We are probably what you would call a patriotic family. We value teaching our children the history of our great country, and we purpose to instill timeless character traits in them that we consider American: courage, hard work, integrity, bravery, to name a few. Stumbling upon the book The Vanishing American Adult was a huge breath of fresh air and a great encouragement to my husband and me in this regard.

In the book The Vanishing American Adult, Ben Sasse addresses some daunting statistics such as how many adults still live with their parents, why so many of these young adults feel they are entitled to things in life but don’t have to work for them, as well as their absence of awareness to the world around them. He points out some alarming trends that can and eventually will lead to the downfall of our country. But, he doesn’t fail to shed hope and light on things that are applicable to his readers to alter this troublesome course of behavior.

This book drew in my attention with the many practical applications and examples that Ben included in his text such as texts between his daughter and him when he sent her away to a summer camp, or other stories of events that took place in his family’s life. I love that the author is unashamed of his Christian worldview and beliefs, yet he respectfully relates how his viewpoints are not partial to Christians, but actually beneficial to all of society.

Another aspect of this book that is noteworthy of praise is its historical content! Ben explores and expounds quite a bit on the history of certain topics, driving home the conclusion that the same ethics, aspirations, and attitudes that drove this country to be great are exactly what we are willingly surrendering without a fight.

Now, I don’t want to give the impression that all Ben does in this book is point fingers; on the contrary, rather, he points to history as a guide; he points to how things used to be and compares them to how they are now. For instance, he states that kids used to go to work with their parents until the public school system was implemented. Now, children have their peers influencing them and guiding the majority of the foundational years into adulthood instead of their parents. He suggests a balance in this system where kids see more of their parents’ work habits instead of it being a mystery to them. He believes this change would speak loudly into the heart of our children about their work ethic.

In conclusion, this book was fantastic. If you’re looking for a spur in the right direction as far as how to raise your children, then pick this book up. Be prepared to take notes!

- Product review by Cassie Deputie, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2017