Andrew Krehbiel was raised to live life with value and meaning. His parents taught him how to work hard, show respect and have fun. Growing up, he had it all. Except his own path to life. He had followed others for too long. He saw his college friends without jobs. He saw millionaires file for bankruptcy. He saw sex as the only measure of social success. He saw ‘smart’ people believe they were failures, people who weren’t good enough for the world around them. And he believed every one of them. Until now. Take a journey through Andrew Krehbiel’s mind as he speaks about religion, sex, violence, sports, freedom, and many other topics. In these essays, he explores how to put one’s own happiness first, how to stop being angry at everything, and how to look at the world through a lens of love and forgiveness. This book is his truth. 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Don’t Listen to Your Parents is a book full of the author’s thoughts. What’s nice about it is that he doesn’t try to sway your opinions, he just shares his. He says it best: “We all have to live our truth and try to make this world a better place. This book is my truth.”

Before the author’s thoughts, there is a letter to his parents. I understand what he is trying to say, basically thank you for raising me but I’m going to live my life like I want now. I thought it was pretty harsh the way it was presented, but I’m sure that’s partly because I’m a mother.

Most of the book is devoted to the author’s thoughts on various subjects such as freedom (are we really free? Is working all your life really freedom?) or religion (is there a God? Is there only one true religion?). Many of us have the same questions and we each have our own opinions. He doesn’t try to sway you to believe what he does but just shares his truth. I had to laugh at his thoughts on dating.

The one important thing that he says over and over is to find something that excites you. I’ve always felt that if you can find something that truly excites you, and you can turn that into your career, then you’ll be happy.

I don’t think this book is for everyone, but it may encourage teens and young adults to think for themselves which is always a good thing.

About the Author

Andrew Krehbiel graduated with a Mathematics degree from Wartburg College, where he played baseball for four years. He spends his time reaching out to his community through his faith and love of writing. Andrew lives in Denver, CO. He blogs at The Ovals of Life.

Website http://ovalsoflife.co
Twitter krehbsnotcrepes