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Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up
Poignant, inspirational, and deeply moving, Folded Wisdom is a testament to the depth of a father’s love for his children. In this lavishly illustrated gift book, Joanna Guest shares the beautiful and insightful notes her father gave to her and her brother every day for nearly 15 years.
For her entire childhood, Joanna’s father, an artist by training, had a morning ritual: wake up early, walk the dog, and sit down at the kitchen table with two blank sheets of paper and plenty of colored markers. On those pages, every morning, he would craft a note to young Joanna and her brother Theo. Over the years, these beautifully illustrated and heartwarming notes morphed from word games and puzzles for five-year-olds to thoughtful guidance, advice, and reflections for teens approaching adulthood. Each morning, without fail, her father would have a note waiting for his two children.
Now, with more than 3,500 of her father’s colorful, vibrant, touching notes in hand, Joanna has chosen the most poignant and collected them into this beautiful book. With the illustrated notes throughout, the book is organized by themes such as forgiveness, love, friendship, teamwork, and more. These notes are full of messages we all need to hear. Heartfelt and full of possibility for the future, the notes are timeless and relevant reminders of our common humanity. They hold lessons that are easily applicable to each of our lives.
For her entire childhood, Joanna’s father, an artist by training, had a morning ritual: wake up early, walk the dog, and sit down at the kitchen table with two blank sheets of paper and plenty of colored markers. On those pages, every morning, he would craft a note to young Joanna and her brother Theo. Over the years, these beautifully illustrated and heartwarming notes morphed from word games and puzzles for five-year-olds to thoughtful guidance, advice, and reflections for teens approaching adulthood. Each morning, without fail, her father would have a note waiting for his two children.
Now, with more than 3,500 of her father’s colorful, vibrant, touching notes in hand, Joanna has chosen the most poignant and collected them into this beautiful book. With the illustrated notes throughout, the book is organized by themes such as forgiveness, love, friendship, teamwork, and more. These notes are full of messages we all need to hear. Heartfelt and full of possibility for the future, the notes are timeless and relevant reminders of our common humanity. They hold lessons that are easily applicable to each of our lives.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2019
15 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 7, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Beth Mowbray
One of the most difficult jobs of a parent is to share what they have learned with their children. To teach them valuable life lessons that (fingers crossed!) positively shape who they become as adults. Bob Guest is a father who went about this task in a way that few parents do. Inspired by a suggestion from his young son’s teacher, Bob decided to begin handwriting and illustrating notes for both of his children. Little did he know where this would lead. Starting in 1995 and continuing for the next 14 years, he woke up early to complete a note for Joanna Guest and her brother, Theo, every single school morning. Yes, you read that right! Every. Single. School. Morning.
Based on an accumulation of over 3,500 notes saved through the years by their mother, Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up is the heartwarming story of a father’s love for his children and the impact that his notes had on them all. Joanna Guest has beautifully curated a collection of the most impactful notes to create this visually stunning gift book, which includes images of the notes themselves. These notes are then framed with the stories of her childhood, covering a substantial range of themes. From relationships with friends and family to the broad topic of love, from tips on finding success to the struggles of processing difficult emotions and circumstances, these notes encompass issues that are central to the lives of every family.
Bob Guest’s notes not only shaped and informed the lives of his children – they also ended up serving a greater purpose for him. Guest explains that her father, a business owner but an artist by training, used these notes as a creative outlet when the various demands of being a working parent allowed little time for artistic endeavours. The notes also served as a vehicle to connect and communicate with his children in a meaningful way about difficult subjects. When conversations were hard to navigate, writing out his thoughts and feelings was a way for Bob to approach life lessons around daily occurrences in the family or significant world events, while also having the opportunity to reflect on these matters himself.
