Boys Books

This little book is not easy to come by but it is well worth the effort; how often does a reader encounter one small volume which encompasses time travel, mysticism, spiritualism, Japanese history, Christian teachings, the WWII Japanese American internment camps, fallen heroes, combat and personal sacrifice, and a multi-layered story of a young boy coming of age in a courageous, inspiring manner? Although this book almost defies description, the story manages to transcend age divisions, as it is fascinating and accessible to young readers but also keeps the attention of mature readers as well.

The timeless spiritual values, and the eternal virtues of truth and honor, are brought into a captivating story, and the dramas played out in this tale hold the reader's interest to the very last page.
The edition that I own was an early one, and there are a few typos which were NOT the fault of the author but which happened as the person who did the editing, transcribed and reformatted the original texts. But this is a small thing, easily overlooked, and hopefully it will be corrected if there is another edition on the horizon.
I also hope that this author will write more in the future; her style is warm and deeply engaging. As she reveals more and more layers of the characters, we come to feel that we know them and care about them, just as we do with new friends in our own lives.
All in all, I highly recommend this one.

Samurai and the Tea was not only historically accurate but kept my interest from beginning to end. Cathy Brueggemann Beil has an extraordinary talent for writing! After reading the book myself I am now reading it to my children. What an incredible way to learn about the beautiful legacy of the Japanese Christians! I look forward to her next book!

Not often have I learned so much while being held by a good story. Japan is was like so many other civilizations that encountered Christianity: that which is most noble and beautiful in the culture blends easily with Christianity. The japanese tea ceremony is such a custom and is the hub for Cathy Beil's story. What a fun way to learn about the Japanese martyrs and how Christianity survived in hiding for centuries in Japan.

While never being an avid reader in high school I am deliberately trying to broaden my literary horizons. I reviewed the consumer critiques of Cathy Brueggemann Beil's book, The Samurai and the Tea, and chose to read it. I was not disappointed. The book had adventure, mystery, and inspiration. I also loved the fact that it wasn't super lengthy. It held my interest and I strongly recommend the book. Looking forward to more of Beil's publishings.

Being nonCatholic and non Japanese I can truly state that I was enthralled with the story of Micheal. I strongly recommend to every reader to purchase Cathy B. Beil's book, The Samuarai and The Tea!! You will not be disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am so proud of my uncle & cousin for writing it. What an interesting viewpoint from which to get us to look at issues relating to acceptance and tolerance -- which is so important in our communities today. The imaginative and wonderful writing will transform you as you enter the land of Chelekai. It is a story you'll enjoy and will want to share with others.

I really enjoyed this excellent work of fiction. It is a real storyteller's story and a fun read for young and old readers. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and imaginative fantasy.

The Short-Legged Fisher Boy of the Land of Left

From the colorful front cover-showing an angry king, his princess daughter and the fisher boy-one might think to classify this story as a fantasy in an imaginary world. However, classic fantasy deals with the impossible. Fantasy is the world of magic, the supernatural, of inexplicable occurrences that don't have a foundation in the reality of the world as we know it. It is the realm of faeries, dragons, unicorns and sorcerers. Low fantasy is set in the world as we know it. . . governed by nature's laws; whereas high fantasy is set in imaginary worlds governed by laws set by supernatural beings.

So, I have classified this story as "low fantasy folklore" because it is a story about an imaginary place and its people. In this isolated mountain valley the Chelks and Zaprians believe they are the only people on earth, that the earth extends to the edge of the ocean and to the tops of the distant mountains. They believe in spirits and witches such as the Ogres of the Cold and the Avenging Witch.

Quoting from the back cover:

"On one side of the Forbidden River lies the land of Chelekai, where Togai is the son of the head fisher. On the other side is the Kingdom of Zaphyr and the City of Light, the site of the yearly Festival. Zaphyr's ruler, King Praidar, is the father of the princess Prandina. In Chelekai and Zaphyr, lives are governed by rules and customs based on ancient legends and superstitions; some separate, some intertwining. And in a place where there is little, the Zaprians have the most--and they make the rules.

Born with a deformed left leg, Togai has been the object of ridicule all his life. When he decides not to attend the Festival one year, his natural curiosity and increasing courage lead him to a startling discovery. The Short-Legged Fisher Boy of the Land of Left is the story of a boy who uses reason, logic and bravery to challenge the only world he has ever known. In this unique coming of age story, the Webbs have created a tale that will captivate young and old readers alike and take them on a journey they won't soon forget."

