Letters to My Children

by Daniel Taylor

A collection of short letters, most centering on a powerful story from the author's life, that convey core values and attitudes from a father to his child. Topics addressed include death, right and wrong, thinking about God, cheating, failure, popularity, studying, sex, self-esteem, prayer, family relationships, materialism, and marriage. One typical letter addresses the question of how to be a friend to unpopular kids at school and tells the moving story of the time the author was told he should ask the girl with polio to dance.Many of these letters are rooted in childhood and adolescence, others in youth and early marriage. They speak honestly and engagingly to both the young and to those who are trying, the best they can, to raise them.Read these stories with your children or by yourself and smile in recognition as you remember your own struggles to understand the world and your place in it. Then, as the afterward suggests, tell a few stories of your own.

Genres: Parenting, Family, Nonfiction, Childrens

174 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Daniel Taylor (Ph.D., Emory University) is the author of eighteen books, including The Myth of Certainty, Letters to My Children, Tell Me A Story: The Life-Shaping Power of Our Stories, Creating a Spiritual Legacy, The Skeptical Believer: Telling Stories to Your Inner Atheist, Believing Again: Stories of Leaving and Returning to Faith, and a four novel mystery series, beginning with Death Comes for the Decontructionist and ending with The Mystery of Iniquity. His most recent novel, The Prodigal of Leningrad, is set in that city during the Nazi siege of World War II. He has also worked on a number of Bible translations. He speaks frequently at conferences, colleges, retreats, and churches on a variety of topics. Dr. Taylor is also co-founder of The Legacy Center, an organization devoted to helping individuals and organizations identify and preserve the values and stories that have shaped their lives. He was a contributing editor for Books and Culture. Dr. Taylor is married and the father of four adult children. Website: www.WordTaylor.com

Reviews

[Kip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Daniel Taylor at the Desiring God conference a few years ago and developed a man crush. An English Professor who is a devout Christian... yet looks like an English Professor.

This book is phenomenal. However, if you take anything from it, please let it be a desire to write letters to your own children. It's easy to admire someone else's great parenting. A bit harder to implement it. I'll read this book once a year until I die.

[Zindaba Tembo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Great nuggets for life! Easy read and easy to apply to life. I am glad this was shared with the world ❤️

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! 10/10 would recommend!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor has written a delightful short book about the letters that he has written to his children. Often including wit and grace he covers everything from choosing a career, to who to marry, to the birds and bees talk.

I really enjoyed this book and he has encouraged me to write letters to my own children to read when they are older.

[Danhibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! As with all excellent books that really hit all the right notes with me, I immediately wanted to buy about 10 copies to give away to friends. I found the writing to be accessible and kind and the points the author makes through his letters are practical, sensitive, intelligent and challenging. A must read for any Christian family!

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as of this book was fathering me. Taylor's keen insights written in a caring and thoughtful hand are both a balm and a spur to the reader. It was inspiring and informative for me as a father as well.

[Chris Druin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touches on so many subjects that should be discussed with our children. He does an excellent and not preachy way of giving advise with some added humor. Mostly basic stuff that could be read to elementary grades but insightful enough for teens as well.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me want to write letters to my own kids and be a better dad. Inspiring.