Although the notes were certainly special to the children when they were growing up, as Guest revisited these notes in her adult years she realised the true depth of wisdom they contained all along. As an outsider looking in, the dialogue that Guest’s father was able to have with his children through this medium is inspiring. The depiction of the love inherent in this father-child relationship is deeply moving. And the incredible sentimental value of these notes is striking. Such items are priceless, irreplaceable, and Guest is fortunate to have both this experience with her father and such a unique collection of tangible memories to carry through her life.
Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up is sure to resonate with parents and their adult children alike. My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the advance electronic copy and finished hard copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine.
Joanna Guest is the author of Folded Wisdom, her first book. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University. Guest decided to leave a career in politics to pursue the development of this project.
One of the most difficult jobs of a parent is to share what they have learned with their children. To teach them valuable life lessons that (fingers crossed!) positively shape who they become as adults. Bob Guest is a father who went about this task in a way that few parents do. Inspired by a suggestion from his young son’s teacher, Bob decided to begin handwriting and illustrating notes for both of his children. Little did he know where this would lead. Starting in 1995 and continuing for the next 14 years, he woke up early to complete a note for Joanna Guest and her brother, Theo, every single school morning. Yes, you read that right! Every. Single. School. Morning.
Based on an accumulation of over 3,500 notes saved through the years by their mother, Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up is the heartwarming story of a father’s love for his children and the impact that his notes had on them all. Joanna Guest has beautifully curated a collection of the most impactful notes to create this visually stunning gift book, which includes images of the notes themselves. These notes are then framed with the stories of her childhood, covering a substantial range of themes. From relationships with friends and family to the broad topic of love, from tips on finding success to the struggles of processing difficult emotions and circumstances, these notes encompass issues that are central to the lives of every family.
Bob Guest’s notes not only shaped and informed the lives of his children – they also ended up serving a greater purpose for him. Guest explains that her father, a business owner but an artist by training, used these notes as a creative outlet when the various demands of being a working parent allowed little time for artistic endeavours. The notes also served as a vehicle to connect and communicate with his children in a meaningful way about difficult subjects. When conversations were hard to navigate, writing out his thoughts and feelings was a way for Bob to approach life lessons around daily occurrences in the family or significant world events, while also having the opportunity to reflect on these matters himself.
Although the notes were certainly special to the children when they were growing up, as Guest revisited these notes in her adult years she realised the true depth of wisdom they contained all along. As an outsider looking in, the dialogue that Guest’s father was able to have with his children through this medium is inspiring. The depiction of the love inherent in this father-child relationship is deeply moving. And the incredible sentimental value of these notes is striking. Such items are priceless, irreplaceable, and Guest is fortunate to have both this experience with her father and such a unique collection of tangible memories to carry through her life.
Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up is sure to resonate with parents and their adult children alike. My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the advance electronic copy and finished hard copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine.
Joanna Guest is the author of Folded Wisdom, her first book. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University. Guest decided to leave a career in politics to pursue the development of this project.
May 15, 2019
Joanna Guest compiles and discusses the myriad notes she and her brother received from their dad, Bob. He created a note—with both writing and art—every day during most of their school years. Bob is an artist, a philosophic thinker, but most of all, he’s a dad. And like most dads, he wants to be good at that lifetime job. He wants to raise children who grow into good people who love and appreciate themselves and others.
Guest captures this perfectly as she chooses which notes to include in Folded Wisdom. But she also gives her readers more than just the notes. By organizing them, she adds a feeling of flow to their spontaneous creation. She also offers context, with some family history and insights into her dad’s perspective on life.
This is an inspiring book, without being preachy. It’s not a self-help book—despite all the sage advice contained therein. There’s no conversation about taking Bob’s advice and applying to our lives. And yet, perhaps its reading community will do just that.
Guest also ends the book with a tear-out page for readers to follow in Bob’s footsteps. She even included folding directions. So, more than giving admonitions on how to be, Folded Wisdom gently encourages readers to turn around and do this for the kids in their lives.
Imagine if every reader started this tradition with their kids! Wouldn’t our world become a better place for all the people who’d grow up with so much love expressed to them?
