Reviews

What others are saying about Tender Lions…

Enlightening and Empowering – I have yet to read such an incredibly raw, honest, humble and vulnerable book. The authors courageously share straight from their hearts. The wisdom is so needed in our age. I could recommend it to every man and many women in my life—I bought this book as a gift for my husband and after reading a few pages, couldn’t put it down. It helped me better understand my husband and my sons. I am so grateful to have this as part of our family library.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

Educational yet inspirational, Tender Lions will help fathers to build more loving and winning relationships with their sons—and themselves. I highly recommend this “must-have” parenting book!

Dr. Jim Afremow, author of The Champion’s Mind

Both the faith community and society at large have been in need of this treasure – a fresh and real approach to the modern-day father-son dyad told with heart-grabbing vulnerability. Brian and Jeff do a magnificent job of taking parenting theory out of the lofty rafters and placing it tangibly in the hands of the reader.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

In a culture where admitting weakness is seen as a liability, Brian and Jeff provide a hopeful and grace-filled alternative where humility and dialogue form the start of the restorative process. Grateful for this honest, authentic, and vulnerable book!

Matt Miller, Executive Director, Send Me St. Louis

The Becker’s raw and honest subject matter has been not only eye opening, but very practical as my relationship with my young step son continues to grow…It’s time to step up as parents and serve our children as we prepare them for adulthood. Well done, gentlemen!

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

A “must-read” for anyone who is a father or a son. Tender Lions provides a wealth of ideas to enhance any father-son relationship.

Dr. Kurt Senske, CEO, Upbring and author of Wine and the Word: Savor and Serve

In short, I have read autobiographies for decades and I have never read a book with this level of honesty. NEVER. When Brian and Jeff exchange “counterpoint” ideas and reactions to topics, it is as if we three are at lunch together and I the reader am privileged to listen to this incredible father/son team of authors as they share their love for each other and how they navigated a storm which tears most families apart…I agree with other reviewers, this book is for all fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, and any person who anticipates becoming a parent.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

I wish my husband had read this book when our son was younger. But it’s never too late to apply the messages of Godly wisdom and hope in Brian’s and Jeff’s stories. In a sexualized world of personal gratification, Tender Lions shows us how real men and real sons can build relationships on a foundation of truth, forgiveness, love, and Godly character.

Angela Stephenson, Executive Director, Living Abundantly Ministries

It was such a breath of fresh air reading Tender Lions. Not only did it cover “must talk about” topics concerning the Father-Son relationship; but Brian’s humble, honest and frank language was refreshingly raw…it was like I was having a conversation with him. The questions at the end of each chapter make it an excellent source for discussion.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

Brian and Jeff’s collaboration on this book is both inspiring and insightful. As the founders of a nationally-recognized teen center that has reached thousands of families, we recognize the importance of the parent/child connection. This book has the power to help anyone, not just fathers, navigate and strengthen relationships on multiple levels. This is a “must-read” for any parent, guardian, or youth worker.

Rob & Priscilla Steinmetz, Founders of The Bridge Teen Center

Wow. What an excellent resource for parents! My husband and I read this together and enjoyed some great discussions about how we would now parent our son with fresh eyes from the invaluable insights we took away from Tender Lions.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

Brian and Jeff capture the essence of fatherhood with raw transparency. Don’t read this book if you are looking for platitudes and good advice. But if you want a provocative and authentic testimony of both successes and failures of a father, read this book.

Oscar Benavides, CEO – Breakthrough Leaders

The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter are excellent and allowed me to truly absorb the material and consider where change was needed.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

Tender Lions includes priceless chapters on discussing life (sex, money, failure, faith) that will help you with key talking points with raising your son. It is a recommended read for all fathers (and parents) fighting their own battles and raising a son.

Dan Browne, President, The Forest Agency

Brian and Jeff’s willingness to turn their life’s challenges and mistakes into a platform that reaches out and encourages others to pursue a healthy, meaningful father-son relationship is truly inspiring. Very few authors can share personal information in a manner that is so helpful and practical. This book will be a blessing to many men wanting a special relationship with their son.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

As a Father, this is an absolute must read. I found myself sharing the emotional walk as they deal with real life, laughing as I myself have had some of the very same conversations. Lastly, I would recommend this book for any adult who has an impact in/on any young person’s life! Well done!

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

This is an awesome topic. We’re all searching for great relationships between fathers and sons. We’re all searching for a way to make this relationship more meaningful.

Porter Moser, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Oklahoma

Raw. Real. Emotional. I have loved diving into Tender Lions and can’t thank the authors enough for putting vulnerability aside and writing about life. I’m floored by the topics covered-from faith to leadership to values…Tender Lions pulls on all your heart strings while delivering an important message that isn’t talked about enough. WE ARE HUMAN. Mistakes are made…it’s about what we do after those mistakes that determines what kind of life we will live.

Amazon Review – (5 Stars)

Brian and Jeff’s willingness to turn their life’s challenges and mistakes into a platform that reaches out and encourages others to pursue a healthy, meaningful father-son relationship is truly inspiring. Very few authors can share personal information in a manner that is so helpful and practical. This book will be a blessing to many men wanting a special relationship with their son.

Mark MacDonald, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Mark MacDonald and Associates, PC; co-author of Setting New Boundaries

This is a book about love that has been put to the test, survived, and ultimately grew to be one that demands sharing with others. It touches all aspects of what it means to be human, to love, and to seek God’s healing hand. I am so very proud to call Brian Becker my friend, and I am in awe of the Becker family for sharing.

Ralph Wagoner, President Emeritus, Augustana College, Sioux Falls

Thirty-plus years ago my father shared with me that being a parent is the most important job I will ever have, and it is the job I am least prepared to handle. Thirty years, three sons, and one grandson later, I understand how wise and powerful that statement was. Thanks to Brian and Jeff for their willingness to share their story in an open and transparent way. It is an important reminder that we all fall short, but by the grace of God, there is forgiveness and restoration!

Jim Sanft, President, Concordia Plan Services