In many ways this story is a social anthropological tale about cultural beliefs, community structure and values, work ethics, prejudices, discrimination, the interdependence of trading nations and is very similar to Jean Auel's first book, The Clan of the Cave Bear. It is not a fairy tale with the prince and princess riding off on a white horse to live happily ever after.

As a book for children and young adults, it can't help but be an inspiration: to think, to question and to find the courage to follow their beliefs. The story is well-developed and -written with excellent dialogue and realistic descriptions. The flow and rhythm are smooth and easy. You certainly will soon empathize with Togai and his many personal challenges. My hope while reading was that Princess Prandina would begin to consider the possibility that the Chelks and Zaprians were related in some way.

Ned Webb and his daughter Kalinde C. Webb are both multi-talented peopled, and I refer you to the book's Amazon site (http://Amazon.com) and the back cover of the book for personal details.

Would I recommend this book?. . . you bet and not just to children and young adults. Did you like The Clan of the Cave Bear? . . . then you'll probably enjoy this book and for the same reasons. Congratulations, Ned and Kalinde!

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - June 2, 2006 - Copyright

Ned and Kalinde Webb have done a wonderful job creating the Land of Left and all the characters in it.
From the very first pages of the book, my interest was raised and I could not put it down. The characters are well developed and will spark an emotional connection. The descriptions and settings are vivid and colorful. I can smell the grass and feel the salty ocean air!
This is a great story for young adults or kids of all ages. The characters portray the moral fibers that we all want to instill in our children, while thoroughly entertaining us.

This is a fascinating book that will capture the mind of anyone at any age. Being a 14 year old myself I know that this book will be read by my age group. With an easy to follow storyline and intriguing plot this book has it all. Anyone who is a fan of Fantasy will find this book great.

Tales of a Texas Boy
All reviews on this edition apply to the Kindle version, too.

Tales of a Texas Boy took me home. I grew up in Texas on a large chicken farm with a grandmother who told me stories of the 'good ol days'. Marva captured for me a sense of peace and a longing for how things use to be. This is a great book for children of all ages. Marva, Hon would be proud.
Sarah--Utah

Tales of A Texas Boy is a funny, charming, and bittersweet vision of a vanished time. Its host of characters include a jack mule from Georgia named Samson, a grandfather who fought in the Argonne, and (unbeknownst to Eddie) Mae West, encountered in a roadside café. The stories, narrated in Eddie's West Texas accent, perfectly capture his childlike perceptiveness. The sense of place is wonderful, whether we are passing the evening on horseback across the prairie, bone-hunting in the dry washes or watching Sophie the bear roll up to the county fair sitting in the back seat of a Studebaker. What a pleasure it must be to spend a day with the man behind these stories!

Ms. Dasef wrote a marvelous portrayal of America's history through stories told by a young Texan. She takes the reader into events such as World War I and The Great Depression. The photos add to the depth of this most enjoyable book!

Ms. Dasef has captured the essence of her father's life on the Texas prairies. These folksy, heartwarming stories bring to life endearing characters who were real, flesh and blood people struggling to farm the priaire lands of the Texas panhandle.

The stories are enchanting, humorous and often contain a sort of morality tale. I especially liked the one about the grandfather taking on a hired hand he could not really afford simply because even though his family had little, the hired hand's family "had nothing."

In this day of callousness and cynicism, Tales of a Texas Boy resonates with echoes of the real America. Kudos to Ms. Dasef and to her remarkable family. A great read for all ages.

Barry Yelton,
Author of Scarecrow in Gray, a Civil War Novel

Although they were different in many ways, The Wasp Eater reminded me a little of The Secret Life of Bees. If you liked that one, give this one a try. This is a wonderfully told story by a writer who knows how to describe certain the details of something in such a way you already perceive them but didn't realize you did until you read his description! Such talent! I hope to see future work from Mr. Lychack.

This is a thoughtful well-written book that explores many facets of family relationships. Although it is fiction it is likely to strike a familiar chord with anyone who has had a less than perfect relationship with their father.

Beyond a doubt, this is one of the best bits of writing I have come across in several years. I would hate to classify it as a novel, per se, as it is more akin to a short story, or short narrative. The author's use of language is wonderful, lyrical yet rather shocking. The author touches on so many emotions and does it so well, that this one is bound to stay with you for some time. Very highly recommend this one, and I promise you will not be sorry after reading it. Hope we get more of the same from Mr. Lychack.

