Rockstar Grandparent, by Chrys Howard

As my 19-year-old son reminded me recently, it won't be too long before he graduates from college, then he might get married, and, shortly, he and his presumed future wife will make my wife and me grandparents!  Slow that bus down, brother!  But he's right; time marches on.  Fortunately for him and for my wife and me, he has terrific grandparents.  We only need to look to them for examples.  But it doesn't hurt to hear from others who have been there before.  That's where Chrys Howard comes in.  In Rockstar Grandparent: How You Can Lead the Way, Light the Road, and Launch a Legacy, she tells great stories and offers guidance for grandparents (and future grandparents, like me).

In case you don't recognize her name, Mrs. Howard is part of the extended Duck Dynasty family.  She is Korie Robertson's mother, Sadie Roberton's grandmother.  I have never actually seen the show (I know, I know) but apparently she appears on the show regularly.  She certainly has the good humor and deep faith for which the family has become famous.  In Rockstar Grandparent, she names each chapter after a popular rock song of her youth, cleverly using the lyrics as a springboard into grandparenting wisdom and anecdotes.

This reminder captures her attitude toward being a grandparent: "I'm sharing all this to say, again, to all you grandparents out there, you have the greatest job ever!  You are the link to the past that your grandchildren need in their lives.  The past is what gives our present and future a sense of security and purpose."  Much of her activity as a grandmother is designed to build memories and a legacy with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Howard is very honest about some of the hard parts of her life as 2 Mama.  (There's a cute story behind that name, of course!)  Her kids have not been perfect spouses and parents (whose have?) but she has been able to be a consistent, positive force in their lives.  Part of the ongoing success of their family has to be their shared faith in Christ, and their shared lives.  Most of the extended family lives close by, and many attend church together every week.  That shared faith and community, along with Howard's commitment to building a legacy in her family, is worth emulating for any grandparent (and future grandparent).


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!