Barbara Lee:MA/Humanities,Univ of Houston, Clear Lake City, TX.
“Pat’s success proves it can be done. Her careful preparation and hard work present an honest format. Like word pictures, clear, concise, personal, but intellectual in tone, bursting with one great idea, created and carried out to fruition. Sharing is aptly named; not only is this book about family sharing, it is Pat’s generous sharing of her family, her life, and her heart. I was drawn into the gist of the book on page three with the term “nonjudgmental listening.” My own family members took their places almost immediately, from “getting together’ (often) to “being together” (seldom). I am convinced that almost any family can be revitalized by practicing some form of family sharing as this book presents it. I agree, “the world is starved for such experiences.” Like the most effective teaching, Sharing provides an example, not a lecture, not a how-to manual. A gift to the reader of both inspiration and freedom of interpretation. I like that!!”

Tracy H. Souza: President of the Cummins Foundation; BA Religious Studies; Univ. of Indiana; Community Volunteer; mother of four
“As I read I laughed and cried, was skeptical and impressed, and finished with more than a few good ideas for how to nurture more meaningful conversation and connection between people that I love. I would recommend this book for Moms (and Dads) who aren’t afraid to be considered a bit wacky and who possess the courage to push the boundaries of family bonding, and one day to enjoy the rewards of their creativity!”

Sally Heinze-Barthel, Chaplain St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX: BA History/English; MA Religion
“When it comes right down to it, family is the greatest hope for our future. This is a great model for families looking to keep their strong ties—a wonderful way to establish vulnerability and depth. Crisp, compelling, good use of word play, solid and well-written—a page turner. A real thread of progress toward family sharing, pioneered by Pat and her family, which others can refine, mold, and use to fit their own family system. Recommend to those who really care about family unity. It is almost a road map—not always easy, but well worth the drive.”

Lisa Whaley: President, Life Work Synergy LLC; Author of Reclaiming My Soul from the Lost and Found (2004) and Prisoners of Technology (2006).
“Sparked some great ideas of how we can take our own sharing to the next level. A must read for those of us who truly want to get back to the very nature of what the true meaning of family and sharing is all about.”

George Willeford: M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
“I wish my wife and I had started this way years ago. Content is useful because of the credibility of the idea of sharing—early and truthful.”

Mike Hull: Doctor of Jurisprudence; Author of Sun Dancing: A Spirtual Journey On The Red Road (2002)
“Pat uses her warm, engaging tone to invite us into a family process that is daring, challenging, and ultimately effective. Pat opens a door into her family room to let us observe and feel a working model for family growth and intimacy.”

Larry Perkinson: Student Asst. Coordinator, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., Columbus Indiana
“Mrs. Barber does a wonderful job of blending family history with the history of a unique family initiative that could benefit others. Sharing personal experiences and feelings can be difficult for couples and close friends. To expand it to the whole family and to make it work is an accomplishment worth sharing. I was intrigued by Mrs. Barber’s story telling skills. She seems to alternate between autobiography, philosophy, and examples of the initiative to create a thought-provoking text. There are families who would benefit. But there are also community and family advocacy groups who would find this material a catalyst for worth while discussion. I like this…and her sense of humor.”

Pat Love: Ed.D. Counseling; Univ. of VA; L.P.C.; Clinical Member/Approved Supervisor in Am. Assc. Marriage/Family Therapy;Co-Author Growing Beyond Emotional Abuse, and other books
“Reading this book I felt as if I were sitting by Patricia Barber’s fireplace sharing the lives of the family. Family Sharing left me with such a warm glow—as well as hope for the future family with its message of comfort for the stresses of 21st century living.”

Joan Culver: LCSW, TX Board of Social Workers 1998-2003; Chair, 2002-2003
“This is a very interesting concept towards increased communication and understanding within families. In my practice of counseling individuals, couples, and families, I can see how the approach outlined in this book could be a very valuable tool. Clear, warm, personal. Understandable and applicable. Not gimmicky. Useful either as a guide for families or for a counselor to help families achieve more closeness. I personally enjoyed reading it and feel the concept will be helpful to me in future family counseling.”

Nelda Laney: BA/English-Education; married 42 years to Pete Laney, TX State Representative 34 years, TX House Speaker 5 terms; teacher, mother, grandmother
“Excellent read, entertaining, informative; like visiting with a likable family friend. Educational and useful to any family interested in having a closer family unit.”

Milton Cardwell: M.D. Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
“Written with excellent phrasing and expression, this is a wonderful description of how a family can relate. The chapters on spirituality are excellent.”

Walter Glover: MTS; Chaplain at St. Francis branch hospital
“Distinguishing characteristic from other books I’ve read focusing on family meetings/dialogues is its spiritual emphasis. The writing style is vibrant, engaging, and easy to read. The concept is intriguing.”

Harley Tripp: Research Engineer(Ret),Chair Conference Clergy-Parish Ministry Committee United Church of Christ Board of Directors.
“Sharing is beautifully written with clear prose that flows, describing how 4 generations of a family learned to communicate, allowing them to share life’s joys, helped them endure life’s hardships, and to know what each member of the group is actually thinking and feeling, not what they “think” the others are thinking and feeling.”