First of all, I'm not a parent, but I work with kids. If neither of those are true for you, there's not enough here to make it worth your while--get a book on attachment theory instead if you want to understand your latent anger at your lousy parents.

I found myself muttering, "OK Boomer" at all the anecdata and groundless assertions. Seriously, there's a dramatized argument between a 60-year-old man and his 22-year-old son over a leather jacket that is the most Boomer-vs.-Gen Z thing ever. And of course, the two recognize and vocalize their feelings and save their relationship (though who will get the jacket?! Inquiring minds want to know). Perry truly believes that "all you need is love" and doesn't have much scholarly research to back her recommendations up. There is a bibliography at the end of the book with a few peer-reviewed articles, more mainstream parenting books, and several sketchy self-published sources. Her advice seems most applicable to people like herself--well-to-do urban dwellers who don't have to do shift work and can hire au pairs and babysitters to help. She only alludes to abuse once in the entire book. And her solution to financial problems caused by high housing costs? "I believe that, while we wait for the politicians to rectify this unfairness, perhaps the previous generation could help out new parents financially as well as emotionally." So.... new parents can expect a check from you, Philippa?

Three stars because I don't wish my parents had read this book, but I don't wish they hadn't either.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

An interesting concept and certainly helpful. Some of the information is repetitive if, like me, you read in this milieu often. Still, it is a well written, helpful book and worthy of a look!