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How to Raise a Good Kid #1
How to Raise a Good Kid
A must read for every parent, How to Raise a Good Kid is a collection of 23 funny and heartwarming stories about childhood that teach core values such as honesty, loyalty, courage, hard work, determination and love. These stories are guaranteed to make you laugh and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Each one is authentic, universal in theme and perfectly suited to serve as a conversation starter for parents trying to instill the importance of character and integrity in their kids and for purposes of discussing important topics such as bullying, prejudice and self-determination, among many others. How to Raise a Good Kid is highly entertaining and meaningful, and one of the best books about growing up and parenting that you'll ever find.
160 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2011
9 people are currently reading
4325 people want to read
About the author
Starbuck O'Dwyer
14 books275 followersStarbuck O'Dwyer, a native of Rochester, New York, and a graduate of Princeton, Oxford and Cornell, writes novels, essays, short stories, screenplays and music under his given middle name. Presently available in eleven languages, his novels and story collections have registered sales in over 40 countries across six continents, reaching national and/or category best-seller lists in the U.S., China, Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands. His critically-acclaimed debut novel, Red Meat Cures Cancer (Random House/Vintage Books), won multiple national writing awards for humor, appeared on several best-seller lists, and was a featured selection of the 2007 One Book One Vancouver reading program as chosen by the Vancouver Public Library. His writing, which has been described as "comic genius" by Kirkus Reviews, has been published in forums as diverse as Entertainment Weekly, Flaunt, Toro, Japanophile, The Journal News, PW Daily and The Boston Globe, and he has appeared on over 350 radio and television programs including guest spots on ESPN, WGN, Voice of America and PBS. His collection of stories, How to Raise a Good Kid, a finalist in the 2012 Indie Reader Discovery Awards (parenting) and a finalist in the 2011 Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Awards (essays, humor), has been translated into Afrikaans, German, Chinese, Norwegian, Dutch, Italian, Greek, French and Portuguese. Similarly, his second novel, Goliath Gets Up, a finalist in the 2012 Indie Reader Discovery Awards (humor), has been translated into Chinese and Portuguese and is presently being translated into Spanish. His latest collection of stories, High School Dance, a gold medalist in the 2016 Global Ebook Awards (humor/comedy non-fiction) and a finalist in the 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Awards (humor), reached #1 on the Amazon kindle best-seller list in both the Humor & Entertainment and Parenting & Relationships categories and has been translated into Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Greek. In addition, songs that O'Dwyer composed have been licensed by both the Telemundo and Country Music Television networks and featured in several of their shows. At Princeton, O'Dwyer served as treasurer of the Cap and Gown Club, co-captained the varsity tennis team, won both the Richard Swinnerton Trophy and the George Myers Church Trophy (the MVP award), and played a key role in securing the team's first Ivy League tennis championship in eight years. He subsequently earned a Full Blue competing on the varsity lawn tennis team at Oxford, winning both singles and doubles matches to help the Oxford Blues beat Cambridge in the annual varsity match on grass at Fenner's.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 24, 2012
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It took me a long time to finish this book. Not because it's long but because I always figured that it's an easy read, I'll get to it later. Today seemed like the perfect day to finish the book since it had been glaring at me in the currently-reading section.
This book is a collection of stories, memories, that the author shares from his childhood that symbolize important lessons everyone should learn. My first thought upon readin this book is why should I care about this guy's life? What makes his life special enough to write a book about? After the first few paragraphs I figured it's not about any of that. It's all about the messages that he's trying to get across through these stories. Messages that are important to every person young and old.
I liked this book because it read like an episode of the Wonder Years. I could actually hear that older Kevin Arnold's voice in my head as I was reading it. There were moments that made me laugh out loud and other moments when I was thinking good for you Starbuck. The themes that were reflected in this book are Prejudice, Honesty, Courage, and Self-expression and more. I don't really have a favorite chapter because each story was equally entertaining but the "Beauty" chapter stands out for me. I do remember funny lines. The chapter named Hard Work, his father "... turned the boundaries of our yard into a Soviet-era labor camp every weekend."
All in all, it's a good book that makes me wonder what moments in my life as a child, shaped me into the person I am today... good or bad.
This book is a collection of stories, memories, that the author shares from his childhood that symbolize important lessons everyone should learn. My first thought upon readin this book is why should I care about this guy's life? What makes his life special enough to write a book about? After the first few paragraphs I figured it's not about any of that. It's all about the messages that he's trying to get across through these stories. Messages that are important to every person young and old.
