I almost didn't make it through this book because it starts off by telling you to take time for yourself and the author explains how her mom paid for her to have a sitter in the afternoons so she could sit at a girlfriend's and decompress, or how her husband would bathe the kids every night. I liked the later chapters better, but didn't hit any epiphanies. Maybe my expectations are too high for these books.

With a sense of humor and openness that only an experienced mother can portray, Kay Willis makes this parenting book fun to read. She's been there, done that, and somehow makes a reader feel that it's something she'd do again (parent another child) if given the opportunity.

I read it at a low time in my relationship with my teens and immediately felt lifted--that the things we deal with are universal to raising of kids. She really empowered me as a mother to feel that I'm doing well and that despite my best efforts life will not always be rosey. We must just keep plugging away and that sometimes what we think as a tough situation can be better handled with a different persective. I only wish she had a "Dear Kay" column!

I thought this was a wonderful book, I enjoyed it very much. What set it apart for me is that it's a book about BEING a parent, not how to parent. It doesn't tell you how to raise your kids. It's about how parents feel and how we can feel better. It was one of the few parenting books I've read that is more likely to relieve guilt than create it.

This book has no preachy advice; the author is truly respectful of individual differences and, having raised 10 kids herself, she's nothing if not realistic. She talks a lot about "attitude and atmosphere" and how the way we feel as parents affects those things. Along that central theme the book is filled with encouragement and food for thought. She really tries to uplift parents, encourage them to enjoy the ride and offers frequent reminders of the rewards of the job.

The text is broken up by anecdotes from the author, her children and others, and quotes borrowed from everything from the Farmer's Almanac to Confucius. I pick the book up often for a shot in the arm of inspiration. The anecdotes alone could be read "Chicken Soup" style.

Best of all, perhaps, the book is an easy read. It is written in a light tone. It's short, direct, and formatted for brief reading sessions (which is all most parents really get!).

I Really liked the author and could identify with her, but she never really said how she got so much energy all of a sudden and what made her stop her obsession with food. She seems to just keep repeating that she has all this energy, but from where did it come from all of a sudden.

This book should be in the self-help, motivational section of every bookstore. I laughed, cried and was thoroughly uplifted as I read this wonderful book. I will be giving many copies of this book to friends and relatives as gifts. Tamara Hill has been there, done that, which sets her worlds apart from so many others who have authored books and produced videos on weight loss and fitness but in reality have never had a weight problem. Tamara's mission to help others is truly a commendable attribute. This book has motivated me to adopt a healthier lifestyle and to like myself just as I am which I found from reading this book is so neccessary for success as I continue this journey to better health and less weight. I believe this book will have a positive impact on the epidemic of obesity which is plaguing this country, improving quality of life and cutting huge amounts spent on health care due to obesity related diseases and medical problems. I recommend everyone read this informative, inspirational book. I agree with Gay Norton Edelman of McCall's Magazine, "Tamara Hill has unlocked the secret of real, long-term health and happiness. Dump all your other weight-loss books-this is the only one you'll need."

WONDERFUL! LOVED THIS BOOK! TAMARA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION. THEN GIVES YOU THE COURAGE AND KNOWLEDGE TO GET STARTED LOOSING WEIGHT FOR YOURSELF! I'M READY TO START A GROUP IN MY HOMETOWN.

(by E.M. Singer, author of "Mother Flies Hurricanes.)This woman spares no punches. Jackie may have been many things to many people, but she never was (and never could be) self-effacing and passive! You've got to admire her determination in pulling herself out of the desperate poverty of her youth to achieve her dreams. Love her or hate her, (there really was no middle ground) the WASP program would never have gotten off the ground without her. For more recommendations on books about women pilots and the part they played in WWII, go to the motherflieshurricanes.com website.