My conclusions
I read this book from the perspective of both daughter and mother / grandmother. I was so close to my own dad, and remember many of the wise and witty things he said. But, like Guest’s father Bob, the most important thing I received from my dad was unconditional love. And what I would give for a treasure chest of his thoughts like this!
The notes Bob wrote to his young children are quite precious. But I loved the notes from their teen years the most. The ideas get more complex, and the connections to current events grow stronger. He’s preparing his kids to launch, while wrapping his brain around having an empty nest.
This is a kind of gently illustrated memoir of parenthood. And at the same time, it felt like a “daily wisdom” book because each entry is relatively short. Never mind pigeon-holing it into a genre. Just go buy a copy!
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Celadon Books and the author for a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest review. I will treasure it!
Originally published on my book blog, TheBilbiophage.com where you can find many more reviews of memoirs and other books.
Guest captures this perfectly as she chooses which notes to include in Folded Wisdom. But she also gives her readers more than just the notes. By organizing them, she adds a feeling of flow to their spontaneous creation. She also offers context, with some family history and insights into her dad’s perspective on life.
This is an inspiring book, without being preachy. It’s not a self-help book—despite all the sage advice contained therein. There’s no conversation about taking Bob’s advice and applying to our lives. And yet, perhaps its reading community will do just that.
Guest also ends the book with a tear-out page for readers to follow in Bob’s footsteps. She even included folding directions. So, more than giving admonitions on how to be, Folded Wisdom gently encourages readers to turn around and do this for the kids in their lives.
Imagine if every reader started this tradition with their kids! Wouldn’t our world become a better place for all the people who’d grow up with so much love expressed to them?
My conclusions
I read this book from the perspective of both daughter and mother / grandmother. I was so close to my own dad, and remember many of the wise and witty things he said. But, like Guest’s father Bob, the most important thing I received from my dad was unconditional love. And what I would give for a treasure chest of his thoughts like this!
The notes Bob wrote to his young children are quite precious. But I loved the notes from their teen years the most. The ideas get more complex, and the connections to current events grow stronger. He’s preparing his kids to launch, while wrapping his brain around having an empty nest.
This is a kind of gently illustrated memoir of parenthood. And at the same time, it felt like a “daily wisdom” book because each entry is relatively short. Never mind pigeon-holing it into a genre. Just go buy a copy!
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Celadon Books and the author for a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest review. I will treasure it!
Originally published on my book blog, TheBilbiophage.com where you can find many more reviews of memoirs and other books.
May 3, 2019
Starting in 1995 and continuing for the next 14 years, Joanna Guest’s father wrote and illustrated a note for her and her brother every single school morning. Yes, you read that right! Every. Single. School. Morning. 😮
Based on a collection of over 3500 notes, Folded Wisdom is the heartwarming story of a father’s love for his children and the impact that his notes had on them all. Guest has beautifully curated a collection of the most impactful notes (including images of them in the book!) and surrounded these notes with the stories of her childhood. She explains that her father used these notes not just as a creative outlet for himself, but also as a way to connect and communicate with his children in a meaningful way. And while the notes were certainly special to the children as they were growing up, as Guest revisits these notes in her adult years she realizes just how much wisdom they contained all along.
This book covers a broad range of themes and I genuinely recommend it for anyone. As a parent, I was inspired by the dialogue that Guest’s father was able to have with his children through this medium. As a daughter, the depiction of the love inherent in this father-child relationship was deeply moving. And on an even more personal note, as someone who lost everything in a house fire five years ago, I was struck by the incredible sentimental value of these notes. Such items are irreplaceable and Guest is fortunate to have such a unique collection of tangible memories.
Folded Wisdom will be available on May 7th wherever you buy books. Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Joanna Guest for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Based on a collection of over 3500 notes, Folded Wisdom is the heartwarming story of a father’s love for his children and the impact that his notes had on them all. Guest has beautifully curated a collection of the most impactful notes (including images of them in the book!) and surrounded these notes with the stories of her childhood. She explains that her father used these notes not just as a creative outlet for himself, but also as a way to connect and communicate with his children in a meaningful way. And while the notes were certainly special to the children as they were growing up, as Guest revisits these notes in her adult years she realizes just how much wisdom they contained all along.