I liked this book because it read like an episode of the Wonder Years. I could actually hear that older Kevin Arnold's voice in my head as I was reading it. There were moments that made me laugh out loud and other moments when I was thinking good for you Starbuck. The themes that were reflected in this book are Prejudice, Honesty, Courage, and Self-expression and more. I don't really have a favorite chapter because each story was equally entertaining but the "Beauty" chapter stands out for me. I do remember funny lines. The chapter named Hard Work, his father "... turned the boundaries of our yard into a Soviet-era labor camp every weekend."
All in all, it's a good book that makes me wonder what moments in my life as a child, shaped me into the person I am today... good or bad.
October 6, 2016
The title suggests some kind of parenting guidebook, which "How To Raise a Good Kid" definitely is not - or not in the usual way. It is not filled with raised moral fingers or lists of do's and dont's. It does not contain unnecessary tips that make you think "Any reasonable person already knows that - I don't need a book to repeat the obvious".
Instead, it makes you think about ways to raise and teach a kid about life in a very subtle, almost unnoticed way. By telling small anecdotes from his own childhood, the author evokes memories and feelings from the reader's own past. Comparing the stories to your own experiences, maybe as a parent already, but definitely as the child you once were yourself, you may gain a new perspective on certain subjects and reconsider your own actions.
A parent myself, I sentimentalized remembering similar moments with my child, but also of my own childhood. I was reminded of those little every day moments that make a significant impact on a child's development, though a parent may not recognize their importance the way a child does. It's the small things and actions that matter and that we should be aware of every day.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
Instead, it makes you think about ways to raise and teach a kid about life in a very subtle, almost unnoticed way. By telling small anecdotes from his own childhood, the author evokes memories and feelings from the reader's own past. Comparing the stories to your own experiences, maybe as a parent already, but definitely as the child you once were yourself, you may gain a new perspective on certain subjects and reconsider your own actions.
A parent myself, I sentimentalized remembering similar moments with my child, but also of my own childhood. I was reminded of those little every day moments that make a significant impact on a child's development, though a parent may not recognize their importance the way a child does. It's the small things and actions that matter and that we should be aware of every day.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
August 28, 2015
How to raise a good kid by Starbuck O'Dwyer is an entertaining and relaxing book. Pleasant and easy to read, it contains a series of funny short stories whose main character is a young boy learning and discovering what life really is about. Each story is interesting in its own way and ends in an educative way, in the form of a lesson that has been learned from the described events.
The book reminded me of my childhood and I bet many readers will find themselves in the skin of the kid who is the main character of the book. The typical American family and its values are a main theme and we learn, in a funny way, what both the adults and the children think like in various situations.
This is not a book about parenting, as it may look at first. It is about the experiences of a young boy during his parent’s efforts to raise him as a good kid. I liked it and I recommend it.
The book reminded me of my childhood and I bet many readers will find themselves in the skin of the kid who is the main character of the book. The typical American family and its values are a main theme and we learn, in a funny way, what both the adults and the children think like in various situations.
This is not a book about parenting, as it may look at first. It is about the experiences of a young boy during his parent’s efforts to raise him as a good kid. I liked it and I recommend it.
November 19, 2018
I received a free digital copy from the author, this did not influence my review.
How to Raise a Good Kid is a series of essays that reflect on O'Dwyer's childhood memories. I would not classify the book as "humor" after reading it, however there are many amusing and sweet anecdotes ranging from stories about family vacations to nostalgia over his adored childhood blanket. While the essays are not compiled chronologically, the reader does get a broad look at his family life and temperament. After reading many dense books lately, this was a light and enjoyable read.
How to Raise a Good Kid is a series of essays that reflect on O'Dwyer's childhood memories. I would not classify the book as "humor" after reading it, however there are many amusing and sweet anecdotes ranging from stories about family vacations to nostalgia over his adored childhood blanket. While the essays are not compiled chronologically, the reader does get a broad look at his family life and temperament. After reading many dense books lately, this was a light and enjoyable read.
March 13, 2016
I won this eBook in Member Giveaway on LibraryThing.com in an exchange for an honest review.
How To Raise A Good Kid by Starbuck O’Dwyer turned out to be completely different from what I expected. Judging by the title I though it’d be kind of a manual, filled with tips for parents. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not.
