The War Against Parents

For listeners with the time and interest, this 12-hour program is a moving reflection of the broad sensibilities of the two authors and the seriousness of their topic. Both are acclaimed academic writers with popular books under their belts, and the flow of stories and broad insights is highly relevant to parenting in today's X-rated world. Parents don't get enough support from our political and social institutions, the authors say, and they make this argument with a cross section of historical notes and personal vignettes that are seamlessly written. The narrators are excellent for this material, which in less capable hands would probably lose all but the most zealous listeners. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

February 1, 2001
In an unusual partnership, economist Hewlett and African American and religious studies professor West offer their views about and solutions to a society that, in their view, does not value or support parents. Beginning with detailed accounts of their own diverse yet surprisingly similar backgrounds in Wales and inner-city America, respectively, the authors provide historical information about families who were well supported in the 1950s and 1960s. In the late 1960s and 1970s, however, political, economic, and societal changes led to the demise of the solid family structure. According to the authors, several factors, including television, divorce, and taxes, are to blame. West and Hewlett advise political and cultural environments to embrace families and that a "Parents' Bill of Rights" be implemented. Read in tandem by Marguerite Gavin and Lloyd James, this insightful book provides much food for a diverse audience interested in any aspect of family and its relationship to society.--Susan McCaffrey, Haslett H.S., MI

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.