Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence,   ISBN:9780871137340

Customer Rating: 

There was lots of water damage to the book, possibly do to lack of proper packaging and the storm that hit during the shipping time. It was also on the longer end of the shipping time-frame; probably about 12 days.

Customer Rating: 

One of the most humane, intelligent, and far-reaching analyses of the impact of parenting on children I have ever read. On a par with Alice Miller's best work.

Customer Rating: 

The objective of this book is to make readers aware of the importance of the first period of a child's life. The back cover refers to `startling new evidence' that violent behaviour is fundamentally linked to abuse and neglect in the first two years of life. But who is the intended audience?

My assumption is that the audience is policy makers and relevant professionals. While the book is relatively easy to read, it is not one that I would choose to give an intending parent. Which is not to say that intending parents shouldn't read it, just simply that by the time that parenthood is on the horizon there are many other more immediate issues to address.

This book was published in 1997. By reference to the life of`Jeffrey' a young murderer, the authors have set out to identify the key factors typifying the profile of a violent and impulsive but not premeditated murder. They do this by examining aspects of Jeffrey's life, drawing on current knowledge in child development, identifying possible contributory factors and, most importantly, identifying areas where intervention may assist.

This book covers more than the `nature versus nurture' debate that so many of us have participated in. It does not purport to have all of the answers, but it does do a good job of raising many of the issues. Parenting is hard work, and it is especially hard for those who have not had the benefit of good role models or practical support. If societies value their children, then we need to work together - across levels of government and professional divides - to support both the children and their parents or caregivers during this critical period. After all, not only is their future in our hands, our future is also in theirs.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Customer Rating: 

I think this is such an important book. I bought this book several years ago & loaned it to someone to never see it again. However, I decided I needed to buy it again because I feel as an early childhood professional it is a wonderful resource...and really makes one realize how crucial the early years are.

Customer Rating: 

This book very clearly describes the effects of maternal drug use and early neglect/abuse on the child's brain, and later behavior. Very easy to read, includes case studies. Recommend for anyone who works with high risk families.