The book consists of short stories, which show different aspects of raising a child. I don’t know whether these stories are based on true events or they’re completely made up. However, I really enjoyed all of them, remembering my own childhood and American family movies I’ve seen on TV. The stories are amusing and easy to read. I’d recommend this book.
How To Raise A Good Kid by Starbuck O’Dwyer turned out to be completely different from what I expected. Judging by the title I though it’d be kind of a manual, filled with tips for parents. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not.
The book consists of short stories, which show different aspects of raising a child. I don’t know whether these stories are based on true events or they’re completely made up. However, I really enjoyed all of them, remembering my own childhood and American family movies I’ve seen on TV. The stories are amusing and easy to read. I’d recommend this book.
August 7, 2021
My father-in-law sent me this book, and it was not at all what I expected, in a good way. I fully anticipated a series of "dos and don'ts" when it comes to parenting (not that I wouldn't have appreciated this as well), but instead, enjoyed several very pleasant and often humorous anecdotes from the author's childhood - each one with a valuable lesson to take away. Not only did many of these stories bring back fond memories of my own childhood; they also demonstrated how the author's childhood experiences - and the lessons he learned from them - shaped who he became as an adult. Indeed, I found this book helpful as a parent.
I must say, however, that there were two things that really irritated the English teacher in me throughout the book. The first was the use of an apostrophe to pluralize a last name. For example, the author referred to some family friends with the last name of Brennan, and constantly referred to them as the Brennan's. This happened over and over throughout the book with various last names, and I can't understand how this was possible, given the author's otherwise superb writing skills. The second was the very frequent use of the semicolon where there should have been a comma. These are minor things, though, in an otherwise great little book.
I must say, however, that there were two things that really irritated the English teacher in me throughout the book. The first was the use of an apostrophe to pluralize a last name. For example, the author referred to some family friends with the last name of Brennan, and constantly referred to them as the Brennan's. This happened over and over throughout the book with various last names, and I can't understand how this was possible, given the author's otherwise superb writing skills. The second was the very frequent use of the semicolon where there should have been a comma. These are minor things, though, in an otherwise great little book.
April 9, 2018
This is nice look at how your childhood shapes you. Fun stories about his growing up in the 70's and 80's. It does make you think that maybe kids today have a bit too much technology and not enough imagination or family time.
I received a copy of this book from Library Thing and Starbuck O'Dwyer in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Library Thing and Starbuck O'Dwyer in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2018
This is a great read. Very different to what I expected, this is not a ‘how-to’ in the traditional sense. More of a meditation and reflection on how the authors dad was a great dad and tried his best to teach his children great life lessons.
An easy read and one very much worthwhile, father or not.
An easy read and one very much worthwhile, father or not.
September 19, 2018
misleading title - actually "a collection of 23 hilarious, honest and heartfelt stories about raising children that help parents teach lessons about core values such as faith, honesty, courage, hard work, perseverance and love." Quite good.
September 25, 2021
Very good book.
October 7, 2014
How to Raise a Good Kid
Starbuck O'Dwyer
In an original flavor found refreshing as well as entertaining Starbuck O’Dwyer captivates readers in his storytelling. “How to Raise a Good Kid”, a memoir of sorts, gives a chronological peek into the O’Dwyer household. This is done remarkably well as the stories are told from the perspective Starbuck would have had at the age he was during said story. One of many example was his being taunted into the ‘mooning’ episode. His expressing of how he was taunted into and then felt when disciplined were so like a young boy of that age.
Some have praised and some have criticized “How to Raise a Good Kid” in regard to whether the title was misleading. While we are not given the typical statistics such as violence, drug and alcohol use among children and adolescences or a 7 step program for preparing our children for the real world I would contend there is much in O’Dwyer’s book to assist in parenting. Basics that are often overlooked in other writing and certainly in typical homelife such as family time together, communication, teaching of a work ethic, loyalty to and care of each other, respect for authority and respect for each other, determination, diligence and the ever so important – learning to enjoy life. What O’Dwyer has given us is a reminder of home. Perhaps you did not need the reminder. Many such as myself did. Home is that safe place you can come to escape the stress and craziness of everyday life. Where you can be yourself. Where as much as you may want to trade your family some days, you know they have your back.
