Raising Cole: Developing Life's Greatest Relationship, Embracing Life's Greatest Tragedy: A Father's Story

Marc Pittman isn't a sappy psychologist or counselor, he is a tough country boy hailing from humble beginnings, and has not written a how-to book on the right and wrong ways to raise your kids. His story, one that is every parents' dream as well as every parents' nightmare, is so compelling that it is the first book I have ever picked up that I could not stop reading until I had turned the final page.

This book (a true story) involves hunting camps, championship football teams, street fights and grit. It talks about successes, and involves a great tragedy. The author reveals his own failings in the process and the story lights understanding so well in the reader that you will instantly feel its' effect on you. I cannot imagine anyone, no matter how tough or jaded, that will not feel chill bumps on the neck and tears roll down their cheeks before getting to the end of this incredible book.

I have never thought so much of a novel that I felt the need to buy more than one copy, and had no intention of buying more than one of this one, either. I have also never felt compelled to share my feelings on a book here at this site before now. To date, I have bought 7 copies for my immediate family and a couple of friends, and I'll be buying more. I hope that everyone I give it to experiences the same things I did. The few hours it took me to read this book are the best time I have invested this year, and every page was as compelling as the one before.

Don't just consider buying this book: RUSH to get your hands on it as fast as possible, and you will thank me later. Give it to your father, your mother, your kids, your family and any other friends that mean something to you. Then, don't be surprised by the ways it changes your life or where your life ends up. It is sincerely that kind of an experience.


The Pittman Family's Tragedy: A Story of Faith and Family   May 21, 2004
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I read Marc Pittman's book last night. I could not put it down until I finished it. I laughed out loud and also had tears come to my eyes several times. Before I ever met Mr. Pitman several years ago, I had heard about him as my wife is from the same North Louisiana parish. Marc Pittman is a living legend there. I got to know the Pittman family as I followed a friend's son football career at Evangel who was a teammate of No. 44, Cole Pittman.. Marc Pittman is like no one else I've ever met--he really is bigger than life with a heart as big as his 6"6"" 280 pound frame. (The story of him wrestling a 700 pound bear is true as a client of mine was in the tavern the night of the event.) And Judy Pittman--what a wonderful, loving person who is simply everyone's friend. Cole's death shocked the college football world, Shreveport, Austin and every place in between. Cole was the "All-American boy" in every way. I went to Cole's funeral and graveyard services in hopes of simply paying my respects to this grieving family -- but after witnessing the thousands of persons present and hearing Marc Pittman give the incredible eulogy as he stood next to his son's coffin, I left the services with a new desire to tell my own beautiful children how much I love them as often as I saw them. The tragedy of Cole's death changed my own relationships with my children, particularly with my own college-age son of whom I am sometimes very demanding. As I drove away from the funeral services, I called my own son who was away at college and (in tears) told him what I had just witnessed and how much I love him and how fortunate I am to have my great relationship with him. I will always remember the minister asking during Cole's funeral, "How many Saturdays do you have left?" Last Saturday could have been the last of my life or the last of one of my beautiful children's life. We just don't know, do we? Marc Pittman's book is a "must-read", particularly if you're a father. Because of his Christian faith, Marc is able to rise above his toughness as well as his grief and tell an heart-filled story that inspires all of us to honor and better appreciate the gifts of life and love that God has bestowed upon each of us. It's the story of a father's incredible love and a family's tragic loss-- but it is also a great inspiration as to how we can nurture and develop our own personal relationships with those we love. May God bless the entire Pittman family.


An uplifting and inspirational read   May 20, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I liked this book. No, I loved this book! It was a "can't put it down" read throughout. The story, which is true, is about less than perfect people who build a relationship that is perfect for them. It tells of a tragedy but it is not about the tragedy. It is about what real people can do with their lives through tragic events. It is not a sad book. Although I cried. Reading "Raising Cole" was an uplifting experience. I hope we hear more from Mr. Pittman in the near future.