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
FREE EVENT
FOR PARENTS OF TEENS 17+
& YOUNG ADULTS
“I read the book so you don't have to.”
Join me if you’re ready to learn how you can regain your own life and support your teen or young adult in launching.
I’ll bring the summary; you’ll provide the discussion.
Available in paperback & Kindle
Thur, April 2, 2026
4-5:15pm PT / 7-8:15pm ET
Virtual - Zoom
Wed, April 8, 2026
4-5:15pm PT / 7-8:15pm ET
Virtual - Zoom
How can you tell if this is the right event for you?
Your older teen (17+) or young adult…
Stays in their room 6 to 12 hours a day, gaming or scrolling
Doesn’t participate in family life or contribute to the household
Can’t seem to schedule their own medical or other appointments
Doesn’t seem to have a direction in life
Uses substances–sometimes in your home despite warnings
If this sounds familiar, and not sure what to do, join us.
Can’t make the dates above?
Already know you’d like to join other parents in a book group reading The Parent’s Launch Code?
With its reassuring tone and practical guidance, The Parent’s Launch Code offers invaluable strategies for fostering open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and navigating the delicate balance between support and independence.
— Joshua Coleman, Ph.D, Author, Rules of Estrangement:Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict
Ready to create real change in your parenting? Join a book club.
Why a Book Club?
Parenting a complex child can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless at times.
What you need is a mindset shift.
A new strategy or plan—deeply thought out
And guidance and accountability
That’s where the book club comes in.
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 pla
BONUS group laser coaching
VIP 1:1 targeted coaching session option available
As we read together, mindshifts happen,
and we take action.
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
Other Book Selections
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 makes separate short recordings after each meeting in case you miss the LIVE book club meeting. She summarizes 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.
“It really helped me to know I could go ask Sarah and the other parents for suggestions when my son refused to talk with me about the plan for my son to get a job. At first, I thought I’d never get anywhere on the issue. But knowing I was going to be 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!”
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.