Raising Cole: A Father's Story

by Mark Wangrin and Marc Pittman

"This book is a roadmap for parents seeking to create a lasting relationship that can withstand the storms of life." -Bestselling Author Max Lucado Marc Pittman, one of 16 children, is the son of a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0757302025
• ISBN13: 9780757302022
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Faith Communications
• Length: 197 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Incredible, Incredible Book!!!!

I just finished this incredible book. It is wonderful story of a family and love shared between a father and two sons. A few comments: (1) this book is a fascinating, loving and gut-wrenching story of a father's love for his sons and the subsequent loss of one his eldest son. You will laugh, you will cry and your heart will ache for this family. Even though at times, it is a tough read in that I closed the book with tears streaming down my cheek, it is a MUST read for every parent. As a new father of a little girl, it made me think of how I want my relationship with her to develop. I told her every day, before I read this book, that I love her. Now I tell her I love her sooooooo much and that I want her to always feel that love and know she can talk to me. Yes, I say this to my 16 month old because I want to get in the practice of saying that to her for the rest of my life. This book helped visualize what I want my relationship with her to look like. (2) For every tough macho man in this world, this is a must read book. This is a book about two stud football players at the University of Texas and about a father who wrestled a bear and won. Yet, they showed their love for each other every day through words, hugs, hand holding, and yes even kissing. Man, was that refreshing. For so long we have had this stigma of men not being able to show their feelings. Then you see this family, each male over 6 ft, 200+ pounds of masculinity and yet they constantly showed the world their bond and their love. Wives and mothers should buy this book to give their husbands to show them how open and loving a relationship with their children can be. Men should buy this book too see how one can be strong, macho and yet openly affectionate. Lastly, this book makes you appreciate the moment, right now. One never knows when someone they love gets in a car or on a plane or walks down the street if they will see that person again. Life is wonderful and precious yet fragile. This book reminds you to NEVER left things unsaid. Well, I hope I haven't rambled. I was just so moved by this book. Thank you Marc Pittman for sharing your story! Screven Watson Tallahassee, Florida

The Best Present to a family this season!

I am a mother of 5 boys. They are now grown, and I have few regrets about their upbringing, but there are always some things that tug at all parents' hearts on given moments when we say, "I wish I had been more open; I wish I had not been afraid to say what I felt and to encourage our children to speak without fear." Marc Pittman's book would have plugged up that weakness in my parenting. It would have left me with fewer regrets and fewer 'holes' in my past, especially late at night when all moms and dads replay their encounters with their teens. This is book for all parents! It is a short read with a long result. It can make a permanent difference in one's inner circle. Long after Christmas wrappings are discarded and long after Christmas trees have become duck blinds, this book will still be sitting by a bed with life-changing implications.

a Must read for every father

After reading "Raising Cole" I went home and hugged my 15 year old son and told him I loved him. I now make it a habit to tell him I love him and hug him every day. This story of the Pittman family has changed my life. I respect my son more and value his input in daily situations. This book is a great read and I have shared it with others.

This book speaks to ALL

I met the author of this book before I even bought it. My husband and I had been to two book stores in Shreveport and both were sold out. Upon purchasing it, my husband read it in one day- unable to put it down. I read it next, more slowly, so that I could embrace each sentence, each thought, even rereading whole paragraphs just to let it sink in. Some parts brought a smile to my face as I could just imagine these events in Marc's life taking place. Several times I stopped to praise God for the miracles He performed in the lives of the Pittmans. As I was reading, I would suddenly become aware of tears streaming down my cheeks. This story gives me hope for our children. If only we had more parents like Mr. and Mrs. Pittman, maybe today's children would be happier. I have told basically everyone I have spoken to, since I read the book, of its powerful message, and I have urged them to read it themselves. In my mind, this book is for everyone- those with children of a young age and even those whose kids are grown. I think it's appropriate for grandparents, aunts, uncles, stepparents, and those of us who aspire to have children someday. It's about relationships- everyboody has those. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

An uplifting and inspirational read

I liked this book. No, I loved this book! It was a "can't put it down" read throughout. The story, which is true, is about less than perfect people who build a relationship that is perfect for them. It tells of a tragedy but it is not about the tragedy. It is about what real people can do with their lives through tragic events. It is not a sad book. Although I cried. Reading "Raising Cole" was an uplifting experience. I hope we hear more from Mr. Pittman in the near future.