Mommy Life

March 8, 2010 10:21 AM

Questions about my books

I would really like to read your books, but I'm not sure which one to read first. How are The Mommy Manual and The Mommy Survival Guide different?

Thanks for asking, Erin -

The Mommy Manual is more substantive. It might help to show the Table of Contents:

THE MOMMY MANUAL

Planting Roots That Give Your Children Wings

Contents

Preface

Planting Roots and Growing Wings

Part 1: Treasures

Keys to Joyful Motherhood

Observation
Understanding
Example
Flexibility
Confidence

Keys to Joyful Childhood

Sensitive Periods
Independence
Order
Self-Control
Concentration

Part 2: Measures

The Keys to Gracious Service
.
Small Beginnings
Team Work
Delegation
Housework
Hearts to Serve

The Keys to Gracious Character

Gratitude
Respect
Accountability
Contrition
Generosity

Part 3: Pleasures

The Keys to Our Cultural Heritage .

Reading 0-2
Reading 2-5
Reading 5-7
Movies
Culture

Keys to a Family Heritage

Unity
Traditions
Celebrations
Hospitality
Faith

Roots and Wings - A Second Look

The Mommy Survival Guide is lighter in tone, and reads like my blog (in fact some of the material originated here), with lots of bits and pieces thrown in:

The Mommy Survival Guide

Table of Contents

The sooner you surrender, the better.
I Used to Be Normal
Making Peace with Sleep Deprivation
First Baby Blues
It's Their House Too
It Came to Pass, Not to Stay

Kids will be kids. Let them.
Digging Holes
New Baby Blues
Keeping Kids Busy
It's Okay to Win or Lose
The Truth about Boys and Girls

A little bit of Mommy goes a long way.
Say It with Stories
Raising Kids with Self Control
Steps to Healthy Communication
Get a Grip on Sibling Rivalry
What They Really Need is Jesus

Less is more. Really.
No Time to Be Choosy
Back to Basics - Toywise
Bringin' 'Em Up with the Be's
A Worn-Out Welcome
Some Things Are Better Left Undone

When the going gets tough, just keep going.
Be Prepared for Miracles
Helping Kids Make Sense of Disasters
Desperate Motherhood
Making a Fresh Start
Getting out of God's Way

Anything can happen - but God will be there too.
Least Likely to Succeed as Doormat
Adoption: Reflection of the Divine
The Wrong Good-Bye
Mothers in the Hands of a Merciful God
Moms Matter Most

When I'm thinking about buying a book, I always read the customer reviews at Amazon. Reading the positive and the negative ones too helps me make a good decision.

Don't just go by the number of stars, but do read the actual reviews. Sometimes the negative ones are actually positive for certain demographics. For instance, my Mommy, Teach Me books have some negative reviews from readers who were offended by my mentioning God too often. I'm glad those are there to help others who don't want to mix God with their parenting or homeschooling so they don't waste their money on my books. But reading those reviews might convince another reader that that's exactly what she is looking for.

I invite anyone considering my books to read all the reviews at Amazon first. You can buy them from me and I will send them autographed. Or buy them from Amazon which is cheaper - because to tell you the truth, authors have to buy our own books from the publishers for around half price - which is more than Amazon pays.

I also invite anyone who wants to share with Erin what they think about these books.

Love,

Posted in Books, Mothering | Permalink

Comments

I LOVE the Mommy Manual. It was my first Barbara Curtis book and I have reread it a couple of times. Later, I purchased Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read! and use both of them as well.

Posted by: Crystal | March 8, 2010 1:45 PM

I was remarking just the other day that I always look *most* at negative reviews before buying a product or doing business with a company. The negative reviews show you what people didn't like, and that helps you decide if it's something you wouldn't like, too! (My husband also pointed out that sometimes, though I'm sure not with your books, companies post fake positive reviews for themselves. Negative reviews are more likely to be genuine!)

Posted by: Michelle Potter | March 8, 2010 1:49 PM

Thank you so much for explaining!! I am going to order The Mommy Manual from you. :)

Posted by: Erin | March 8, 2010 2:12 PM

Post a comment