I thought it was an ephemeral novelette with several thoughtful descriptions of characters. Very good read.

The Wasp Eater is one of the best novels I've read this year. The author's expertise with language and story is so complete that he draws you in from the start, and doesn't let go. It's a slender book; you'll read it quickly, and then you'll want to take your time when you read it again.

My son is a Cub Scout and when we found this book at our local library, it was a "must have". The Scouts play fun part in the book! --- Great illustrations, fun to read, and super funny...

This book is a different version of "The Boy who Cried Wolf".I think all ages and both genders will enjoy this book. I suggest you read this book if you want a good laugh!

I am in love with this book. It is super funny and a nice twist on the traditional tale. My son (2.5) doesn't get how funny it is yet, but he will.

This is a funny book that is great for parents to read. Young children will most likely not understand the humor, but sometimes it's okay for the parent to get a kick out of a children's book, too. The pictures are very cute. I'm glad I got it.

This twist on the fable, The Boy who Cried Wolf, is great fun to share with kids. The young wolf does not appreciate his mom's cooking. He is tired of sloppy does, three-pig-salad and lamburgers. He really wants some "boy" for dinner but his dad tells him they are hard to find in the woods these days. Over the next two days, little wolf cries "Boy!" in an attempt to get his parents to comb the forest for the non-existent meal and therefore delay dinner. Later, when an entire boy scout troop comes marching through the forest, the little wolf cannot get his parents to look, even as one creeps into their cave and sits on their sofa.

Om my i just loved this book, i will read it over and over again and will and have recomended this to many people, the price was ok and the shipping was faster then i had thought it would be..love it not second guess buying this book

Gives you a real eye account of the Drug Dealing and Killing in the streets of inner city Detroit Great Read very easy to follow

Unlike,the fabricated,contrived tales of these so-called"gangsta rappers"(better known,as"STUDIO-gangstas,in the hoods of Detroit)this book tells of the REAL-deal of street hustlin' along with the not-so glamorous consequences'of life in the"game"...If you're looking for a bunch of gangsta "fairytales"like T.I. and a lot of other rappers' from the "Dirty South"(better known as the"Downy-Soft"by those in Detroit who KNOW,that Atlanta,Memphis and New Orleans are comparatively "SOFTER"than pharmacy cotton.and "SWEETER"than FOUR bake-sales!!)like to spit out then this book is not for you!!As a lifetime Detroiter,I personally knew about how "ruthless"the Young Boys were,and I also knew that wandering over into their hood was a SUICIDAL move to say the least!!These cats had MUCH respect,from one corner of "tha D"to the other!!Their status in Detroits' history is LEGENDARY,and this great book shows you why!!

I have yet to read the book but i am planning on it very soon. I am 39 and i not only lived in detroit during that time, but i was indirectly associated with several members of the group. I am proud and glad to see butch turn things around and tell this story. I am hoping that so called "tough guys " read this book and learn from it, learn ! I am in a carrer where i try to help young people overcome mental health issues and problems in the streets and in the homes. Because of my past it;s easier to connect with these children. This book is another step in continuing to open the eyes of our kids. Thanks.

I enjoyed reading this book. I know some of the people that are mentioned in the book and I can recall when all of this was going on. I now have a vision of what happened from the inside out and why things went down the way they did,as was viewed by Butch himself. I reccommened parents of all urban youth to get a copy of this book and let their offspring read and educate them on the pitfalls of the BIG MONEY, DRUG SELLING LIFESTYLE.

I have finally read the prequel and sequel to A Girl and Her Gator by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy. Having read the entire trilogy (perhaps with more to come), I feel like my life is complete. These are some of my most favorite picture books of all time.

The genius started in 2005 with A Boy and His Bunny when a boy woke up with a bunny on his head. Boy and Bunny decided to roll with it. Stranger things had probably happened somewhere so why get upset over something so minor?

Boy's mother (I call him this because unlike the other series characters, the original Boy has no name although he does take the time to name Bunny Fred) was less adaptible.

You know, I hate to tell you, but it's got to be said. You have a great big bunny on your head!

