Dear Austin: A Letter To My Son

by David M. Perkins

Leaving home; for college, for military service, or for a job. It's a milestone in the life of almost every child - and a bittersweet crossroads for almost every parent. What you say to your child at this critical moment, and how you say it, can be a welcome catharsis for you, as a parent, and a lifelong gift to your child. The letter in this book is how David Perkins chose to say goodbye to his son as he left for college. He does not hold it up as a template, or even as an example, for others. He only wants you to know that it made this important rite of passage easier for him to navigate. How his son feels about it may not be known for some time.

40 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2010

About the author

David M. Perkins was born and raised in Texas and lives in Los Angeles. He spent three decades in motion picture and television post-production. He is a member of the Writers Guild of America and has written under contract for Columbia Pictures Television.

He is the author of on LIFE: Rants, Tributes and Lessons Learned in No Particular Order and other nonfiction. Cleanin’ Up is his first Texas-set crime novel.

Reviews

[Missie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm one of those poor unfortunate souls with serious 'daddy issues'. Growing up, I worshiped my father. So when he had an affair, it not only destroyed my mother, it also devastated me. Since then, our relationship has not been easy, and for many years we didn't speak.

Because of my deeply rooted reservations about father figures, I found that reading Dear Austin was like an awakening for me. What Perkins bravely and unabashedly admitted to his son and the way he encouraged him, with meaningful, thoughtful words, was very moving. It was the type of letter I didn't realize I had longed for from my own father, especially since when I left for college, we weren't communicating at all.

I really couldn't help relating the letter to my own experiences, and at least feeling grateful that I did have a wonderful, supportive mother. Still, the ache and, if I'm being honest with myself, jealousy of not having my father around when I know there are plenty of fathers out there that do make every effort to be the kind of role model and caring parent their children deserve filled me with equal parts of sadness and hope.

Dear Austin – A Letter To My Son is a beautiful and touching letter from father to son; one in which I could feel the spirit of love soaring through the pages. The letter, which includes many family pictures, made me cry but also make me smile.

I'm not a parent yet, but despite my shortcoming and apprehensions, I hope to be one someday, and Perkins' letter to his son offered me a comfort I can not repay, one of encouragement and strength.

I'd like to offer Mr. Perkins my sincerest gratitude for allowing me to review Dear Austin. The personal feelings shared through the letter were very memorable.

http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/0...

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giveaway for this book on my blog until 12/20/10
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

Dear Austin: A Letter to My Son is just what the title says it is - a letter author David M. Perkins wrote to his son Austin. This is a really quick read. Just 56 pages with lots of pictures. I think it only took me about 15 mintues to read through.

I really enjoyed reading through this letter. Filled with words of advice, encouragement and love from a father to his son. I wish I had a letter like this from my mother who passed away several years ago. This book made me decide to write a letter like this one to each of my children when they leave home.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare gems that I am so honored to have had the pleasure of reading.
Thank you David for sending it to me. It warmed my heart.
This is a book that every parent, whether a mom or dad, should buy for their growing teen. It may be one mans' words to his own child, but it is what every parent feels for their child. That undescribable bond that only a parent and child can share, the author conveys in the most beautiful way.
I am passing this book onto my 15 year old. I hope he knows I love him as much as David to Austin.
I hope you get your copy too, and share with the one you love.

[Karen Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book. I am so ready to write one for my kids!