The format of the book made for easy reading as each short chapter was a standalone story in itself. Light, definitely humorous. Starbuck O’Dwyer is the king of penning comedy.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Starbuck O'Dwyer
In an original flavor found refreshing as well as entertaining Starbuck O’Dwyer captivates readers in his storytelling. “How to Raise a Good Kid”, a memoir of sorts, gives a chronological peek into the O’Dwyer household. This is done remarkably well as the stories are told from the perspective Starbuck would have had at the age he was during said story. One of many example was his being taunted into the ‘mooning’ episode. His expressing of how he was taunted into and then felt when disciplined were so like a young boy of that age.
Some have praised and some have criticized “How to Raise a Good Kid” in regard to whether the title was misleading. While we are not given the typical statistics such as violence, drug and alcohol use among children and adolescences or a 7 step program for preparing our children for the real world I would contend there is much in O’Dwyer’s book to assist in parenting. Basics that are often overlooked in other writing and certainly in typical homelife such as family time together, communication, teaching of a work ethic, loyalty to and care of each other, respect for authority and respect for each other, determination, diligence and the ever so important – learning to enjoy life. What O’Dwyer has given us is a reminder of home. Perhaps you did not need the reminder. Many such as myself did. Home is that safe place you can come to escape the stress and craziness of everyday life. Where you can be yourself. Where as much as you may want to trade your family some days, you know they have your back.
The format of the book made for easy reading as each short chapter was a standalone story in itself. Light, definitely humorous. Starbuck O’Dwyer is the king of penning comedy.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2014
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. It arrived in the mail today and won book roulette when I was deciding what to read next this evening. I was so engrossed in the stories that I finished it pretty much in one sitting (only stopping to read my children their bedtime stories).
If you see the title and think you're in for a "how-to" manual, you will be disappointed. This book doesn't mention anything about feeding, or bathing your children, or even how to get them into that super exclusive pre-school. However, I think Mr. O'Dwyers memoir approach allows the message to sink in far better than any compiled list possibly could (although we have to assume that he was a good kid for this to be true). Each chapter is its own story and lesson, kind of like Aesops Fables, and he even summarizes what the lesson was, just in case it wasn't clear from the story itself. The entire book for me, was evocative of the book that "A Christmas Story" is based from (I can't remember the title or author off the top of my head and my Internet is too slow at the moment for me to want to search for it at this time.) a couple of the stories being even more evocative than most (I even heard Ralphie's voice in my head at times while reading because I've seen that movie entirely too many times thanks to my mothers obsession.)
I also found myself relating to many of the stories. My family's yearly vacation destination was in the Rocky Mountains, although we never even pretended to camp, and we almost always traveled by car (although from Kansas it wasn't THAT lengthy of a trip) and we never wore our seatbelts either. I think the lesson from that story was seatbelts aren't really important, or something like that :) I think many parents of young children today would probably be able to relate to at least a few of these stories, and so I would recommend it to pretty much all of them.
If you see the title and think you're in for a "how-to" manual, you will be disappointed. This book doesn't mention anything about feeding, or bathing your children, or even how to get them into that super exclusive pre-school. However, I think Mr. O'Dwyers memoir approach allows the message to sink in far better than any compiled list possibly could (although we have to assume that he was a good kid for this to be true). Each chapter is its own story and lesson, kind of like Aesops Fables, and he even summarizes what the lesson was, just in case it wasn't clear from the story itself. The entire book for me, was evocative of the book that "A Christmas Story" is based from (I can't remember the title or author off the top of my head and my Internet is too slow at the moment for me to want to search for it at this time.) a couple of the stories being even more evocative than most (I even heard Ralphie's voice in my head at times while reading because I've seen that movie entirely too many times thanks to my mothers obsession.)
I also found myself relating to many of the stories. My family's yearly vacation destination was in the Rocky Mountains, although we never even pretended to camp, and we almost always traveled by car (although from Kansas it wasn't THAT lengthy of a trip) and we never wore our seatbelts either. I think the lesson from that story was seatbelts aren't really important, or something like that :) I think many parents of young children today would probably be able to relate to at least a few of these stories, and so I would recommend it to pretty much all of them.
August 3, 2016
When I first got this book I was expecting it to be some sort of a guide on how to raise your child, but it proved to be much more than that.
