her own family and once again is quite transparent in her personal struggles in various areas over the years. I resonated with so much of what she said in this book...she is an incredibly wise woman.
Mar 25, 2011
Colleen
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Great book, but I did not finish it in time (due at the library). She gives insight into God's design for families. I resepct her work at L'Abri, but this book is dated. Still, she remains true to God's word. May try to check it out again from the library and finish it.
May 18, 2009
Sarah
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I haven't looked at this in years and never really finished it. My mistake with the five stars. I give it a two. Schaeffer seems a bit out-of-date with her ideas in the book and I was not able to see the relevance of her ideas in our particular home life/culture.
Nov 16, 2007
Becki
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I really liked the book. I'll keep it and refer to it as I live out life with my family. It's a bit on the dry, repititious side, but most certainly filled with excellent advice. Worth the read.
Feb 23, 2008
Robi
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Read this book when the older kids were babies and it was a great book to read especially about how to be a servant and what is means to pass the baton of truth in your family.
Oct 24, 2008
This explains all that a family means and is in very practical terms. I recommend it to anyone getting married or starting a Christian family. A must read!
Nov 16, 2007
Sarah Jo
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This book was recommended to me by a good friend, whose family I admire. It was good. I'll have to reread it before the bambinos come along so I can apply it.
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