Life Is Short: Book Reviews
It was September of 2012 when I handed in the manuscript for my first book. Not more than an hour later, I began to wonder if readers would enjoy it. Then we sent it out into the world to find out if anyone was interested in reading and reviewing my baby. I can't tell you how nerve-wracking it was to open the first review...
"I was pulled into the book and couldn't put it down. As a pediatrician and a parent myself, I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun but poignant read-- Benner takes stay at home parenting, actually just parenting in general, to a whole new level."
"Scott's wisdom shines even more as he dives into the moments leading up to Arden's diagnosis..."
"Humorous and witty, this book will leaving you laughing in many places and touched in others."
"His unabashed “dad humor” brings a distinct charm to his writing without being mawkish or overly sentimental."
"... it was a joy to read and I would recommend it to anyone. Seriously, anyone. I can't think of a person who wouldn't enjoy reading this."
"The life lessons he shares are extremely powerful and have inspired me in ways that allow me to be a better mother, wife and person."
"Simultaneously funny, poignant, and tear-jerking..."
"I highly recommend reading Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad. Warning! Once you start, you will not be able to put it down."
"This is not only a great book about being a stay-at-home dad, but it is also a wonderful book about parenting generally.The stories and anecdotes guide you through what it is like to love and care for a child with a serious illness, and then lift parents with encouragement and hope, whatever the parenting challenges they face."
"What sets this book apart and takes it from a fun self-deprecating look at parenting to a moving story you will never forget is the chapter on his daughter Arden’s type-1 diabetes diagnosis."
Today 'Life Is Short' has twenty, five-star reader reviews on Amazon:
"I enjoyed all aspects of this book, it makes you laugh, want to cry and be happy all at the same time."
"This was a fantastic book from start to finish."
"Touching, uplifting read! - I was hooked on the first page!"
"Nothing I can remember has ever touched me more."
"It's one of the best nonfiction books I've ever read."
"Sweet, pithy and naughty - I had to finish it right away."
"The book reads quickly. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it. If this guy plans to continue writing, I look forward to his next work."
"Real, Relatable writing - Scott nails it with very real and relatable writing for everyone."
"A roller coaster ride of emotions, and opens himself and his life in a way that makes you feel you're there with him."
You can click here or go to Amazon to read these and other reviews in their entirety.
'Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-At-Home Dad' is on sale now in paperback and all of your favorite eReader formats.
So...
Long after this crazy week has passed and we get back to talking about type I diabetes... I will always remember how supportive and loving the DOC was to me. I'm never going to be able to thank you all enough for the support that you have shown me as I brought my book to the world. Thank you for reading, and for taking the time to tell a friend. When you share a FaceBook post, retweet a link or tell someone about the book you just read, well, you are doing more than perhaps you can imagine.
I hope today, just as I did last September, that you enjoy what I wrote. If you do, please consider adding your thoughts to iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Canadian Amazon and the rest. Reader reviews are the best and most effective way for 'Life Is Short' to find a wider audience.
My heartfelt gratitude,
Scott
On Sale Now: My first book, 'Life is Short, Laundry Is Eternal'
My first book, 'Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-At-Home Dad' is on sale everywhere that books are sold.
Barnes & Noble - Paperback and NOOK
iBooks - For your iOS devices
Amazon Canada - Paperback and Kindle
Amazon UK - Paperback and Kindle
"I highly recommend reading Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad. Warning! Once you start, you will not be able to put it down." - Cherise Shockley Read More Reviews
Life Is Short: Kindle
Life Is Short for Kindle
Today, my first book became available on Kindle. It will arrive in paperback and on the rest of the eReader formats soon, but today was the first time that someone could actually buy the book and take it with them.
I haven't been able to get up from my desk today because of all of the well wishes, FaceBook posts, tweets and the rest of your outpouring of love and support. I keep saying, "thank you" but those words don't feel like they are enough. This is one of the most wonderful days of my life and it's completely due to all of you. I'm beyond touched.
One of you sat in your car this morning and began to read on your phone, a book on a phone - in a car. So excited to begin reading my book that you sat in a cold car and read on a tiny screen. There are no words to express how that made me feel. No words.
It's a funny line to walk when you write a book. I want you all to like it, but more importantly I want you to feel well served by it. I hope that after you finish reading that the experience feels worth your personal investment and kind support. The words in that book are my only chance to properly say thank you for the time you spend on this blog.
My Best,
Scott
Life Is Short: Amazon
Industrial Steel Saw
An email arrived in my inbox, it was from a guy I worked with at the job I had 13 years ago, back before I became a stay-at-home dad. He was writing to tell me that he pre-ordered my book and wished me success with my writing. His note was wonderful and it opened my eyes to an aspect of the process that I didn't give much thought to, people were going to buy my book and read it. Obviously, that is the hope, but I just imagined that my mom would buy a copy, maybe my brothers. It was difficult to consider any success beyond that.
It felt strange when I read his email. My friend went online, clicked on a few buttons and just like that, bought a book that I wrote. Everything about that thought freaked me out. I felt very responsible all of the sudden because he spent his money on something that I created. I was overwhelmed by his words, they warmed my heart.
Since that day others have ordered, I get really nice tweets, FaceBook messages and other notes from a lot of you saying how excited you are for the book to arrive. The book even charted in the US and Canada as a pre-order a number of times! It's a great feeling that I wish I could share with each of you. You know what? Maybe I can try...
I didn't exactly grow up in a hot bed of creativity. Back then I didn't feel comfortable sharing my desire to write with most of the people in my life. Only ever speaking of my dream with my friend Mike. Today as I sit here writing to you, I find myself wondering what my parents would have said if I announced that I wanted to be a writer. I think that idea would have been so far outside of the norm that they wouldn't have known what to say. When I was sixteen I began working in my Uncle's sheet metal shop, I was okay at performing the work but each day reminded me that I wasn't where I belonged. The teenage me didn't hold out much hope that he would find any success outside of that factory. I wasn't hopeless but it was very difficult to be hopeful.
A lot has happened since then...
I began writing on this blog almost six years ago and that act saved me when I was lost. Then my salvation unexpectedly become my passion. I finally found a place where I "belonged" and I was writing. If you would have asked me two years ago, I would have told you that all of this couldn't get better - but then it did.
So when you reach out to tell me that you can't wait for my book, it feels like a dream coming true - each time. I'm instantly reminded that I was once a a young man cutting steel who would drift away in his head and envision himself sitting at a keyboard, but he could never imagine a path to getting there.
You guys have saved me twice so far, once from the isolation of type I parenting and again from the disappointment of a dream not realized. I can only hope that I've helped you somehow, because I owe you all a serious debt. Thank you.
#DOCLove
Life Is Short: Book Signing Information
Educators Workshop/Book Signing for, 'Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal'
April 18, 2013 - 4:30 to 6:30 - Barnes & Noble - 425 Marketplace Boulevard Hamilton, NJ 08691
This is an educators only event. Chapter reading, discussion on school related topics/504 plans, Q&A session and book signing. Teachers who attend will receive two continuing education credits (NJ) as well as 20% off of all their purchases. RSVP - Get Directions
Book Signing for, 'Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal'
April 18, 2013 - 6:30 to 7:30 (or until every book is signed) - Barnes & Noble - 425 Marketplace Boulevard Hamilton, NJ 08691
My very first public book signing! RSVP - Get Directions
More locations are in the works... this page will be updated when we have confirmation.