This launches a lecture from both Boy and Fred on how rabbits peacefully coexisting on one's head in no way limits one's mobility or ability. You could read a book, lead an army, indeed even ride a bobsled with a bunny on your head. Thus enlightened, the mother recants and admits that Fred does look kind of cool on her son's head.

Her opinion was immediately thrown into question, however, when Boy's sister walked in with a small alligator on her head. (You will of course recognize my beloved Claire and Pierre from A Girl and Her Gator.)

I like these books because they are simple yet complex. The story is written and rhyme and could arguably be seen as a commentary on tolerance and the fact that different does not mean diminished. At the same time, the illustrations are presented on clean (usually white backgrounds) which makes them pop.

In terms of reading aloud, the book is large enough that the minimalist illustrations can be seen clearly. While entertaining, the text is not so dense as to bore children (or tire the reader). Really, aside from Boy not having a name--a fact that kind of made me crazy when I realized it--A Boy and His Bunny is just as entertaining as its sequel A Girl and Her Gator although the latter remains superior simply because of Claire and its general pinkness. After reading the sequel the fun continues in A Bear and His Boy.

This is a great book. My son is 5, when we got it I read it to him and he asked me to read it again right away. He really likes it!

Such a cute, funny book. Enjoyable for our daughter and for us. The illustrations are great!

This book is fantastic. My son loves it! We borrowed it from the library 4 times in a row so I finally came online to buy it for him. He walks around my house saying Oui Oui French can be said....

It's a must read every night before bed.

My wife and I just finished reading this piece to our 5 and 3 year olds. All were in agreement that it was a fine selection for an evening's recitation. However, when we delved deeper, and happily peeled our way through the book's many layers, there was much spirited discussion!

On the surface, this is the story of the mysterious and improbable appearance of a specimen from the Leporidae family atop a slumbering child. (They do not go into the precise Taxonomy of the "bunny", and the whimsical illustration style makes accurate identification difficult. However, in an equally spirited aside, we narrowed the possibilities to S. floridanus, the "Eastern Cottontail", or L. corsicanus, the "Corsican Hare".)

The real fun, however, begins when we explore the possible underlying meanings of the rabbit (or hare.) Is the beast Freud's "id", as my daughter hypothesized? Certainly not "Ego", we were all in agreement. We also similarly balked, collectively, at the idea that the bunny holds a veiled Judaio-Christian agenda. This piece seems above such denominational jockeying. My son, 5, made a strong case for the bunny as representation of the child's "hopping" upward within Kohlberg's "Stages of Moral Development", from the Pre-conventional Level of "Self Focused Morality" to the Conventional Level of "Other Focused Morality" That often marks the transition to adolescence. Ahh, the mind of a child!...

We had only gotten this far when it was time for brushing teeth, and for our nightly "Find-the-Constellation" game. But the mere thought of a second, more detailed study of this book around the hearth this evening makes me aflutter with anticipation!

Highly, highly recommended!

Boy Genius is the book the world has been waiting for, but even as I have just heard of it and read it, is still draped out from the millions who are longing to read a piece as timeworthy and creative, informative and realistically imaginative and even controversial as Boy Genius. This book carries more themes and understandings of the real-world than reading the New York Times of the passed forty years. Some of the actions and interpretations are almost directly attached to our present wartime era and crime rate, so connected that the tale, like its characters is very psychic. The Revenge/Mystery storyline also delivers a suspenseful climb that keeps the reader addicted as well as its creative comic relief and a cartoon/comic realism that definitely adds a new dynamic edge.
Mr. Park, if you're reading this, I recommend that you get it into the theaters; each message or theme in the book is not only to stand out in the book but should stand out as a "matter-of-fact" to the population.

Adam M.
author of "Pulchritude for the Mind"
"Reflections of the Dream Panorama"
"Keeping Life Well-Rounded Vol.1"

'Boy Genius' by Yongsoo Park is as invigorating as the original screenplay by Terry Southern for 'Dr. Strangelove'. (The movie was terrific, of course, but Southern's screenplay was even more so.) Park dissects, then Frankenstein's, then dissects again every conceivable myth about global capitalism with high hilarity and maximum inventiveness. The Boy Genius of the title grows up in the slums of Seoul, but soon his brilliance comes to the attention of the All-Supreme Dictator who quite surprisingly grants him enormous privilege, then in a fit of pique the A-S-D chews him up and spits him out. And then we see what BG is made of. He finds his way to present day America under the most appalling circumstances (the plight of a Filipino migrant farm worker in the 30's comes to mind), begins to rebuild his life and that of his family (also vilified by the A-S-D) and finally, yes finally, has his revenge. Characters as vivid as those played by Peter Sellers and George C. Scott in the Kubrick movie and every bit as outrageously funny and mordantly satiric. This is a rollercoaster with all the splendor of the one in 'The Third Man' and all the tension and excitement of that confrontation between Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles. (Hey, am I saying this is a prime candidate for a terrific movie? You bet.) Can't wait for the next Park....