This book covers a broad range of themes and I genuinely recommend it for anyone. As a parent, I was inspired by the dialogue that Guest’s father was able to have with his children through this medium. As a daughter, the depiction of the love inherent in this father-child relationship was deeply moving. And on an even more personal note, as someone who lost everything in a house fire five years ago, I was struck by the incredible sentimental value of these notes. Such items are irreplaceable and Guest is fortunate to have such a unique collection of tangible memories.
Folded Wisdom will be available on May 7th wherever you buy books. Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Joanna Guest for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
December 14, 2022
This book was just adorable and the artwork was just spectacular.
Too see the crying and loving is badass to the core is well that….BADASS! If you’re badass read this book, it won’t dispoint you….but it will make you cry.
I would give high stars but good only allows five. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Keep up the good work
Too see the crying and loving is badass to the core is well that….BADASS! If you’re badass read this book, it won’t dispoint you….but it will make you cry.
I would give high stars but good only allows five. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Keep up the good work
June 3, 2021
I loved reading this book. So many truths and interesting notes from the father to his children over their school age years.
March 26, 2019
Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love and Growing Up by Joanna Guest
Pub date: May 7, 2019
Photography, family, nonfiction
Celadon Publishing
Rating: 5/5
I received this digital ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
ISBN 978-1-250-20778-4 (ebook)
The author moves back home to organize this book containing notes from her father. Her father was an early riser and artist by training who began a morning ritual which included handwriting letters to his son and daughter everyday. Joanna and Theo, her brother, kept the letters not really giving them much thought at the time.
Joanna realizes the wealth of knowledge and dedication it took for her father to express himself each day to his kids. Through the years she realized the wisdom and lessons that he passed on in his subtle manner adorned with drawings. She compiled the notes into this book according to themes including both notes to Theo and herself.
The book reads like a personal diary of a father and his desires for his children. As time goes on, his admiration and appreciation of the adults they become. The notes are touching and reflective of a father “doing the best” he can.
Pub date: May 7, 2019
Photography, family, nonfiction
Celadon Publishing
Rating: 5/5
I received this digital ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
ISBN 978-1-250-20778-4 (ebook)
The author moves back home to organize this book containing notes from her father. Her father was an early riser and artist by training who began a morning ritual which included handwriting letters to his son and daughter everyday. Joanna and Theo, her brother, kept the letters not really giving them much thought at the time.
Joanna realizes the wealth of knowledge and dedication it took for her father to express himself each day to his kids. Through the years she realized the wisdom and lessons that he passed on in his subtle manner adorned with drawings. She compiled the notes into this book according to themes including both notes to Theo and herself.
The book reads like a personal diary of a father and his desires for his children. As time goes on, his admiration and appreciation of the adults they become. The notes are touching and reflective of a father “doing the best” he can.
May 4, 2019
I enjoyed reading "Folded Wisdom." It's a comforting book and a good reminder that we parents can use their gifts and talents to influence their children. We never know how our words will impact our kids, and it's important for us to be real, honest and vulnerable with our children.
I appreciate the time and effort Dad Bob took to write the notes, Mom Gloria's insistence on saving them, and Joanna and Theo's willingness to share an intimate look into their family life. The book felt a little too personal, though - almost like the story belongs to the family rather than a wider audience. As I read, I appreciated the wisdom and insights but felt like I was eavesdropping on a sacred moment. However, "Folded Wisdom" does contain great advice and a reminder that children never outgrow their need for parents.
