Blue Like Play Dough

The more I talk to other dads, the more I realize that my experiences as a dad are not that unique. What I feel, whether that be pride or frustration, is common to those who live with small children. My feelings were affirmed even more when I read Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer.

This book is written primarily for moms. The recommendations in the front cover are all by women, and the way the book is promoted obviously has a female audience in mind. So, when I began to read it I thought that I would not really enjoy it that much. I'm a guy afterall. But I was wrong. Though every story is from a mom's point of view, I believe the book touches on issues and feelings any parent must deal with - when to let go, the tension between personal time and making sure enough time is spent with the kids, how to talk to your kids about hard topics, and making decisions with family in mind and not just with you in mind.

The most refreshing part of this book is its honesty. Goyer's story is raw and hard to swallow, but she presents it with vulnerability, sensitivity, and even humor. She is a reminder that just because we are parents does not mean we have it all figured out. All we can do is trust God to continue to shape us in to what he wants us to be - like play dough in the hands of a child.

*The biggest weakness of the book is its title. Many will see it and instantly think it is a play off of Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller - well, it is. But the two books could not be any more different. I was quick to judge this book by its cover, but I will also be quick to recommend it because it proved me completely wrong.