Just Around the Corner Volume 1

Too many books for Christian homeschool families are addressed primarily or exclusively to mothers, ignoring the crucial role fathers play (or ought to play), often because the book was written by a mother. In Just Around the Corner, husband-wife team Steven and Teri Maxwell sidestep this issue by each writing their own collection of essays directed to husbands (in Steven's case) and wives (in Teri's). With both adult and young children at the times of writing, the Maxwells are well-suited to their undertaking, having experienced parenting at all stages.

Originally a series of articles for the homeschool support group newsletter edited by the Maxwells, this collection is intensely personal. Part practical day-to-day homeschool manual, part devotional, part spiritual autobiography, it offers both encouragement and cause for self-reflection. While both parents can read all the articles, the authors suggest mothers only read the "Dad's Corner" articles after their husbands as Steven speaks frankly and at length concerning specifically male issues.

Though Just Around the Corner is specifically for and by homeschoolers, the advice and insights provided are more often than not applicable to any family striving to live as committed Christians, whether they educate their children at home or not. The Maxwells don't hold back—struggles with sin, personal and family triumphs, and the simple challenges of family life are presented honestly and forthrightly.

Just Around the Corner won't win any Pulitzers, but the writing is personable and engaging. There is (surprisingly?) a great deal of psychological insight of the kind you'd expect from a good novel. Both child and parental roles are examined, even scrutinized, and the result is a collection of essays at once practically useful for homeschool families and spiritually and emotionally enlightening for Christians of all backgrounds.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.