Apr. 28, 2008 - Book Review -- Homeschool Success Stories by Linda Dobson
Book Review
Homeschool Success Stories by Linda Dobson
While I am fascinated by the undeniable facts presented in this book; revealing highly successful products of the homeschool lifestyle, I must admit I finished the book only from sheer force of the Spring Reading Thing. I started out fascinated, as Ms. Dobson explained her criteria for selection and chronicled the lives of many famous Americans who were, at least in part, homeschooled. I read through the entire first half of the book in one very late evening while my husband was traveling last week. However, mid-way through the book I began noticing an unsettling trend. Several entries in a row were children involved in divorce. Perhaps six out of the twenty. Another six out of the twenty were only homeschooled for very brief periods, leaving questions about the true influence of homeschooling on their success! It seemed as though a large percentage of the twenty were focused on unschooling as "the only method" or came from a very liberal heritage. Perhaps I just got tired of the idea; but I found the last ten or twelve entries to be less then inspiring. The concept of this book is excellent. I would love to have a well done book like this to share with family and friends who are skeptics -- if I could find a nice way to ask them to read it without implying that they should homeschool themselves. I don't actually try to convince anyone to homeschool; but it bothers me to know those closest to me think I am doing my children a disservice. It shouldn't bother me, but it does. I would like to see a newer book; with a more fair balance between styles, and political leanings, and at least one more family whose highest aspiration is to raise children who love God. On one hand, I felt this book set too high of standards; and on the other hand I felt the standards were not set high enough. I guess it all comes from your definition of success!
This one is going back to the used bookstore for credit! I'm glad I read it; but I just don't have space on my overflowing shelves.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
