Book In Review

Wow!  Can I just tell you what a joy it was to read, Man Shoes-The Journey To Becoming A Better Man, Husband & Father?  It is my privilege to review this book; I believe that the author, Tom Watson, has some real valuable wisdom to offer his readers.   Tom  was born to parents ill prepared to raise a child in a healthy & life affirming way.  He was placed into 13 different foster homes…some of which were little more than a systemic form of a physical & psychological torture chamber. 

Tom was placed into foster care because his Aunt Donna & Uncle Roy found the courage to report the erratic parental care that infant Tom was experiencing.  His parents would drop him off here and there and neglect to pick him up at the times that they agreed to.  At one year of age, he became a foster child because his aunt and uncle found the strength of character to endure family censure by reporting the situation to the proper authorities.  Tom expresses his gratefulness to them for doing so…even though he suffered greatly in multiple foster homes until he came to the place where his body and soul were nurtured.  His life story actually proceeds with joy and gratefulness.

The Watson foster home was Tom’s saving grace.  God appointed guardian angels and guidance counselors, they persevered with young Tom helping him to see that the choices one makes in life has a direct correlation to the outcome of that person’s life. 

I have a strong admiration for the calling that the Watsons had in fostering young children.  My husband and I were foster parents for over 18 years.  I know the challenges, and the rewards, that fostering can bring; not only for the children placed into care, but into those very foster families who make room in their hearts for the neediest and most vulnerable human beings on the planet…children who are unable to protect themselves from abuse and neglect so horrendous that it has the ability to alter their lives forever.  Foster care can also be an amazing opportunity to affect someone’s future forever in a positive and encouraging way. 

Tom’s growth as a person of integrity, love and faith was no accident.  He lives a positive intentional life filled with faith in Jesus Christ.  The individuals who poured time, energy and wisdom into him were saying that he was worth it…that they knew he would become a person of value.   People who invested in Tom’s nurturing are sprinkled throughout Tom’s book; their efforts were intentional.  This is a legacy that is worth reading, absorbing and passing on to others.

Tom doesn’t gloss over the losses in his life, the challenges or the mistakes that he has made.  On the other hand, he doesn’t wallow in the dark places…he acknowledges them and speaks of overcoming those challenges.  I like the mantra that Tom chooses to live by:  “Life is short.  Enjoy it, do something good for the world and love your family”.  Those are some words of wisdom passed down to him by his “father” Mr. Watson. 

Do yourself a favor and read this book…be moved by laughter, tears and the inspiration to enjoy life and to do something good while loving your family.  This is a great book of inspiration…every day in some way, shape or form you have the power to positively impact the lives of others…you will be blessed in a way you’d never expect by choosing to live this way; intentionally.  

Would you like to learn more about Tom Watson and his book?   This is his website address:  Man Shoes  Drop by and tell him that Rainy at  Book In Review sent you…or, if you would be so kind as to “like” his fan page you can follow him on Facebook click here:  Tom’s Facebook Fan Page 

I do need to tell you that I received a review copy of this book in exchange for a review…however, that did NOT guarantee a positive review.  The contents of this book are what ignited my positive review.  I truly loved this book.  It is beautifully created too; the hardcover has a lovely photograph of a father and his child.  The paper pages used are top of the line…and even the end covers show a classy choice in a beautiful blue color.  This book truly was designed with love…it even has a ribbon page marker attached to help you keep your place; if you happen to put the book down before you finish reading it.