Love, Dad: Letters of Faith to My Children by Herbert Brokering. Epiphany-OviedoELCA library section 12 D: Teen, Fiction. This is a collection of letters the author has written to his grown-up children, but they can be enjoyed by all teens and adult children. The letters are divided into intriguing sections. Part 1, “Here’s a Place You’ll Like” discusses home, secret places, a good rocking chair, and other good places. Part 2, “There’s Someone I Want You to Meet,” discusses people who influence us – our parents, grandparents, teachers, church members, mentors. Part 3, “Have Fun Along the Way,” advises his kids to enjoy themselves, learn when and how to kick back, and not take themselves or life too seriously. Part 4, “I Know the Feeling,” is about sorrow, hope, happiness, forgiveness, fear, and memories. Part 5, “I Have Faith in You,” is where this father encourages his kids to live up to their good name, to reflect God’s light, to stir up the father’s admiration, and to forgive their father for his mistakes or failures of parenting.
Not all of us have parents who are this verbal! Or understanding. And since we do not, this book is marvelous for teens. As they are formulating who they are, what they believe in, what they stand for, and what they want to do with their lives, this book offers them solace, guidance, an understanding voice, and wise encouragement. It’s in the teen fiction section of the library, but adult children will find it excellent reading too, especially if you have lost your father or your father is, or was, unable to verbalize his love for you. ( )