I appreciate the time and effort Dad Bob took to write the notes, Mom Gloria's insistence on saving them, and Joanna and Theo's willingness to share an intimate look into their family life. The book felt a little too personal, though - almost like the story belongs to the family rather than a wider audience. As I read, I appreciated the wisdom and insights but felt like I was eavesdropping on a sacred moment. However, "Folded Wisdom" does contain great advice and a reminder that children never outgrow their need for parents.
April 22, 2019
Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up is one remarkable read! A loving tribute from the author to her father, Robert Guest, Joanna shares some of the over 3,500 (remaining) daily notes that Robert wrote over the course of 14 years to her and her younger brother Theo which were lovingly saved by their mother.
Beginning when Theo was 4 and Joanna was 7, Robert wrote and illustrated daily notes to them both, stopping only when each left home for college. The author admits that she and her brother came to take them for granted, and only with maturity do they recognize how wondrous the notes are. Not one day missed to either child, not one day without an encouraging note reminding them that they were loved. Imagine!!!
The notes themselves cover quite a range of topics, some silly, many timeless, but all consistently showing a father's love for his children above all else. I think Robert Guest hit on a perfect way to get across parental wisdom and lessons without having to worry about the child's current receptiveness to them. No "oh Dad, you're so corny!!" or "yeah, yeah...". No attitude to deal with. Just state your encouragement, message, thoughts, surround it in love and let them receive it. Pure genius!!
What a gift this father (and mother) gave their children. What a gift Joanna Guest has given us in sharing them. Oh, of only everyone went off to face the day backed by such love and encouragement!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Beginning when Theo was 4 and Joanna was 7, Robert wrote and illustrated daily notes to them both, stopping only when each left home for college. The author admits that she and her brother came to take them for granted, and only with maturity do they recognize how wondrous the notes are. Not one day missed to either child, not one day without an encouraging note reminding them that they were loved. Imagine!!!
The notes themselves cover quite a range of topics, some silly, many timeless, but all consistently showing a father's love for his children above all else. I think Robert Guest hit on a perfect way to get across parental wisdom and lessons without having to worry about the child's current receptiveness to them. No "oh Dad, you're so corny!!" or "yeah, yeah...". No attitude to deal with. Just state your encouragement, message, thoughts, surround it in love and let them receive it. Pure genius!!
What a gift this father (and mother) gave their children. What a gift Joanna Guest has given us in sharing them. Oh, of only everyone went off to face the day backed by such love and encouragement!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
April 24, 2019
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Every morning from when Joanna was seven and her younger brother was four until her brother graduated high school, their dad would sit down and write each of them a note to read that day. Some notes had drawings, some silly rhymes, others comments on current events. Folded Wisdom is Joanna's tribute to her father's daily notes. Pictures of some of Joanna's favorite notes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Joanna and Theo are so lucky that they received notes of wisdom, encouragement, and love every morning from their father growing up and also that their mother saved most of these notes, allowing them to look back on these words from their father now, tangible signs of his love. The notes shared in this book have wisdom that we all need to be reminded of from time to time. I really enjoyed this book!
Every morning from when Joanna was seven and her younger brother was four until her brother graduated high school, their dad would sit down and write each of them a note to read that day. Some notes had drawings, some silly rhymes, others comments on current events. Folded Wisdom is Joanna's tribute to her father's daily notes. Pictures of some of Joanna's favorite notes are sprinkled throughout the book.
Joanna and Theo are so lucky that they received notes of wisdom, encouragement, and love every morning from their father growing up and also that their mother saved most of these notes, allowing them to look back on these words from their father now, tangible signs of his love. The notes shared in this book have wisdom that we all need to be reminded of from time to time. I really enjoyed this book!
October 8, 2019
How do you stay connected to the people you love in this busy world we live in? One father found a unique way to share his thoughts, encouragement, and love with his children on a daily basis. Bob Guest sat at his kitchen table every morning and wrote them both a personal note. Sometimes he reflected on what was going on in their family, sometimes he wrote about what was happening in the wider world, but the one thing that was always included in each note was his expressions of love. Over 14 years he wrote more than 4,700 notes and handed them to his kids as they walked out the door each morning. This book is a collection featuring some of those notes, the messages and the illustrations. The author is Joanna Guest, Bob’s daughter. If you are feeling inspired to write & fold some notes for the people you love, she has included folding instructions in the back of the book.
