Family Matters: 365 Daily Devotions for Families

As an English professor of some 24 years' experience, I feel delighted with this find and plan to use selections from Dodd's book for student reflection and writing in my composition courses this fall. I highly recommend it to any readers wanting an entertaining, thought-provoking addition to their lives. Like Dr. Johnson, Kyle Dodd has honed the essay to a fine art that reflects his personal style and the concerns of his times. Breezy and upbeat in a way that would appeal to any reader, his book deals not only with "family matters" but with human matters -- with the challenges we all face every day. Each essay starts with a quotation and ends with a series of questions for further thought and application. Dodd's fun and funny approach makes for a great 10-minute read out loud but works just as well for private study. His questions can prompt lively discussions, too. Whoever you are and whatever your situation, you can enjoy these meditations. Whether they are read daily or in clusters, they offer a good laugh and good insights. My husband and I -- who heard the author in 2004 -- already knew what a superb story-teller he is. His humor and natural talents combine here with common sense observations to make every page a little gem. We share the book daily and think it makes an ideal gift -- not only for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and weddings, but for any patient needing the medicine of good cheer and sound thinking. His examples and questions stick with you long after you shut the book.

This is a book you don't want to miss out on. It's funny and applicable for any family and the situations they may incur. Perfect for those dinner and bed-times with the kiddo's