My Thoughts on "Open Secrets"

I had to begin reading this book written by a great friend of mine. I will not give away any details, so all I can say is home is where the heart is. I was confirmed of three great things when reading this masterpiece, and I am sure you will pick us some great lessons when you read this book as well. Family is everything and your family name is very important, but what's more important is the opportunity you give individuals their own chance to make a name for him or herself no matter the reputation.

Mental health is very important and paid too little attention in our lives. Our toxic or positive behavior as parents can trickle down to our offspring. Williams does an excellent job of showing both sides of how children can be effected positively and leave some emotional scars. The effects of a what appears to be a solid home, and the response of what could come from broken situations.

There were many true life situations as I turned page to page and was easily wrapped into this book. Humor, family love, excitement in college days dating (McDonalds is innocent luv-dating, yeah I said it) and some scenes that will jerk a tear or two as you may find some situations hitting close to home. Take the time and order this book and see for yourself. Many of us let family secrets get the best of us by holding them in and not sharing because we can't find anyone to be open with.

I appreciated the safe haven that was created in the relationship between Xania and Remaise. The kind of relationship a parent would like to see their daughter have with another young lady on a college campus far away. Yes, you should get this book for your daughter to read!

Most importantly, we have to deal with our behavior as toxic parents. Our kids are effected from our selfish behavior and those episodes can hinder our children to grow. Please, please read this book because Williams does a great job of displaying the pain and distrust between a mother and daughter to which I can never speak on, but felt the pain in each sentence I read as some of these secrets came to surface.

I also learned (or confirmed) that we have to let people write their own ticket. Allow people to prove themselves and not let the reputation tarnish them beforehand. If I could count the times I was dealt a bad hand off of what someone heard about me....... em, let the slow sad song play! Open Secrets gives the reader hope and encouragement to let people be themselves and also allow people to explain what they are connected to and where they came from.

What really sold me on this book, was the sense of family love and devotion that was displayed and the connection of family that is very important today. Many of our young teens cannot wait to get out the house and live on their own. Why is that? Is it the parental style you have on your kids? I'm not saying be their friend, but be someone they can trust and someone the can run to with problems and concerns. We can do better as families and Williams displays this in Open Secrets. A good read for a teen and a parent in my opinion.

I have no takeaways with this book. I look forward to a dating book centered around the church members and see where that will go. With Williams crafty storytelling and real life themes, I sure it will be a best seller.