Book Review and Giveaway: I’m Outnumbered!: One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys

October 14, 2010 by Barbara H.

(The giveaway and comments are closed: the winner is Ann!)

I first “met” Laura Lee Groves at her blog through Susanne‘s Friday’s Fave Five weekly meme (thanks, Susanne!) I identified with her immediately as we’re near the same age and stage of life and she has four boys while I have three. She mentioned in one of her earliest comments that it was like we were in parallel universes.

When she announced she was about to have a book published, I was on the alert for it. And then when I heard it was about raising boys, well, that especially made me want to read it even though I only have one still at home.

In I’m Outnumbered!: One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys, Laura Lee Groves draws from her own experience in raising four young men as well as her years of experience in the classroom as an English teacher, plus she weaves together quotes from a number of books on the subject. She writes as a mom who was the only female in her house trying to relate to the male mindset and who wants to share what she has gleaned with other moms. There are a few pointers for those households who have girls and boys especially along the lines of their relating to each other.

There is a lot of practical wisdom as well as a solid Scriptural basis in Laura Lee’s advice. She writes in a conversational style that is easy to follow. The book includes chapters on managing expectations, sibling rivalry, intentional parenting, education, conversation, organization, respect, and media influences and management. She also includes a chapter titled “A Word From the Boys” with some of their thoughts on the way they were raised and a list of resources.

I think this book is a treasure trove for any mom of boys. In fact, I’d like to give this copy to a mom who would benefit from it, so if you’d like it or know someone who might, just let me know in the comments. I’ll draw a name a week from today, Thursday, October 21.

Laura also sends out a helpful weekly newsletter which can be signed up for at her blog.

(The giveaway and comments are closed: the winner is Ann!)

(This review will be linked to Semicolon‘s Saturday review of Books and the next 5 Minutes For Books I Read It column.)

Posted in Books, Contests and Giveaways, Parenting | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on October 14, 2010 at 8:59 am Mama Bear

Sounds like a good book.
Mama Bear
on October 14, 2010 at 11:28 am Carrie, Reading to Know

Well, I for one would LOVE to read this! With two boys already and one question mark in the oven I’m sure I could glean a thing or two from this read.

Thank you for your generosity in passing it on!
on October 14, 2010 at 11:41 am Melli

LOL! I just received that book in the mail yesterday! I bought it for a friend from church who is raising 3 boys by herself. I’m giving it to her tonight!
on October 14, 2010 at 1:11 pm Ann

I have a colleague who has four boys, so I’d love to give it to her!
on October 14, 2010 at 1:32 pm Laura

Barbara, thanks so much for this sweet review! Yes, we do live in parallel universes, I think — we boy moms have to stick together.

I appreciate your support for this book, but I value your FFF friendship even more! Take care.
on October 14, 2010 at 5:20 pm carol

Well, my boys are grown, like yours, but I would enjoy reading Laura’s perspective. I am sure there is a mom at church that could profit from reading it. (LMF give-away?)
on October 14, 2010 at 9:24 pm faith

great post! i also visit Laura’s blog and love it…altho I only have daughters! I am recommending her book in my small group each week as I teach/lead a group of moms who have tweens/teens….thanks for the summary of her book!
on October 15, 2010 at 12:25 am quilly

Don’t put me in the drawing! I turned down the offer to review this book since it didn’t apply to my life, but the sneak peek I had of it told me it was a good book.
on October 15, 2010 at 1:06 pm Heather

I’ve been following Laura’s blog for awhile now and would love to win a copy of her book.
I like reading her posts because I feel like I can relate to what she is going through and she always has good tips and is so encouraging to others.
I have 3 sons; ages 5 and under and am open to any help I can get
on October 16, 2010 at 2:09 am Beth

This sounds like a wonderful book and one I could use with my two boys.
on October 21, 2010 at 9:57 am Winner! « Stray Thoughts

[...] 21, 2010 by Barbara H. The winner of my giveaway for I’m Outnumbered!: One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys by Laura Lee Groves [...]
on October 26, 2010 at 8:16 am What’s On Your Nightstand: October « Stray Thoughts

[...] I’m Outnumbered!: One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys by Laura Lee Groves, reviewed here. [...]
on December 21, 2010 at 10:01 am Fall Into Reading 2010 Wrap-Up « Stray Thoughts

[...] Outnumbered!: One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys by Laura Lee Groves, reviewed here. Very [...]
on February 10, 2011 at 11:07 am Booking Through Thursday: Ground Floor « Stray Thoughts

[...] book, I’m Outnumbered!: One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys, and to review it here, and even gave away a copy on my blog and then again in in person to a friend. I also found out [...]