The book is filled by short stories told by the author about his childhood and how he was raised. Now that may seem like a boring thing to read, but it is far from that. Most of the short stories are filled with humor that had me giggling like a little girl at the first (!) page. Not every story is told in a humorous way tho, some are quite serious. It all depends on what the topic or the main point of the story is and what the author is trying to tell and the issues he is trying to portray (racism for example). The stories are not your average "read one time and never again" type of stories. You will definitely find yourself returning to the book and reading that one story, that managed to sink in, again and again.
This book has it all, the good and the bad, and while it is not your typical guide on how to raise your children, you will see that every single story is basically the advice on how to do it. You will see that the values portrayed are something that you need to teach not only your children but also yourself. If we would all read and learn from stories like these, the world would be a much happier and friendlier place.
I must thank the author for sending me a review copy of this book. Thank you for this amazing book. The humor and the topic choices are excellent. This is one book that I will definitely hold on to because I feel like I am going to need it in the future.
The book is filled by short stories told by the author about his childhood and how he was raised. Now that may seem like a boring thing to read, but it is far from that. Most of the short stories are filled with humor that had me giggling like a little girl at the first (!) page. Not every story is told in a humorous way tho, some are quite serious. It all depends on what the topic or the main point of the story is and what the author is trying to tell and the issues he is trying to portray (racism for example). The stories are not your average "read one time and never again" type of stories. You will definitely find yourself returning to the book and reading that one story, that managed to sink in, again and again.
This book has it all, the good and the bad, and while it is not your typical guide on how to raise your children, you will see that every single story is basically the advice on how to do it. You will see that the values portrayed are something that you need to teach not only your children but also yourself. If we would all read and learn from stories like these, the world would be a much happier and friendlier place.
I must thank the author for sending me a review copy of this book. Thank you for this amazing book. The humor and the topic choices are excellent. This is one book that I will definitely hold on to because I feel like I am going to need it in the future.
January 12, 2016
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book via a GoodReads FirstReads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
First off, if I am perfectly honest, I need to mention that if I had not won a free (autographed!) copy of this book from Goodread's First Reads giveaway program, I probably never would have picked it up.
Second, this is NOT a parenting manual -- any friends or family members who are contemplating freaking out, I'm not having a kid (not yet anyway). This book is really more of a memoir of childhood. Each (short) chapter is a story from Starbuck's life that revolves around a particular theme (Loyalty, Honesty, Courage, etc.) Basically we read snippets of the author's own experiences that led him to learn these valuable lessons as he was growing up. My favorite is the concluding chapter "Love & Marriage" which focuses on the author's observations of his grandparents' relationship. Of all the stories, this one felt like a good note for the author to end on -- a touching example of long-term commitment and true love as the author himself moves toward adulthood.
This book is an extremely fast and easy read -- at 160 pages it's truly a breeze. If you are looking for a quick, insightful, and at times entertaining read, give this one a chance.
First off, if I am perfectly honest, I need to mention that if I had not won a free (autographed!) copy of this book from Goodread's First Reads giveaway program, I probably never would have picked it up.
Second, this is NOT a parenting manual -- any friends or family members who are contemplating freaking out, I'm not having a kid (not yet anyway). This book is really more of a memoir of childhood. Each (short) chapter is a story from Starbuck's life that revolves around a particular theme (Loyalty, Honesty, Courage, etc.) Basically we read snippets of the author's own experiences that led him to learn these valuable lessons as he was growing up. My favorite is the concluding chapter "Love & Marriage" which focuses on the author's observations of his grandparents' relationship. Of all the stories, this one felt like a good note for the author to end on -- a touching example of long-term commitment and true love as the author himself moves toward adulthood.
This book is an extremely fast and easy read -- at 160 pages it's truly a breeze. If you are looking for a quick, insightful, and at times entertaining read, give this one a chance.
May 3, 2012
This book was great!
To begin- this book is more of a memoir than a prental how-to, which is why it is a great read for parents! Funny stories ranging from camping trips to first NFL games were not only entertaining but at times were laugh-out-loud comical! This enjoyable read is the type that fills the heart with warm fuzzy feelings and recalls charming memories.
By colorfully illustrating some of his own childhood's memorable moments, O'Dwyer reminds parents today of some of the easily missed rites of passage that were once an all-too common occurance in American households: chores, strong discipline, peer pressures, face-to-face shopping mall interactions, and forced family time. With whit and refreshing humor, O'Dwyer effectively takes his audience to the past and shares the innocent mental processes of his childhood self. Adult readers will be able to identify with many of his stories and thoughts, and find themselves taken back to simpler childhood times.
