My book just received a 5-star review from Reader Views

Text Messages to My Sons 

Tammy J. Cohen
Broad Book Press (2025)
ISBN: 978-1963549188
Reviewed by Ada Jenkins for Reader Views (10/2025)
5* - Fostering Connection, Building Bridges

How can we connect meaningfully with our children in an age of digital technology? Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your Kids by Tammy J. Cohen offers ways that parents can reach out to their kids, with the goal of fostering communication and providing support.

What surprised me about this inspirational guide for parents is Tammy Cohen’s refreshing approach to the use of text messaging. Instead of thinking of texts as an obstruction to real communication, she sees them as a way to strengthen her relationships with her adult sons. I found the chapter on accountability particularly insightful. Here, the author isn’t afraid to open up to her kids about her own upbringing: “I’m not a person who gives love easily; I did not feel it growing up, so it truly amazes me how much love and gratitude I have for each of you.” The authenticity and candid tone of this message help her sons (and us, as readers) understand that she’s a real human being, one who has suffered to be where she is today. They also know that, fundamentally, she loves them and is doing her best.

Many of the texts contain inspiring quotes. These quotes are, I feel, important in the context of the supportive messages she’s sending her sons. One of my personal favorites was a quote by David Thoreau: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” This was incorporated into a text message encouraging them to remain true to themselves and committed to creating the life they truly want: “Be disciplined and committed to building a life filled with meaning, happiness, inspiration, and success.” I really admire this stance! I think it’s great that she encourages them to pursue what is personally meaningful. This unconditional support is heartwarming, and I think that many people (myself included) would have benefited from having a parent who sent encouraging and warm messages, just like this one.

In terms of structure, the overall narrative is infused with personal reflections from the author’s own lived experience. One that stood out for me was the strength of owning our own stories, where Cohen reflects on how mindfulness helped to control her impulsive responses: “Practicing mindfulness has taught me to pause, breathe, and respond thoughtfully…”

I think this book is about self-growth, as well as family relationships. As such, I can see this guide appealing to those who are looking for a self-help book that also explores the challenges of modern-day parenting. It’s about improving relationships, not only with your children, but also with yourself.

I do believe that Tammy J. Cohen’s Text Messages to My Sons provides an invaluable blueprint for parents who want to build loving and, most importantly, honest relationships with their children in a digitally-driven world. It’s a brave book, encouraging us to open up to our kids and take accountability for any past mistakes. Highly recommended!