Disclosure: I received this books to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
It might seem cliche when parents remark that “time flies” or “enjoy your kids while they’re young” as you start your own family. Only too soon do you realize how true it is. In Just 18 Summers the characters of each of 4 families go through these life changes as well. These characters are the sort to which anyone can relate. Butch struggles to raise his daughter after his wife Jenny’s death. I giggled at Daphne’s over the top nesting instincts. Beth fights her maternal perfectionist agenda as she gives up her children to adulthood. I even came to like Helen, who seemed like an old stick in the mud at first. There are some funny Meet The Parents type moments, too, that provided some lighthearted humor to the emotionally charged situations.
It was a little hard for me to settle into reading Just 18 Summers. The fact that the book included stories from 4 families made it difficult to keep up, especially when the chapters swiveled between the families. Each character was somehow tied to the next, so that helped. I really liked the way that the parents turned to God and also depended upon each other for support. It would have been easy for the book to take a different turn, but there was a silver lining at the edge of each cloud.
My husband and I take turns putting the kids into bed each night. It started out being a way to spend personal time with the kids, but then it became a way to have a few guaranteed minutes of solitude at the end of the night. I’ve been a stickler to the routine, especially on the nights when hubs returns home from an out of town trip and I’ve been a single mom all week long. But you know what? Just 18 Summers has given me a new perspective. Now, I’m not saying that I’ll always relish the times when yogurt spills in the fridge or the bathroom looks like a war zone. At least not in the moment. But I realize that all too soon the house will be too quiet, just a little too clean, and much too empty. In those days (in the not-so-distant future) I’m sure that I’ll be wondering if I spent enough time tucking the kids in bed and if I made their favorite foods enough times. So you’ll understand if I excuse myself now and go kiss my kids goodnight!
I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
Touching thought provoking, and true. This book sounds deep and realistic with characters and situations we all can relate to Our babies become children, teens, and adults in seconds it seems and every good night kiss is precious.
Dede, I’m so glad the book inspired you to squeeze the moments even more. Those summers fly past! Thank you taking time to read Just 18 Summers and to write a review. Blessings to you and you family! I hope you’ll also join me on our parenting blog at http://www.just18summers.com.
This sounds like an interesting book! I actually like stories that kind of jump around like this and am used to reading them. I have to admit I definitely have a hard time appreciating certain little things about my daughter being young, like you mentioned. It’s something I’m working on!
Sounds like a very interesting book! I definitely try to embrace the moments, especially our bedtime routine. Some nights are harder than others where I just want to get some “me” time, but most nights I thoroughly enjoy our cuddle time and I try to remember that it’s short lived.
Seems like an interesting book, if I can find the time to read for pleasure, I will keep this one in mind. Thanks for the great review.