The Parent's Tao Te Ching: A New Interpretation—Ancient Advice for Modern Parents by William Martin

Lao-Tzu's ageless volume offers pearls of wisdom for today's parents.

By Phil Catalfo

(Marlowe & Company; 212-614-7880)

This book offers no homilies or admonitions in the author's own voice. Instead, William Martin has re-rendered (not re-translated) Lao-Tzu's ageless volume from the parental viewpoint, and lets the elegant result speak for itself:

When parents step outside the Way,

they begin to feel vulnerable.

They become afraid of,

and afraid for,

their children.

They lie awake at night,

afraid to confront,

to connect,

to love,

or to hold their children.

Each day they prepare for battle.

But when parents remain in the Way,

they face each day as a dance.

They have nothing to fear,

therefore they produce joy.