While the official announcement won’t come until June, I just learned today that Dear Austin ~ A Letter To My Son has been named a 2011 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Honors Winner. NAPPA tests and evaluates thousands of books, CDs, toys, and other children’s and parent’s products every year, and publishes a list of their top recommendations.

The NAPPA awards are sponsored by Dominion Parenting Media and promoted in association with parenting publishers across the United States. I’m honored to be featured in their publications, to be on their list of recommended reading for parents, and to be allowed to display the NAPPA seal on this site. Thank you, NAPPA, very much.

by David Salaun

“Dear Austin just arrived in the mail and I read it immediately. Now, my tears spot some of the pages. I have had all of the thoughts and feelings you wrote, about being a father. I don’t have the same writing skills to put them to paper as you have done.

My youngest son and last to leave, Zackary, is about to graduate from Marine Corps boot camp. I will give him your book to read on the flight home, March 12. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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by David Cisneros

“I just finished reading Dear Austin and I was truly amazed. As the father of an 8 year old boy, I know how critical it is that the things I do in front of him, the way I conduct myself, the values I instill in him, will become a part of his personality, his morality, and his individuality.

But, as I read this book, I found so many pieces that are missing in what I am teaching him, things I need to focus on, things that I take for granted.

Thank you, David, for writing this and for sharing it with the world. I know that I will take what you wrote and it will have a direct impact on my life, but more importantly, my son’s life.”

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from The Unread Reader

“Dear Austin – A Letter To My Son is a beautiful and touching letter from father to son; one in which I could feel the spirit of love soaring through the pages. The letter, which includes many family pictures, made me cry but also made me smile.

I’m not a parent yet, but despite my shortcoming and apprehensions, I hope to be one someday, and Perkins’ letter to his son offered me a comfort I cannot repay, one of encouragement and strength.

I’d like to offer Mr. Perkins my sincerest gratitude for allowing me to review Dear Austin. The personal feelings shared through the letter were very memorable.”

The entire review is available at The Unread Reader

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Read What Others Have Written Below
And Feel Free to Leave Your Own Thoughts.
Click Here to Post a Comment.

]]> http://www.davidmperkins.com/what-readers-are-saying/feed/ 0 http://www.davidmperkins.com/a-priceless-touchstone/ http://www.davidmperkins.com/a-priceless-touchstone/#comments Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:30:57 +0000 David http://www.davidmperkins.com/?p=1312

by Karen Levin Coburn, Senior Consultant in Residence, Washington University
Co-author of Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years

“Dear Austin is a gem, and Austin is a very fortunate young man. Your words of wisdom and loving thoughts provide a priceless touchstone as you encourage him to find his way, not follow yours. The photos, though unique to your family, evoke memories and smiles of recognition in all of us who have raised children.

I wish you well with your book and hope it finds its way into the hands of many parents who are launching their sons and daughters — deepening connection while letting go.”

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by Gina Callaway

“I just wanted to let you know I received my paperback copy of your book tonight. I’d just finished working a 12 hour shift and just started flipping through it really quickly, not really intending to read it just yet. The cover and the sentimental pictures sucked me in right away. Then, after reading your “From the Author” intro, I knew I had to read it right then … I couldn’t wait … (even though I was tired). And …

WOW!!!! I don’t really even have a decent set of words to string together which could even remotely represent how much I LOVED this! My only disappointment was I didn’t have this copy sooner, I would have given it to my son when we dropped him off for college four years ago.

What a touching, heartfelt read! Amazing advice! Thanks so much for sharing … you really spoke to my heart.”

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from Jordan Rich, WBZ Radio Boston

Jordan Rich, host of The Jordan Rich Show on CBS Radio station WBZ in Boston, has posted an open letter to his son Andrew on the occasion of Andrew’s 18th birthday. It is warm, and comfortable, and full of love and fatherly advice. It is straightforward and without the slightest hint of pomp or judgment. It’s what a letter from a loving father should be. Read it and take note, should you have need to pen a similar dispatch in the future.

Note: Jordan was gracious enough to invite me on his show in September, after the publication of Dear Austin. That interview is posted and can be heard on this site.

from Jordan Rich, WBZ Radio Boston

“David Perkins expresses so poignantly what so many parents feel. It was an honor sharing the story of Dear Austin with my listeners, many of whom commented that the interview moved them to better communicate with their children. The book inspired me to write a letter to my 18-year old son, one of the most important letters I will ever compose. From one Dad to another, thank you David.”

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A special offer is currently available to followers of our Facebook page. From now until Christmas, you will enjoy a generous discount on the paperback edition of Dear Austin – A Letter To My Son, as well as two FREE digital bonus books. Click below to see complete details on our Facebook page. Select the “Holiday Sale” tab when you get to Facebook. Thanks for visiting, and Happy Holidays to everyone!