cover image More Lunch Bag Notes: Everyday Advice from a Dad to His Son

More Lunch Bag Notes: Everyday Advice from a Dad to His Son

Al Parisi. Loyola Press, $13.95 (229pp) ISBN 978-0-8294-2171-2

This sequel to Al Parisi's Lunch Bag Notes: Everyday Advice from a Dad to His Daughter follows the same winning, folksy format as the original, presenting actual daily notes that Parisi tucked into his son's lunch bag. Much of the advice is pragmatic and motivational: Parisi tells his son to be persistent and have a positive attitude, to get plenty of rest and to learn a new word every day. He also explores ethical and theological themes, drawing from Catholic belief and practice in ways that will welcome, and not alienate, readers from other faith traditions. As Parisi's epistles carry his son through the tumult of a sophomore year in high school during which the boy learns to drive, breaks up with a girlfriend and juggles heavy responsibilities, parents will come to see the importance of communication and daily connection with their teens. Every other page provides questions for reflection or discussion, along with space to journal. (Aug.)