I loved this book, totally loved it. I finished it quickly with joy and found myself smiling about all of the memories I have of my own childhood, and excited to help create memories for my children.
To begin- this book is more of a memoir than a prental how-to, which is why it is a great read for parents! Funny stories ranging from camping trips to first NFL games were not only entertaining but at times were laugh-out-loud comical! This enjoyable read is the type that fills the heart with warm fuzzy feelings and recalls charming memories.
By colorfully illustrating some of his own childhood's memorable moments, O'Dwyer reminds parents today of some of the easily missed rites of passage that were once an all-too common occurance in American households: chores, strong discipline, peer pressures, face-to-face shopping mall interactions, and forced family time. With whit and refreshing humor, O'Dwyer effectively takes his audience to the past and shares the innocent mental processes of his childhood self. Adult readers will be able to identify with many of his stories and thoughts, and find themselves taken back to simpler childhood times.
I loved this book, totally loved it. I finished it quickly with joy and found myself smiling about all of the memories I have of my own childhood, and excited to help create memories for my children.
May 17, 2017
As a child born in the 60's, the story took me back to a time when things were definitely different. I didn't give it five stars because I am female and the book is written from a male perspective. In other words, some of the things that interested Starbuck would not have interested me at all. I laughed about the yellow blanket incident, although I should not have. My own son did the same thing with sucking on the blanket. It was crocheted, and he toted it EVERYWHERE! The way we weaned him was to have my sister-in-law make a new yellow blanket, made shorter each time. Then, one day when it ended up being potholder size, my son threw it down disgusted and gave it up himself. Children need to keep their lovies as long as they need them. That is just my opinion. I could not relate to the long distance traveling trips, as my family was poor, and the one time we went from SC to Tennessee was a huge event for us. I liked the mom's style of handling apologies. The dad's style was all too familiar. I do not want to offer too much information because it is a good book to read to glean information and values. I think it would even be appropriate for a middle school student to read.
October 22, 2015
Based on the title, I thought this was going to be another book with a list of 15 things to do and not to do if you want your kids to grow into decent adults. I was pleasantly surprised to discover instead a collection of entertaining vignettes from the author's childhood that showed how his parents' values, rules and actions shaped him without his realizing it. I loved how his remembrances of growing up in the 1970's and early 1980's brought back memories of my own childhood, and reminded me of the things my own family did at that time. The best part of the book was how it made me realize that it's the little things we do - both the everyday routines and the times we do something outlandish and unexpected - that are forming our children, not the ways we try to emulate what we've been told to do by books, magazines, and the internet. A must read for parents, especially those feeling overwhelmed about what are the right and wrong tactics for raising kids.
June 22, 2014
I loved this book!
I had just finished reading a very action-packed book, so it was hard for me to adjust to this mellow and heartwarming childhood memoir.
I found myself chuckling frequently while reading this book.
We all find ourselves remembering learning our childhood lessons from time to time. The author opens up to us some personal experiences of his own. True stories like this help us to remember we aren't alone.
The stories themselves don't have a huge climax to them. They aren't actual instructions on how to raise a good kid. As soon as you realize both of these, you'll find yourself wondering what else Mr. O'Dwyer did to get himself into trouble as a kid to find out the lessons he learned.
Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself with us. I was very glad to have won your book!
I received this book as a part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
I had just finished reading a very action-packed book, so it was hard for me to adjust to this mellow and heartwarming childhood memoir.
I found myself chuckling frequently while reading this book.
We all find ourselves remembering learning our childhood lessons from time to time. The author opens up to us some personal experiences of his own. True stories like this help us to remember we aren't alone.
The stories themselves don't have a huge climax to them. They aren't actual instructions on how to raise a good kid. As soon as you realize both of these, you'll find yourself wondering what else Mr. O'Dwyer did to get himself into trouble as a kid to find out the lessons he learned.
Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself with us. I was very glad to have won your book!
I received this book as a part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
September 13, 2016
Great book with stories from his childhood. Starbuck provides the reader with "laugh out loud" snippets from his childhood such as: The importance of enthusiasm - a 6 week camping trip with the family in a station wagon, a fold up camper, and a mom who just wants an indoor bathroom; Loyalty - the story of Blankie and a 12 year old boy; six weeks of staying with a family while his parents were out of town and the importance of drying and reusing paper towels; the meaning and importance of tradition and family; and the hurt and surprise of Prejudice. His writing flows so well and creates a movie like quality of really being there. All of his stories were of his younger years...I would like to read a sequel of is teenage years.
