I Talk Slower Than I Think: An Antidote to Helicopter Parenting

Author: C. D. Bonner. Cover Illustration by Patricia Garrigus. Edited by Clay Gilbert.In his Southern family humor book of coming of age tales I Talk Slower Than I Think, author C. D. Bonner "shares poignant stories and unforgettable memories of growing up in Alabama and Georgia in the sixties and seventies.He deftly weaves absorbing stories of childhood adventures and country comedy with family humor through the use of Southern humor, touching anecdotes on parenting, and treasured memories of his youth. He incorporates snippets of history worthy of being included in American Southern literature." --Richard R. Blake, Reader ViewsThe book is made up of 52 true short stories gleaned from the favorites repeated over and over again at family gatherings, told and retold over the years. Most of the stories will make funnybones ache, but a few will make heartstrings feel like fresh sutures. Bonner's sketches bring new meaning to the depth of family love and the joy that comes through meaningful friendships.In just a few of his tales, a child must dodge bobcats on the way to the bathroom; he has a biscuit that is so hard firemen must remove it, and he wades through a treasure of Confederate money. Listen to tales of his second cousin, twice (forcibly) removed. Although fans of Southern humor will enjoy the flavor, growing up transcends time and place. The length of these stories makes this book a perfect bathroom reader.These stories remind grown-ups of simpler, more satisfying times and give adolescents a chance to discover the fun of exploring the wonders just outside their door. These are true stories for adults and adolescents to enjoy, but trying these things at home is at your own risk.Mature readers will chuckle, "I remember doing that," while younger readers whisper, "I wish I could try that."Richard R. Blake said in his review for Reader Views , "I laughed until my sides ached while reading, and continued to chuckle and smile for days later as I relived Bonner's "tongue in cheek" accounts of his family life and reflected on my own childhood foibles. I enjoyed the accounts of fun loving Pawpaw and Granny. They taught the boys lessons as they met the boys' mischief with their own pranks. Highlights for me were the tales motivated by "dares," driven by curiosity, or instigated out of sheer boredom.I Talk Slower Than I Think by C. D. Bonner includes satire, side-splitting comedy, and emotionally-packed stories, of family love, loyal friendships, and a proud legacy of uncompromising ethics, and expressions of parental love."