Review parenting books

By Susan Simpson

Published: May 7, 2008

If parenting -- or stepparenting or grandparenting -- could be taught by merely reading a book, the world would have a lot fewer problems. The fact is, parenting is a mostly a learn-by-doing endeavor that can be aided by some authorly wisdom.

Like many, my first such book was "What to Expect When You're Expecting," a detailed look at pregnancy and preparing for motherhood. It will always be a classic. But the book that I found most helpful and amusing while very, very pregnant was Anne Lamott's "Operating Instructions," a journal of her son's first year. Lamont, a single mom, gives an unflinching account of the joys, fears and frustrations of a new mother. She doesn't sugarcoat things, even when she often finds humor in her situation. Motherhood is hard. Single motherhood is incredibly hard.

In the five years since then, I've read (or attempted to read) dozens of books about parenthood. My latest phase has centered around trying to get my daughter to try more foods. So far, none of the books have really worked for us, but I keep trying to find the magic trick that will make her love foods with more nutrition than chicken nuggets, white bread and peanut butter.

What books have you found helpful? Which ones did you find worthless? Tell us here and together we'll explore some of the literary largess aimed at parents.

We'll post some reviews of new books as well, and hopefully spark discussions on their merits.

Let us know what you think, readers. This site is your baby too, and we'd never dream of espousing a one-size-fits-all model, even if it's a bestseller.

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