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

Who We Are

A welcoming space to explore parenting books together through authentic conversation.

We read what "the experts" have to say.

We create room for different perspectives, honest reactions, and the natural flow of discussion that happens when real parents share their experiences.

Featured Book Fall 2025

October 16, 2025
Thursdays on Zoom
4pm-5:30pm PT / 7pm-8:30pm ET
(6 meetings)

"The Parent's Launch Code" by Jack Stoltzfus is a straight-talking guide for parents exhausted by an adult child who hasn’t launched. If you’re torn between helping and needing your life back, this book gets it—and shows you a way forward.

With real-life tools and relatable stories, it walks you through six key steps: staying loving, reconnecting, making amends, letting go of resentment, standing firm, and stepping back when needed. You’ll learn how to reclaim your role, restore peace at home, and support your child’s growth—without losing the bond you’ve worked so hard to build.

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"

  • Explore the difference between enabling & supporting

  • Gain understanding of your child's challenges and strengths

  • Deepen your connection with your teen or young adult

    …then join us in reading the book of your choice!

How It Works

As we read, mindshifts happen,
and we take action

  • Look for ways to implement new ideas

  • Take aim at one parenting challenge to work on 

  • Take an honest inventory of enabling vs supporting 

  • Track our own “quality of life” and improve it

  • Hold each other accountable, respectfully and supportively

And we have fun!

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.

My Unique Approach

By the time parents have completed the book club cycle, I want them to have the experience of being able to tackle a parenting challenge with confidence, consistency and calm. By organizing their thoughts about a potentially scary topic, and creating change in a stuck place with their teen or young adult, I want parents to experience a sense of purposefulness and confidence.

Other Book Selections

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.

Club Membership Includes

  • Book Selection: Curated reads from parenting experts

  • Personalized action plans for family growth

  • Guided Discussion: Reflective questions and shared insights

  • Ask Me Anything Hour

  • Monthly Lazer Coaching session

FAQs

  • No, you will need to purchase a copy of the book. If possible, order your book before the first meeting of the book club

  • Sorry, the Book Club is for parents only. Partners can join at a reduced rate. Contact Sarah for details.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Moments of Insight

“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!”