January 18, 2020
I certainly would give this book 5 stars for originality and pure envy of why didn’t I think of this? The only reason I gave it a 4 stars is because of some of its repetitiveness. But it does take repetitiveness to raise children and make sure they hear you:) This is a book of notes written every day of this children’s school age years. In these every day notes he wrote, drew, and philosophied . That is over 4,775 notes written to keep communications open with them, and let them know more about him as someone other than Dad. The mom was the wise woman who kept all of these notes, through the washing machine, in the backpacks, amid homework and kept them safe. Joanna Guest, the daughter, has formatted them into a book to share her dads wisdom. We are the lucky ones to glimpse such a fun way to say I love you every day, with every note and every sketch drawn.
December 9, 2019
Inspiring at first, but repetitive. Ultimately, I didn't finish this book because I was disenchanted by the daughter's focus on her childhood rather than her father, who wrote and illustrated all of the notes at the center of the story. For such a visual book, I was disappointed that the author's bio featured only a large photo of the author/daughter but no photo of the author's father. I found the narrative of this book to be characteristically millenial, egotistical, and superficial. I wanted so much more.
June 21, 2024
When I first picked this book up, I felt like it would likely just be a vanity project that didn't hold a lot of meaning for anyone other than the author and her family. While I can definitely see how it would probably carry a lot more impact for people who know them, there is definitely plenty to appreciate about it as a stranger as well. I loved flipping through the collection of notes and drawings from the author's dad, and was thoroughly impressed with the level of sentiment he expressed through them. This was a fun, quick, heartwarming little read and I'm really glad I gave it a chance.
October 6, 2024
This is a really beautiful book!! I loved how the images of the notes were incorporated with the rest of the book! Overall it felt like a very special event to read, and I did love getting this view into this family and the wisdom this dad had to share. It was beautiful! I give it 3 stars because it didn’t super hit me as very profound and as a book I’d return to again and again, but I had a fun time reading it and I really enjoyed my time reading and learning from this family!! It felt like a special journey to be on :)
April 2, 2019
This book speaks to me so much.
It is what I, as a parent, wish I could have expressed my support and love as clearly as Bob to my children.
It is what I, as a daughter, would have loved to receive from my parents.
And it is exactly what I, as a human, should be sharing with those I love.
Excellent book.
It is what I, as a parent, wish I could have expressed my support and love as clearly as Bob to my children.
It is what I, as a daughter, would have loved to receive from my parents.
And it is exactly what I, as a human, should be sharing with those I love.
Excellent book.
May 12, 2019
This was a very beautiful read and a great reminder of the importance of consistently letting the people we care about know that we love them. In a world that so often tells men to be muted in their compassion, this is the story of a dad who teaches us how we can enrich the lives of our family members and friends by consistently communicating our affections and by being bold in our tenderness. I can't wait to share copies with the important people in my own life.
May 29, 2019
Have your hanky at the ready, this is a real tear jerker! A beautiful tribute to the family, these personal notes and drawings from father to son and daughter inspire us, parents or not, to communicate our affection, appreciation, pride and disappointments with our loved ones. You'll smile, laugh (and cry) at these touching remembrances. Kudos to the author for sharing such an intimate memoir.
January 13, 2020
The idea for leaving notes in kids' lunch boxes has inspired me to start my own.
Joanna kindly shared the best of her dad's notes and they range from really thought-provoking to doling out wise nuggets of wisdom.
I even secretly screenshot some of them to copy in terms of the drawings! Lovely book; borrowed twice from the library to savour it again and again!
Joanna kindly shared the best of her dad's notes and they range from really thought-provoking to doling out wise nuggets of wisdom.
