Straight Talk to Men: Timeless Principles for Leading Your Family

by James C. Dobson

In this classic work on the biblical roles and responsibilities of a man, Dr. James Dobson shares timeless wisdom you can use as a husband and father. A deeper understanding of God's perspective on manhood will help you provide stability and leadership in your home—and ultimately enjoy the benefits of a family that pleases

Genres: Christian, Parenting, Marriage, Nonfiction, Family, Religion, Relationships

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

A licensed psychologist and marriage, family, and child counselor, Dr. James Dobson was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For 14 years Dr. Dobson was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and he served for 17 years on the attending staff of Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development.

He was the author of more than 50 books, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Night Light: A Devotional for Couples, Bringing Up Boys, and the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls .

Heavily involved in influencing governmental policies related to the family, Dr. Dobson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Health and Human Services' Panel on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and the Commission on Child and Family Welfare. He was elected in 2008 to the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009 received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reviews

[Dave Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The more I read Dobson's books, the less I am impressed with him. I hate that, but it's true. This book was okay, but there was little in it that was important enough to warrant a whole book. It almost seems like Dobson thought the same, because there are many portions of the book that were just added as filler to increase the page count. I skipped those segments. There's even a whole chapter in here about dogs--I'm serious! And at the end of that chapter there is a paragraph where Dobson asks, "Why did I add a chapter about dogs?" Yeah...so you know why I'm critical now, huh? "To show that a man can feel and love and enjoy." What?! Well...you could have just SAID that. I didn't need a whole chapter (don't worry, I didn't read it anyway).

There are a couple of good nuggets in here, especially the outline he gives of the principles you want to raise your kids by. I bookmarked that page and I'll be coming back to that periodically. But this seems like it could be an 80 page book. And it seems like the old editor was fired and the new editor with no experience was overseeing this one. I'll skip any more Dobson books, I think.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few valuable nuggets that made this book worth reading - but instead of "straight talk," I found it to be "rambling thoughts." There was an excess of 'skim' material - fluff that added little value to the book, and at times it wasn't clear that the audience was men, as the title suggests. I picked up this book, given by a friend many years ago, in consideration of using it with a men's small group that I lead. After reading it, I decided to go in a different direction.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Dobson that I actually liked. I studied this with some guys so it was very helpful. I think I want to read it again in the future.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing earth-shattering but it does reenforce some important topics...

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at how well I enjoyed it.

[Martha Mervy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love Dr James Dobson books. You gotta read it even if ur a women/single mom. Bought it for my DH, but he never reads it. How sad.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advice offered here is nothing new. I felt it was aimed more at married men, than single men.

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book wasn't exactly what I hoped for, that is, it didn't speak to me about what I wanted to hear, it was impossible not to be blessed. Timeless principles for leading your family. There's a reason why this book has sold a million + copies. It's excellent.

I would have enjoyed it more if Dr Dobson dealt with issues of one-sidededness in the relationship. Okay, so I'm doing all I can, what if my wife isn't. My wife and I are doing our best but the children have gone off the rails anyway. Examples like that. The author makes a lot of assumptions, but again, it's pretty hard to argue with the truth.

I recognize truth in the pages of this book. I do believe God designed the family unit as the cornerstone of society and I accept Dr Dobson's view that 'modern' thinking has eroded the family. His writing style is warm, personal, and relatable. I loved how much he treasured his relationship with his father, and how that relationship underpins his philosophy on family relationships and the practical outworkings of his beliefs. It's a great book.

[Caleb C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading one of Dr. Dobson's books. I look forward to reading more of his work.
I was expecting something different in this one though. I expected it to be more of like a devotional, when it was more of a memoir I would say. Towards the middle and the end of the book it got better, and there were truths I could take and apply from the book. The beginning was more memories, and ramblings, might have been why it took me so long to finish this. I did skip the chapter about animals, I just felt that was relevant to what I needed.
I will look to read his work in the future and suggest his depending on what you are looking for.
My condolances to his family and friends as he just passed away and his faith is now sight.

[Will Hartmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good principles with tie ins to the Bible, but lacks depth often and can oversimplify. From a more rational time in Dobson's career, it seems. In recent years, he seems to have gone off the rails.

[Michael Stoudt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a Christmas present, and I am glad I read this book. Dr. Dobson presents a clear picture of what it means to be a Christian man.
I feel that reading this now is preparing me for what God has in store for 2024, just as He's been preparing me throughout 2023.

[Matt Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for a man with young kids or soon to be starting a family. The book motivates you to be a strong Christian leader of your family.

[Cliff Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant and very informative for men

An excellent book for husbands and especially for fathers. Dr. Dobson amplifies the need for men to look at their lives in light of being available for your children and your wife. He reminds us that we only have a few short years to sow into our children. Time that we can never get back. Excellent book. Thank you Dr. Dobson