Reading Between the Lines
A Parenting Book Club
Finding guidance and connection through shared reading and discussion
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
- Louisa May Alcott
Why a Book Club?
Parenting a complex child can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless at times.
Progress may have stalled–you’re stuck in the doldrums with your child. Or you’re trying to motivate them–putting wind behind their sails–but you’re headed for a squall for your efforts.
You’re already doing all the right things. Going to therapy or a support group–it’s helping a lot.
What you need is a mindset shift.
You need to try something different.
A new strategy—deeply thought out—to add to your parenting toolkit.
And guidance and accountability.
That’s where the book club comes in.
Featured Fall 2025
Join parents like you for LIVE virtual meetings to discuss parenting books.
Shift your mindset and expand your toolkit.
“I read the book so you don't have to.”
FREE EVENT
I’ll bring the summary; you’ll provide the discussion.
Available in Ebook
(Paperpack version is being retitled)
An excellent book! This is written in an easy-to-read, conversational style, and is packed with great, practical advice that makes sense and seems easy to implement.
I look forward to applying it to my family situation.
—Reader, Good Reads
October 16, 2025
Thursday on Zoom
12pm-1pm PT / 3pm-4pm ET
FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG ADULTS
Deepen your capacity to support your young adult in launching.
Develop an actionable parenting plan for your unique situation.
October 22, 2025
(5 meetings)
Wednesdays on Zoom
4pm-5:30pm PT / 7pm-8:30pm ET
Available in paperback and Kindle.
With its reassuring tone and practical guidance, The Parent’s Launch Code offers invaluable strategies for fostering open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and navigating the delicate balance between support and independence.
— Joshua Coleman, Ph.D, Author, Rules of Estrangement:
Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict
Who Is The Book Club For?
For parents who want space to deepen their parenting capacity and regain their quality of life.
If you are seeking to…
Cultivate confidence and find your "parenting center"
Deepen your connection with your teen or young adult
Learn practical strategies to solve parenting challenges
…then join us in reading the book of your choice!
How It Works
We take aim at one parenting challenge you’re facing. Then we’ll take an honest inventory of the enabling vs supporting issue. We’ll look for ways to implement new ideas and hold each other “accountable”, respectfully and supportively.
And most importantly, we’ll focus on our own “quality of life”
What you get when you join the book club:
LIVE virtual weekly meetings for 4-6 weeks (depending on book length)
Discuss books with parents like you
Create a customizable, actionable parenting plan
Video” catch up” summary if you miss LIVE session
BONUS group laser coaching
VIP 1:1 targeted coaching session option available
And we have fun!
As we read together, mindshifts happen,
and we take action.
Meet your host, Sarah MacKay
Why did I start the Book Club?
When my daughter’s wilderness therapist assigned me a book to read, I barely made it through the first few chapters before setting it aside. In the middle of a crisis, reading alone felt overwhelming—like one more impossible task. Later in my journey, other books offered some helpful tools, but without support, I was still left trying to sort through everything on my own.
I started this book club so parents don’t have to struggle on their own. We read and reflect together, share wisdom, and problem-solve as a community. It’s a place for company on the parenting journey—where we can both commiserate and take practical steps toward real change with our complicated kids.
Reading Between the Lines: A Parenting Book Club
Other Book Selections
Club Membership Includes
-
Book Selection: Curated reads from parenting experts
-
Personalized action plans for family growth
-
Guided Discussion: Reflective questions and shared insights
-
Ask Me Anything Time
-
Group Laser Coaching session
FAQs
-
Don’t worry if life happened and you didn’t do the reading. Come to the LIVE session. You’ll still get a lot out of the discussion. And you can always watch Sarah’s video summary afterwards.
-
No, you will need to purchase a copy of the book. If possible, order your book before the first meeting of the book club
-
Sorry, the Book Club is for parents only. Partners can join at a reduced rate. Contact Sarah for details.
-
We record meetings for internal use only. To protect members’ confidentiality, we do not make recordings available. However, Sarah makes separate short recordings after each meeting in case you miss the LIVE book club meeting. She summarizes key points from the discussion and the chapters.
-
YES, please do. Creating community is an important part of our process together. We’re not just discussing the book: we’re sharing our stories, supporting each other, and setting intentions. Feel free to turn your camera off during short breaks or if you need to grab a cup of tea.
“It really helped me to know I could go ask Sarah and the other parents for suggestions when my son refused to talk with me about the plan for my son to get a job. At first, I thought I’d never get anywhere on the issue. But knowing I was going to be reporting my progress back to the group gave me motivation to stick to my goal. Last week, my son started working as a bagger at our local grocery store!”
The Journey of Change
Creating change isn't a single moment, but a series of intentional conversations.
It's about understanding that progress isn't linear, but a compassionate, persistent path of growth and connection.