I even secretly screenshot some of them to copy in terms of the drawings! Lovely book; borrowed twice from the library to savour it again and again!
June 24, 2019
I thought this book was sweet and full of practical wisdom. I especially enjoyed learning about their family dynamic, seeing the drawings and just appreciating the time that this dad put in to connect with his children.
September 18, 2019
I agree with other reviews that this seems too personal and should be kept within the family. I believe it would have been better as a blog dedicated to her father and the notes.
It is a useful concept and highly relevant to my life; I have written many letters, notes and games to my five year old and have now started a daily letter to send to school as a result of reading this book. It is reaffirming to see other fathers with a creative drive to connect with their children. But no need to place this into the public eye.
Worth checking out.
It is a useful concept and highly relevant to my life; I have written many letters, notes and games to my five year old and have now started a daily letter to send to school as a result of reading this book. It is reaffirming to see other fathers with a creative drive to connect with their children. But no need to place this into the public eye.
Worth checking out.
June 10, 2024
Folded Wisdom was an incredible read that really brings a new perspective on life. I think anyone could read this book and have something to take away from it. I highly recommend this book whenever you're feeling lost, scared, or alone in the great big circle of life.
Read
September 15, 2024I found this book at the Dollar Tree. The author's project of compiling her dad's notes of wisdom and guidance intrigued me. I wish I had had guidance like this when I was younger. What a blessing her dad was to her and her brother.
August 3, 2023
Good book. Many life lessons from the author’s father we can learn from, especially for those who use a little self parenting.
March 16, 2024
A sweet concept. I liked it when it started, but then it became very repetitive. I forced myself to finish it. I like the concept, but I was bored of it very quickly.
May 13, 2024
DNF at 25%
I started and put down this book months ago, but haven't wanted to pick it back up since. I liked the idea of the book, and while it was sweet, it just wasn't engaging.
July 10, 2024
The touching, personable wisdom of the author’s father is timeless and imo more powerful than most philosophers today.
March 12, 2021
This is an illustrated and very colorful book that encapsulates the story of "morning notes" the author's dad wrote to her and her brother every morning before school. The notes started in 1995 when she was in second grade and continued every school morning until they both graduated high school. The book is centered on how her dad wrote these notes and what the lessons were inside. The author's mom was the unsung hero in this scenario. She was the one who saved every note that she found stuffed inside lunch boxes, pockets, and bags. Her dad ended up writing about 4,500 notes, with approximately 3,500 recovered.
The book is so beautiful because the cover is a folded-up version of all the notes. The notes have lovely insights, and the author categorizes them by events, emotions, advice, and a bunch of other ways she found to organize and structure the book. The visual element alone was so unique.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/joa...
The book is so beautiful because the cover is a folded-up version of all the notes. The notes have lovely insights, and the author categorizes them by events, emotions, advice, and a bunch of other ways she found to organize and structure the book. The visual element alone was so unique.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/joa...
March 21, 2019
I like this one a lot! This kind of biographical, homage to her father and simple but smart wisdom was great. The author present some notes that her father wrote to her and her brother during their childhood and between those she write about her childhood, her life and of course, her father. It really bring the love that this family has and the importance of family values and what a father, or a mother, can do (positive or negative) doing is role as a model and an inspiration. Knowing at my age and where I’m now in my life that I’ll never have children, this book made me really emotional, showing me what I’ll never have. This short moments that made your life worth it and those good memories to pass on, that’s what I thing is what I will miss the most for my entire life. It also made me think about the good and the bad from my own father. All that for saying that it’s a simple, but very well done book on father/daughter (or son) relationship that achieve its purpose. Good job!
April 10, 2019
I found this book really touching. As I read the book I felt warm and filled with love. To hear how caring and loving the father was made me want to go and grab my kids and hug them. It gives you an insight of how meaningful a simple note can be in someone’s life especially children. I highly recommend reading this book, it’s so meaningful and touching. I love the author shared this with us.
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