April 12, 2017
An inspirational memoir of childhood life and parenting full of worthy lessons that's worth your time.
This well written memoir contains stories that are heartwarming and amusing at the same time. This book will take you into the writer's childhood life and how his parents taught him important lessons. Each of the 23 stories will let you learn different lesson, from father-to-son relationship to the meaning of a family, from overcoming bullying to dealing with first crushes, from loyalty to adaptation, and many others.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to young parents.
**Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in accordance with the terms of LibraryThing Members Giveaway program.**
This well written memoir contains stories that are heartwarming and amusing at the same time. This book will take you into the writer's childhood life and how his parents taught him important lessons. Each of the 23 stories will let you learn different lesson, from father-to-son relationship to the meaning of a family, from overcoming bullying to dealing with first crushes, from loyalty to adaptation, and many others.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to young parents.
**Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in accordance with the terms of LibraryThing Members Giveaway program.**
September 18, 2014
Starbuck O’Dwyer sent me How to Raise a Good Kid with a Goodreads Giveaway and it really did make me smile!
This book is a collection of funny stories from the author’s childhood, each one sharing different lessons learnt, and heart-warming tales about his family.
As I don’t have children myself, I read parts of this book with my mother and we both thoroughly enjoyed it! I was eager to read chapter after chapter, finding the stories funny and relatable,
while my mother preferred to read one a day and savour the stories.
I’m really grateful to Starbuck for sending me his book, and for sharing these lovely stories.
This book is a collection of funny stories from the author’s childhood, each one sharing different lessons learnt, and heart-warming tales about his family.
As I don’t have children myself, I read parts of this book with my mother and we both thoroughly enjoyed it! I was eager to read chapter after chapter, finding the stories funny and relatable,
while my mother preferred to read one a day and savour the stories.
I’m really grateful to Starbuck for sending me his book, and for sharing these lovely stories.
April 22, 2012
What a wonderful book! I really appreciate this complimentary, autographed copy from the wonderful folks at Goodreads. This collection of stories brings back so many wonderful, personal memories of myself growing up. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages. O'Dwyer reminds us of those important family values such as responsibility, honesty, thoughtfulness, unity and pride.
August 2, 2014
This book was a joy to read. Starbuck O'Dwyer does a great job of remembering how we all thought as kids, but most of us have forgotten. I could relate to his stories because I also was a small child threw the 1970s. I laughed so hard at his family memories including vacations, his security blanket and trips to his grandparents' home. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a fun, enjoyable and sentimental read.
October 19, 2015
I really enjoyed the stories the author tells about his childhood. Let's face it, the world today is scary, and raising a child in these times with social media is vastly different than it was for us middle-aged adults who were raised in the 60s and 70s. Making memories and giving memorable experiences to our children should be more mainstream than ever. This book, with messages that range from tradition to honesty and loyalty, is a must read for any parent.
February 24, 2021
Ha, also received this book through a giveaway, what a coindicence. But unlike the previous reader, I read it very quickly and jotted down the important points. My youngest son is now in https://littlescholarsnyc.com/about-us/learning-center/ pre-school education centre and also has learning experience every day. So to your question, what makes a life so unique, Patrice, I would say: absolutely everything!
June 19, 2012
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading, but once I started I found I couldn't put it down when I had some spare time! My favourite stories were "Courage", and "Love and Marriage", both of which almost brought me to tears! Anyone with a sense of humour should read this book!
July 25, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a book filled with cute funny stories. Each one was a lesson learned from his parents. Don't let the title confuse you this is NOT a how-to book. Just a well written collection based on true events.
This was a book filled with cute funny stories. Each one was a lesson learned from his parents. Don't let the title confuse you this is NOT a how-to book. Just a well written collection based on true events.
July 16, 2020
This is not a book of tips on how to raise children, but it is more a collection of autobiographic stories of the author's childhood experiences.
It was a good read, nevertheless and I enjoyed the author's tone and style of writing.
It was a good read, nevertheless and I enjoyed the author's tone and style of writing.
July 5, 2014
A good selection of anecdotes written in O'Dwyer's wry style. Written as events in his childhood, and what they helped him learn, they are entertaining and a quick light read.
July 22, 2014
Very good everyday lifestyle advice and wisdom throughout the ages!
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