The Best $2.95 I Ever Spent

As my friends know, I am a person given to hyperbole.  Aren't WE ALL?!  But I read a book this week that truly deserves accolades.  Preparing for Peer Pressure, a small book by James B. Stenson, is outstanding.  You can get it for $2.95 on Amazon.

Now, I am the mother of small children -- ages 2, 4, and 6.  I haven't been too worried just yet about the peer pressure they will face.  Part of the reason is because I home school them and control much of their exposure to peers in the first place.  But the main reason is because they are young.  I think of peer pressure as being an issue of adolescence and high school. 

Stenson, however, makes a great case for the fact that it is never too soon for parents to be concerned about their children's future, and specifically, the character those children will possess in the future. 

His book is really a "booklet," and could be read in one sitting, but it's so full of specific, challenging ideas and recommendations, that it would lend itself to a weekly study by a small group of intentional parents.  My husband and I are considering doing just that.  I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who cares deeply about their children.  (Incidentally, it seems like every one of Stenson's books is very well done.  You probably won't go wrong reading any of them.)

Best to you,

Lucy

Comments

[beth]

Dear Lucy,

So glad you are benefitting from Stenson. He wrote "Compass" specifically as a discussion book for groups of couples - I have always wanted to try it, so let me know how it goes.

[email protected]
Beth

[Lucy]

Thanks, Beth. I just bought about 15 of his books to share with family and friends!
And I should note that Sir Thomas More was the one who got me started on Stenson in the first place. His recommendation on Stenson's book about Fathers was right on point. Thanks, Thomas!

[Thomas More]

Great stuff Lucy, thanks for the tip. In fairness, I passed along to you the fathers book ("Successful Fathers") for Mr. Pevensie. But, in fact, St. Nicodemus first gave it to me. It has spread like wildfire in our small group since then. One friend buys multiple copies and gives them away like after-dinner mints to any house guests.

[beth]

Some churches have gift bags for expecting parents and the "Successful Fathers" book would be fantastic for that.

The Compass book would be a great book if trying to facilitate community in ones neighborhood.

Beth

[Lucy]

Actually, Thomas, I just bought 12 books by Stenson to give away too! I like the hostess gift idea. I just came from a dinner with a single friend and ended up talking about several of the points made in the Peer Pressure book. It's actually very relevant to us all. Great stuff.

Best,
Lucy (for Mr. Pevensie too)

[Thomas More]

Alright Lucy, you win. I'm now reading the "Peer Pressure" book. But, I'm doing so as a result of peer pressure--not sure if that's a good thing! It probably is, as I've got decent peers. Some of the guys in my bible study had read your post, bought the book, and then passed it to me last night.

I'm 1/2 way thru, good stuff so far.

[Lucy]

I guess peer pressure isn't all bad! It lends itself to discussion so I hope you and your friends can get some synergy going and benefit from it!
Lu