Although I probably read more than the average person, I've never written a review before and in fact I avoid reading them in general, particularly before picking up the book or seeing the movie upon which a review is based. I just finished 2 of this author's books, "Las Cucarachas" and "Boy Genius," and out of curiosity I decided to read what others had to say. Interestingly, many of the reviewers take time comparing this book to other books. I'm going to frankly describe what I myself thought rather than make these comparisons.

First of all, both of this author's books are worth reading, and they should be read as a pair. I would recommend reading "Las Cucarachas" and then "Boy Genius," in that order. I was born and raised in New York City, and I'm from approximately the same generation as the main character in "Las Cucarachas;" to me it's incredible how well the author brings to life what my own childhood was like, growing up and hanging out in the streets of New York- not desperately poor, but poor enough so that the kids from what was called the "middle class" seemed rich by comparison, and were luckier than any of them ever seemed able to see. It's as though the author lived this NYC childhood, with all its obstacles, frustrations and pains, freeze dried it, moved on in his own life, and then went back to it and set it down exactly, precisely, missing nothing, not a single thought, feeling, experience or idea. You read "Las Cucarachas" and you experience the raw, real life of a tough, smart street kid in a big city where money is everything- absolutely, totally everything- and where the kid knows that it's not that society wants him to fail; rather, society is so completely and profoundly indifferent that it can't even be bothered to have an interest in his success or failure either way. Nobody from any middle or upper class background can ever truly know the alienation this situation creates, but by reading "Las Cucarachas" they can sure get a good goddamn taste of it. "Las Cucarachas" is the story of a boy that's forced to gear everything around slickness and toughness, and who's trying to make something happen against impossible odds and what seems like an endless stream of jerks and idiots holding him back and getting in his way. When I finished reading "Las Cucarachas" I felt a strange urge to contact the author, congratulate him for making it through, and thank him for creating such an honest, vivid, and truly touching testimonial to youth.

"Boy Genius" should be read after "Las Cucarachas;" in fact it's remarkable to me that "Boy Genius" was actually written by the same author. "Boy Genius" is so completely different, and not just the subject matter, but the whole style of the book as well. "Las Cucarachas" is raw and gritty; "Boy Genius" begins right off the bat with fantastic events that continue unfolding throughout. The narrator in "Boy Genius" gets you to suspend your disbelief so completely that I myself often looked up from the book while reading and felt an embarrassed smile on my face, as though realizing once again that I was the victim of this author's ongoing, intelligent, playful mischief. Bringing this together- the surreal storyline, the narrator's ever present, eccentric, hilarious and intelligent take on things- and you've got a book, "Boy Genius," that once again is not only wonderful, honest and real, but that's also simply enjoyable to read... and that's something that's important to me for any book that I pick up! I'm still a New Yorker, and I know I've got a book I love when I can take that book onto a crowded train during rush hour on my way to work- and lose myself in it totally and completely, in spite of the fact that I'm being jostled and crushed by stressed and impatient New Yorkers who'd prefer I put the book away, hold onto the handrail and stare at the ceilings and walls like everyone else. Both of the books written by this author passed my test, and I enjoyed both of them enough to not only recommend them and pass them on (I've lent out both of my copies) but also, to look forward to reading the author's next book too.

BOY GENIUS is a surreal dream of paranoia and vengeance played out on a global scale. It's Terry Giliam's BRAZIL played out in the wake of the Cold War. Naturally, the most surreal events in the book are too uncomfortably close to reality. It's a book that stars clever wild dogs who masquerade as children and a title character who's just too smart for his own good. Equal parts ADVENTURES OF HUCK FINN and THE ODYSSEY, BOY GENIUS is for any reader who's ever felt an outsider. It was my first novel and took me three years to write. After numerous rejections from publishers, a 16-year-old summer intern at Akashic Books lobbied for the unsolicited manuscript to be published.

