Shielding Youngsters From Abuse

PROTECTING THE GIFT

By Gavin de Becker

Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio, abridged nonfiction, four cassettes (six hours), $25. Read by the author. Available in bookstores.

Gavin de Becker, a survivor of childhood violence, is considered a leading expert on predicting violent behavior. The author of a previous bestselling book about violence, “The Gift of Fear,” he advises such clients as the CIA and the U.S. Supreme Court. In his most recent audio, De Becker offers sound advice about protecting our children from predators. He stresses trusting personal knowledge that is both innate and intuitive. If we have a bad feeling about a person or a situation, he tells us to err on the side of caution. De Becker deconstructs such age-old axioms as “never talk to strangers,” a theory he says never works in practice. He also tells us to teach our children to look for a woman when lost or in trouble, as most women are not sex offenders. The author candidly tells of the abuse he suffered as a child, and provides anecdotes about people he says have followed his advice, and others who haven’t. He lists warning signs of possible abuse and describes the types of people most dangerous to children. He also points out appropriate reactions to specific situations, such as when a stranger approaches you. Careful listeners may find similarities to “The Gift of Fear,” but most of the material is new. Quite a lot of reference material was cut for the abridged audio, but little else is missing. De Becker is an energetic narrator who also brings sincerity to the production. His passion for the subject is evident in his caring voice. He, and his message, are well worth hearing.

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THE EDUCATED CHILD

A Parent’s Guide From Preschool Through Eighth Grade

By William J. Bennett, Chester E. Finn Jr. and John T.E. Cribb Jr.

Simon & Schuster Audio, abridged nonfiction, two cassettes (six hours), $25. Read by Murphy Guyer. Available in bookstores.

In an effort to “inform, empower and encourage” listeners to care about educating their children, William J. Bennett, the national drug czar for President Bush and the author of “The Book of Virtues,” has delved into every aspect of education, both at home and at school. His coauthors are Chester E. Finn Jr., a professor of education and public policy at Vanderbilt University, and freelance writer John. T.E. Cribb. Bennett and his coauthors take a very conservative approach to teaching, advocating the classics and all things Western. While there is, of course, much to be said for a classical education, the authors seem to have overlooked the positive aspects of a more balanced approach, such as one that includes Shakespeare’s plays and lessons about the need for protecting the environment. For those who wish to be proactive in their child’s education, Bennett and company provide positive guidance. They tell you how to find strong teachers, curriculum and schools. However, their formula requires a lot of time and energy for parents who may already be stretched to the limit. The book is 666 pages; the audio contains about one-third of that information. In fact, the listener is told that additional material is available by buying the book (for $30). Listeners who have heard Bennett’s books on virtue will notice some redundancies. The narrator, Murphy Guyer, reminded me of an overly polished radio announcer. His voice is deep, his pacing even, but there is nothing warm and cozy about his style.