I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Rick Johnson is the founder of Better Dads, a fathering skills program designed to equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children and he writes from the experience of a less-than-adequate father turned "super dad" following his conversion to Christ. Johnson shares his own failings, fears and weaknesses as a challenge to other dads to encourage them that they, too, can and should be more diligent about their fathering. The book is full of practical advice mixed with godly wisdom and would make a great gift to any father young or old, especially for that dad who feels overwhelmed or under-equipped for the task of spiritually leading his family.

Johnson addresses pretty much all areas of concern for a man. He deals with the importance of fathers bonding with their children, especially the need for an older man to bond with a younger man - he argues that true manhood is something that is caught by being in the presence of men, not something that a woman can teach and definitely not something that the culture is promoting or endorsing. Johnson also deals with the issues of sex and the important role that the father plays in this issue as well as discipline. Johnson is seeking to help fathers produce men of honor...not simply successful by the world's standards, but successful by God's standard - men who live by a code of honor that is greater than themselves and are willing to pay the price necessary to achieve "greatness." Johnson was one of those worldly successes who found that when he reached the top of the ladder, it was leaning against the wrong building - but he has changed directions and now is not only a successful husband and father, but a mentor and equipper of others!

At a time when there is a renewed emphasis on the importance of Fathers, BETTER DADS, STRONGER SONS provides an excellent guide for anyone who would like to have a part in helping to build a generation of stronger young men. By following the Biblical principles and practical applications outlined here, parenting can become a more exciting and less formidable role for every man who is a father. While much of the material will not be new to those who have sought guidance in parenting, Rick Johnson presents it in a dynamic format that inspires follow-up.

His list of "The Top Ten Mistakes that Fathers Make" is enlightening. It includes not only the expected "Giving too little time" but also "Forgetting to have fun" and "Being complacent and passive." Johnson covers many other topics that often are avoided or given the scripture treatment: i.e. the Bible says don't do, so don't do it. He discusses sex, respect, and the importance of showing love toward the boy's mother.

Each chapter is filled with examples, inserted highlights and Biblical references, and is followed by several suggestions for reflection and application. Used as a guide, these are sure to trigger more ideas that a man could develop to meet his own situation. For example, in the chapter "Making a Noble Man," one of the suggestions is to "Tell your son what you think makes a man. Ask him what character traits he thinks are manly." A follow-up might be to rent several "guy" movies and discuss whether the heroes were manly or simply macho.

Rick Johnson not only has written a timely book, he also founded Better Dads, an organization dedicated to equipping men to be better fathers. He delivers training workshops to businesses, churches and schools. Like many in the field, the author lived his subject. He was raised in a chaotic home where he did not get the fathering he needed. As a result, he spent his early adulthood trying to fill that void with drugs, alcohol and looking for love in all the wrong places. His epiphany came with the birth of his first son, and with God's help he has become devoted to forging a better path for future generations.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ. who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.bookreporter.com and www.womenonwriting.com. To contact Maggie, e-mail Magster2@cox.net.