Needless to say, I put pretty much everything of myself into the book. Put simply, the book is what it feels like to be displaced and to always long for a place to call home. Thank you to Akashic Books and to all who have supported this book. And please check out LAS CUCARACHAS, my second novel, which is out in 2004.

---Yongsoo Park

Part of Brooklyn based Akashic Books' Urban Surreal series, BOYGENIUS an example of a) the continued gutsiness and necessity of small presses and b) what really should be a cross-over hit.

In this hilarious and perfectly paced Candide update, Boy Genius tumbles the journey from KBS television-star-child-prodigy to east coast street urchin to west coast new economy suit to avenging ghost. Yet the story never succumbs to its (lesser) cartoon possibility, but functions, despite its fantastic plot, within the wound of reality. And it is a wound, a constantly renewed scarification that Boy Genius first discovers, then weeps for, and finally raises a finger to.

A fierce satire which maintains its humanity, Boy Genius is also a unique event in Korean-American fiction. It recasts the confessional prose of assimilation-conflict driven narratives -- via the imagination -- into a scathing accusation of geopolitical corruption as well as a description of the defiance immigrants currently wage in (as they always have) of bricholaging a consistent sense of self. A new landmark in the landscape of Korean-American literature.

I don't know how I managed to pick up this book and not realize how terribly sad the battle of the Alamo would be. Somehow I did, and was taken by surprise by the courage of the men who held the fort despite the hopelessness. It's an amazing story, and Margaret Cousins writes the characters with depth, common sense and yet, with that almost supernatural tenacity.

In following the journey of a boy to a man in the face of war, you also get a wonderful, valuable look at the reason "Remember the Alamo!" is still a battle cry today. To "Remember the Alamo!" is to remember the best part of man, that divine part of ourselves that can be inspired to resist, even unto death, for that which is worthy.

I teach fourth grade Texas History, and this is an excellent book to help students understand what it might have been like during this time period in Texas.

My 4th grade son and I loved this book! It's a great read with lots of excitement and emotion. My son read it first and loved it so much I decided I wanted to read it. I had trouble putting it down. It's an absolute must for kids and adults.

Loved it! It could not get any better!! I liked Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie and Santa Anna! It shows and tells you everything just like the Alamo. Even though it was just told through the mind of a 12 year old boy, it was still the best book. The story really shows what the Alamo was like. It was blazingly awesome with fantasy and real scenes. The pictures were great! I would give this book six stars, if I could. I couldn't resist to say no to this book!

The reason I put four stars is because it was sad. Whenever I think of the Boy in the Alamo, I think of my grandfather. My grandfather died in World War 1, so I never met him. Boy in the Alamo was good, my favorite part is when Billy said he'd look for Lupe his whole life.

This is a super book that will give inspiration and guidance to those parents raising boys. With hilarious and insightful real experiences, this book is a must own owners manual that will explain the mysteries in the mind of the adolescent boys, much that will convince anyone that God had a sense of humor when he created boys! I recommend this book to many close friends to read!

RECOMMENDED!

I highly recommend this book to anybody who has ANY dealings with boys, even if they're not your own. This book was a wonderful insight into the mind of the male and definitely helped me understand (as the only female in a house with four males) some of the intricacies of the male psyche.

Dave Meurer is a wonderful author and the intermittant mentions of God and christianity were nice and didn't come close to the stuffy, cram-it-down-your-throat level that some authors seem to take.

I highly recommend this book, if only for the enjoyment of reading the story about Dave when he was a child and the fireworks. Hilariously funny.

I had the rare opportunity of meeting this author at a Writer's Conference. He is warm and witty and is the "real deal". Dave helps us see the lighter side of life but still through a stained glass perspective. He offers up humorous slices of life that will have you laughing out loud. Read all of the DAVE books - Boyhood Daze, Daze of Our Wives, Out on a Whim and his newest one to come in May 2002 - Stark Raving Dad.

Dave Meurer is a gifted author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a parent of only one son, I too have learned the hard and fast rule: You can cry, or you can laugh. Like Dave, I think I'll stick with laughter.

I am the mother of a red headed 5 year old boy. I read this book over the weekend. This book helped me to laugh at the struggles of raising boys and enjoy what makes boys different and special.The author weaves in a Christian theme. The book is worth the price. It was a help to realize all this bliss of raising a son will not go away anytime soon.