Man Shoes

Yesterday morning, after taking my daughter to school I arrived home to a package on my doorstep.  Inside this package was a book.  A beautiful, hard cover, signed copy of Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband, and Father, by Tom Watson. 

Now admittedly, my first thought was that I wasn't sure just how relevant this book would be to me.  Sure, I'm a wife, and a daughter, but wouldn't this be so geared towards men that it wouldn't apply to me?  I was worried it would read as your average self-help book and speak more of business and sports than little old stay at home mom, me, might care to read.  Cautiously, I opened the book and read the Foreword, which is written by Pat Williams, Senior Vice-President of The Orlando Magic.  Seeing that, I thought for sure that despite the practical advice I'd heard this book contained, that this book would not be for me.  Sports?  Me?  Oh, no, no, no.  I figured I would just read those first few pages, and go on with my daily chores around the house, before reading a few chapters here and there over the next week or so, so that I might give my opinions on the book.

Let me tell you though, that from the first paragraph of the Foreword, I was hooked.  I simply could not put this book down.  Housework would be there later, I had to devour this book from cover to cover.  And so I did, I sat on the couch with my three year old snuggled up against me, and I read for two hours.  Only stopping every now and then to playfully kiss my daughter's little nose or tickle her belly.

The first page of the Prologue written by Tom Watson, had me smiling.  The next few pages, had me laughing and nodding with understanding, as he explained how and why each chapter of this book, and each chapter of his life have been influenced somehow by his love of music.  Each chapter begins with a lyric that sets the tone for the life lessons, experience, and pearls of wisdom that Mr. Watson bestows upon the reader. 

Each chapter of the book shares a chapter of Mr. Watson's life, a glimpse into his past and what made him the man he is today.  He uses these stories of his past, to explain how he gained the knowledge that he shares, and why he feels things like making family a priority, creating and continuing traditions, and taking responsibility seriously are so important.  These things are already important to me and it was refreshing to read a man talking so fondly of his family and everything that was so important to him.  Things that much more often, I only hear from other women.  It was nice to read a man's perspective and it gave me some valuable insight as a wife and daughter.

Now, I do want to point out that faith and God are important to the author, and there are religious tones in the book. However, they are not overpowering.  I found this book easy to breeze through because the author's writing style is just like he's talking to you over a cup of coffee. Warm, bright, and friendly.

This book made me laugh, smile so big that my cheeks hurt, and on many occasions moved me to tears.  A simple tear escaping here and there, and full on sobbing that I had to try to hide from my sweet baby who might think something was truly wrong if she saw.  This is a very emotional read, and I recommend keeping tissues nearby.  This man has been through so much in his life.  Things that no one should ever have to go through, and things that happen every day--but tear our hearts into pieces...and despite everything that could have sent him spiraling into the darkness, he has chosen to see light.  To see love.  To see that he has value and can make a difference in the lives of those around him, simply by choosing to.  The power of choice.  That is an important lesson for everyone to learn, not just men.  Everyone.  We all have a choice.  We might not be able to control everything that is thrown at us in our lives, but we can choose how to react.  We can choose to learn, to grow, to empower ourselves, and uplift those around us. 

I want to thank Tom Watson for having the courage to wear his Man Shoes, and to share his journey in life with me through his book.  This was an incredible book to read, and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read it.  I cannot recommend this book enough.

Right now, if you like the Man Shoes page on Facebook, you can receive a chapter of this amazing read sent to your email (but be warned, you will probably need tissues, and then you will *need* to read the rest of this book!).  Also, if you check the Facebook page, you will find a Sweepstakes with the chance to win a Kindle, that comes with a digital copy of Man Shoes, ready for you to read and enjoy, so be sure to enter! 


So now that hopefully your interest in this book is piqued, how would you like the chance to win a copy for yourself? 

One lucky reader, will win a copy of Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband, and Father, by Tom Watson.

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me one of your favorite traditions.  Growing up, or as an adult with your own family.  Feel free to share a tradition you'd like to start someday instead.

Extra Entries:

-Like Man Shoes on Facebook.

-Follow Tom Watson on Twitter @yourbetterlife.

-Tweet the following and leave me the link to your tweet.

I just entered to win a copy of #ManShoes @FlipFlopReviews!  This is a #MustRead.  Interested?  Enter here: http://www.flipflopreviews.blogspot.com

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews (publicly) on Google Friend Connect. If you already follow us, great, let us know.

-Like Flip Flop Reviews on Facebook.

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews with Networked Blogs. (check the sidebar)

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews on Twitter @FlipFlopReviews.

-Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in a comment.

-Leave a relevant comment on another blog post here at Flip Flop Reviews.

-Enter one of our other current giveaways and let me know which one you entered. (Feel free to leave one comment for each giveaway entered)

This giveaway will end on 9/30/2011 at 8pm EST. Any entries after that will not count. Please make sure that you leave an email address or some way to contact you in your comments. If we can't figure out how to get in touch with you, you can't win! :o) Good luck! 

*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of this review through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!