"Success is the product of proper preparation and opportunity. It's my job to make sure you're properly prepared for life. God brings forth opportunity."
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Daddy Loves You: Whispers of Wisdom from a Father's Heart by Michael J. Hervey, II M.D. also by Dewon M. Chaney, Gyasi C. Chisley, M.H.A., M.B.A.,
Christoher Evans, M.B.A., Robert Lomax, Jr.,
Wesley E. Porter III, M.S., and William Sellers IV Trafford Publishing
book review by John E. Roper
Successful parenting is no picnic. In addition to providing for the important external needs of children such as food, shelter, safety, and education, conscientious moms and dads must also make countless decisions on how to train their offspring in social, moral, and religious areas. Desiring to inspire other parents to teach and nurture their children, the author has teamed up with several of his friends to offer readers the words of wisdom that they, as fathers, have whispered over the years to their own little ones to help guide their lives.
Beautifully illustrated with paintings by Arizona illustrator Frances A. Gomez, Hervey's slim book at first appears to have been written just for children. However, after the first page or so it becomes obvious that while the book might appeal to young ones to flip through, the maximum effectiveness of the words will probably only be achieved if a dad reads them to his child. Topics include fatherly wisdom on love, being happy, loving yourself, and advice specifically targeted to either sons or daughters. While the majority of the thoughts come from the fathers themselves, a few are quotes from men like Aristotle, Malcolm X, or anonymous authors.
Part of the magic of this book is that while the individual authors other than ones quoted are not identified, there is still a sense of several different personalities blending their unique voices and life outlooks into a harmonious whole. Much of the unity is achieved through Gomez's soft and peaceful illustrations that effectively accompany the text. The end result is a book filled with warmth, wisdom, hope, and, most importantly, love.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review