Reading Between the Lines
A Parenting Book Club
Finding guidance and connection through shared reading and discussion
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
- Louisa May Alcott
JOIN THE WAITING LIST
What can you do if your child is struggling but won’t get help?
Join a book group to discuss strategies.
Reclaim your own life in the process.
Start date late summer - early fall date.
You will be notified as soon as registration opens.
Available in paperback,
Kindle & audio
This is the right book club for you if your child…
Is struggling with their mental health but refuses therapy, medication or other support
Won't acknowledge there's a problem
Remains highly dependent on you
And you find yourself…
Walking on eggshells, managing one crisis after another
Leaves you wondering if the way you're trying to help is actually making things worse
By joining the waiting list, you will:
Receive an early bird announcement
Get updates and resources in the meantime
[This book] doesn't tell you how to force someone into treatment, because that's often not possible. Instead, it looks honestly at how families end up walking on eggshells, managing crisis after crisis, and unintentionally making things worse while trying to help. [The authors] offer a different way forward — five practical steps to plan for crises, ease the tension at home, and protect your own life and well-being, whether or not your loved one ever agrees to get help.
— Joshua Coleman, Ph.D, Author, Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict
“At first I thought I’d never get anywhere with my son because he refused to talk to me about getting a job or doing anything with his life. it really helped me to know I could ask Sarah and the other parents for suggestions. Reporting my progress back to the group gave me motivation to stick to my goal. Last week, my son started working as a bagger at our local grocery store!”
Other Book Selections
Meet your host, Sarah MacKay
Why did I start the Book Club?
When my daughter’s wilderness therapist assigned me a book to read, I barely made it through the first few chapters before setting it aside. In the middle of a crisis, reading alone felt overwhelming—like one more impossible task. Later in my journey, other books offered some helpful tools, but without support, I was still left trying to sort through everything on my own.
I started this book club so parents don’t have to struggle on their own. We read and reflect together, share wisdom, and problem-solve as a community. It’s a place for company on the parenting journey—where we can both commiserate and take practical steps toward real change with our complicated kids.
Reading Between the Lines: A Parenting Book Club
Who Is The Book Club For?
For parents who want space to deepen their parenting capacity and regain their quality of life.
If you are seeking to…
Cultivate confidence and find your "parenting center"
Deepen your connection with your teen or young adult
Learn practical strategies to solve parenting challenges
Then join us in reading the book of your choice!
How It Works
We take aim at one or more parenting challenges you’re facing. Then we’ll take an honest inventory of the enabling vs supporting issue. We’ll look for ways to implement new ideas and hold each other “accountable”, respectfully and supportively.
And most importantly, we’ll focus on your “quality of life”
What you get when you join the book club:
LIVE virtual weekly meetings for 4-6 weeks (depending on book length)
Discuss books with parents like you
Create a customizable, actionable parenting plan
BONUS group laser coaching
VIP 1:1 targeted coaching session option available
As we read together, mindshifts happen,
and we take action.
Club Membership Includes
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Book Selection: Curated reads from parenting experts
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Personalized action plans for family growth
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Guided Discussion: Reflective questions and shared insights
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Ask Me Anything Time
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Group Laser Coaching session
FAQs
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Don’t worry if life happened and you didn’t do the reading. Come to the LIVE session. You’ll still get a lot out of the discussion. And you can always watch Sarah’s video summary afterwards.
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No, you will need to purchase a copy of the book. If possible, order your book before the first meeting of the book club
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Sorry, the Book Club is for parents only. Partners can join at a reduced rate. Contact Sarah for details.
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We record meetings for internal use only. To protect members’ confidentiality, we do not make recordings available. However, Sarah may make separate short recordings available for participants who miss the LIVE book club meeting. She provides summarizes of key points from the discussion and the chapters.
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YES, please do. Creating community is an important part of our process together. We’re not just discussing the book: we’re sharing our stories, supporting each other, and setting intentions. Feel free to turn your camera off during short breaks or if you need to grab a cup of tea.
The Journey of Change
Creating change isn't a single moment, but a series of intentional conversations.
It's about understanding that progress isn't linear, but a compassionate, persistent path of growth and connection.