Thursday, February 6, 2014

The Secrets of Happy Families {a LitFuse Review}

Today I get to talk to you about a book I've been reading, The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler.

Before I even try to tell you about it, I have to say that I was skeptical about this.  So many self-help parenting types of books out there just aren't worth the time it takes to read them, much less the time involved in reading and reviewing.

Something about this description from the publisher grabbed me though:
The book that revolutionized our view of what makes families happy . . .

Determined to find the smartest solutions and the most cutting-edge research about families, bestselling author and New York Times family columnist Bruce Feiler gathered team-building exercises and problem-solving techniques from the most creative minds---from Silicon Valley to the Green Berets---and tested these ideas with his wife and kids. The result is a lively, original look at how we can create stronger parent/child relationships, manage the chaos of our lives, teach our kids values and grit, and have more fun together.

The Secrets of Happy Families includes more than two hundred unique practices that will help your family draw closer and make everyone in your home happier. It has already changed the lives of millions of families, and it can do the same for yours.
My thoughts:  I am really enjoying this.  Feiler keeps the tone light and fun, and the amusing and oh-so-very-real stories keep me turning the pages.

I can tell you straight away that I won't be implementing all of the ideas given in the book, but almost all of them at least make me think about how we are doing things and why.

Feiler talked to experts in all sorts of areas where group dynamics are important, but avoided all the traditional "family experts" in his research.  He then adapted what he was finding, and tried things with his family.  This means that you are not going to read the 'same old, same old' advice, but you will hear fresh and unique ideas. 

One idea/chapter that I love talks about not worrying about "family dinner" at all.  The ideas in that chapter are fabulous.  How about a family breakfast?  Or family dessert?  Or a huge Sunday afternoon meal?

Fresh, funny, and actually filled with ideas that seem worth trying out.  Exactly what I want in a "family advice" book.



In The Secrets of Happy Families, New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler has drawn up a blueprint for modern families — a new approach to family dynamics, inspired by cutting-edge techniques gathered from experts in the disciplines of science, business, sports, and the military. Written in a charming, accessible style, The Secrets of Happy Families is smart, funny, and fresh, and will forever change how your family lives every day.

Bruce is celebrating the release of his book with a family fun "Happy Family" Kindle HDX giveaway.

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One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
  • The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on the 17th to see if you won.

 

Disclaimer:  I received this book through LitFuse Blog Tour.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.   

 

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