Monday, April 28, 2008

Mama Rock. Oh Yes She Does.

Rose Rock has one famous son. But more impressive, she raised 17 children and foster children. So she's super successful. How did she raise all these kids I ask?

She had 10 rules.

And she shares them in this most fantastic book: Mama Rock's Rules (Ten Lessons for Raising a Household of Successful Children). The lovely parent bloggers of Parent Bloggers Network sent me this book to review it. And I must say, even though I'm only a moderate Chris Rock comedy fan, I loved this book. 

Loved. This. Book.

Each rule is broken up into chapters with titles like "I Am Your Mama, Not Your Friend", "Push Unable Off The Table", "Spirituality is Not Just For Sundays" and "Don't Lie Down With Anything You Don't Want To Live With Forever". No nonsense.

Seriously great.

But the included advice and sections are my absolute favorites. In fact, I firmly believe Ms. Rock should put out a tshirt line with some of her one liners. Because I want shirts with Roseisms on them like this:

"Don't Quack Like a (Gangsta) Duck - Unless You Are a (Gangsta) Duck"

"Feed Them and They Will Tell You Everything"

"If They Don't Accept You Because of Your Hair: Don't Be There"

Fantastic.

I don't want to go into too much detail and give anything away, but this is a must read. A fresh, wholesome very direct approach about raising kids. Because, really, when you're raising 17, who has the time to mess around?

And okay, sure, it takes way more than just a book to raise so many successful people. But it's a great read and a great way to think about this all-important job of parenting. As far as I'm concerned, she knows what she's talking about. At least 16 times more than I do. At least.

So it's official. This is officially my favorite Mother's Day gift I've seen so far.  You can buy it here. You can also watch a fun video of an interview with Rose Rock here

Want to win one? Leave a comment here. The Hurricane will draw a winner by Friday morning. And seriously, I hope you win.

27 comments:

Dani said...

That sounds like a book I would love. I am with you on being a Chris Rock fan. I watch him occassionaly. I bet his mama was a stern, but fun loving mama.


dani77_99 AT yahoo DOT com

Panjo Kids said...

Sounds like a good read!

Maren said...

Thanks for introducing me to this book! I look forward to reading it. (Whether I win or not, it's now on my list!)

said...

Yup, I'm adding this one to my wishlist on Amazon too...but hopefully I'll win it. :)

Gina said...

This sounds like such a great read! I'd love to have the opportunity to win it!

Anonymous said...

I heard Rose Rock interviewed on Oprah and Friends radio by Gail King...it was incredible. I knew then and there that I had to read this book! Awesome giveaway!!

Channah said...

This book sounds like a must read! Thanks!

Bree said...

I heard about this book- I'd love to read it!

windycindy said...

Happy Monday! I have read and heard many great things about this book. As a parent of two teenage sons, I could most definitely utilize her book. Please enter me in your drawing.
Thanks very much.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Erin said...

17 kids? 17?
I have 2 and require a large cup of coffee every morning.
I wonder how much coffee she drinks...

With a sparkling review like that who wouldn't want to read this book?

Reiza said...

I've heard such good things about this book. I'd really love to win a copy and check it out. It sounds like something I'd really like.

Ilissa said...

I've seen this book advertised a lot lately and it looks really interesting. She seems to make light of things and makes the situations quite humorous. I'd love to get my hands on this book...and....I'd love to have my name drawn by a hurricane :D How neat would that be? Thank you for the chance!!

Lauren said...

Awesome! I'm adding this to my list. 17? Holy mama!

Mary512 said...

Great giveaway, thanks!

Anonymous said...

would love to win this book. my parents were softies and i'm trying to be more hard nosed about behavior and rules (but more fun and involved). need a little guidance and laughter. thanks!

CJW's folks said...

Wow, I'm proud of her!

Ann said...

I'm seeing more and more reviews of this book and it gets more interesting every time. Count me in, I'm really excited to read this one now! Thanks for the great giveaway!

elizcosta said...

Wow, 17 kids? I watch Everybody Hates CHris all the time and believe the mom was based on his Chris Rock's mom, although she certainly doesn't have 17 kids!

frugallm said...

This book sounds great! I need a good laugh!

Unknown said...

Oooh, this sounds like a fantastic read!! Thanks for sharing!

Bek said...

Those are rules that I can get behind. I always feel a little bit bad that as a white woman raising a black son, I am denying him the wise and wise cracking black grandmother (well, it seems like everyone has one). Finally, one wrote a book...

When I was in uni, Chris Rock came to do a show on campus and almost the whole thing was about her (I thought it was his grandmother). I can see where he got his humor and observational wit from...

Anonymous said...

Looks good!
jenniferhuff[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book

dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

Brooke said...

We are really big Chris Rock fans in our house!

simply kris said...

I need a good read. Thanks for the heads up!

Girl con Queso said...

Bek! You won! Email me at helloqueso at gmail dot com to get your prize!

Chris Worthy said...

Thanks for reviewing this book. I just looked at the excerpt online at Amazon and I think she may be a genius. :)