Vicki Courtney's 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son is unconventional: first, because it is written by a mother instead of a father; and second, because it is targeted at mothers. The book looks at how to talk to sons during their years under parental wings. It starts with arguments against the images of emasculated men as seen in automotive ads on TV and Super-Bowl commercials, and progresses to talk about manners, education, dating, personal health, religious disciplines, and even finances.
Courtney states that her insights come from long talks with her husband and son, as well as extensive reading and research. She spends a lot of time discussing the struggles males have concerning sex, and she shows that statistics reveal that 50% of teens are not engaged in premarital sex. Courtney's tone is conversational, like women visiting, but her content is serious and important. She feels that if sons are to grow up knowing how to relate well to women, they should get a lot of insights from their moms.
She also believes that, whereas fathers can strongly influence sons in regard to social obligations and familial responsibilities, only mothers can teach lessons about relating well to all females, whether a sister, mother, wife, or coworker. To that end, her book challenges both mothers and grandmothers to have a direct part in helping to rear young men who are responsible, respectful, and productive. Joshua A. Spotts, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
