Papa's Pearls Book Review (A Schoolhouse Crew Review)

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Everyone has one. A character in the family who has led a life that begs the writing of a book. For me that person was my my beloved Momma,who often offered up wise words, such as, “there’s always peanut butter” (when I complained about what she cooked for dinner), “look it up” (when I asked for the spelling or definition of a word), and “just 10 minutes, Marcy,” (her plea for a respite from my incessant talking).

For author, Diane Flynn Keith, that character was her father — Papa.

I recently received Diane’s delightful memoir, Papa’s Pearls: A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren, for review.

About the Book:
Papa’s Pearls: A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren tells the story of how the author’s father, whom she called “Papa,” transformed his own life as a Depression Era street kid on the fast track to prison, to become the archetype of a successful self-made man and loving father.

Papa was a man of few words, but he summed up the insights he gleaned from his life experiences (learned through the school of hard knocks) in little pearls of truth that he casually, but purposefully, imparted to his children and grandchildren.

My Review:

Papa’s Pearls is a combination memoir, biography and book of wisdom. Carol Joseph Flynn, “Papa” to the author, is one of those ordinary people who end up living extraordinary lives by taking the circumstances of life and turning them into golden opportunities for learning. And even more importantly, taking those lessons learned and turning them into little bite-sized nuggets of wisdom to pass along to his family.

Papa had quite a way with words, but more importantly, he set an incredible example for his children and grandchildren by walking the talk. I found many lessons throughout that can easily be applied to our own family. Several parts of the book became lunchtime read-aloud time for Ben, as we shared in learning about Papa’s depression-era upbringing, including some delinquent behavior — incidents that would ultimately lead to Papa serving with the Civilian Conservation Core, where he learned the value of hard work and later became a successful business owner.

Throughout Papa’s life, he found ways to live a life of gratitude and pass that character trait onto his children. His life is a beautiful example of how any life can be redeemed from a questionable past, and ultimately end in a legacy our children can be proud of.

Each of the 17 chapters (112 pages) is highlighted by one of more of Papa’s little pearls of wisdom, with a story to go along for how the saying came to be, or how he used it to teach a lesson to his kids. I found myself smiling at some, laughing out loud at a few, and occasionally tearful. The author’s obvious love and admiration for her father is both touching and inspiring.

An autographed copy of Papa’s Pearls can be purchased through the website for $21.97, which includes shipping. It would make a lovely gift for someone special in your own family.

About the Author:
Diane Flynn Keith is first and foremost Papa’s daughter. She was born and raised on the San Francisco Peninsula. She and her husband Cliff live in Redwood City, CA, where they reared their two sons, Nick and Chad.

Diane is an alternative education specialist, parenting coach, and author of the popular book, Carschooling: Over 350 Entertaining Games & Activities to Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time.

Diane is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in education outside the traditional classroom walls. She coaches thousands of parents through her writing, private consultations, speaking engagements, and websites:

PapasPearls.com

Homefires.com

Carschooling.com

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Papa’s Pearls Book Review (A Schoolhouse Crew Review)