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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In his book 12 Simple Words (12 Simple Words...Foundation), John W. Kennedy recounts his childhood challenges with hyperactivity and difficulty focusing, conditions later understood as ADD, ADHD, or OCD. In the 1960s, such traits were often misunderstood, but his mother, Jean, adapted her parenting to support each of her four children individually. For Kennedy, she used daily math and vocabulary lessons to instill structure and foster self-awareness. Athletics and scouting were outlets that matched his need for movement and order. Scouting, in particular, shaped his values through the Scout Law’s twelve principles. A Scoutmaster’s explanation gave these principles deeper personal meaning. Kennedy later served on over 250 Eagle Scout Boards of Review. Inspired, he wrote this book to share the impact of these twelve words, enriched by contributions from others who reflect on related virtues and values.
John W Kennedy's 12 Simple Words is a thoughtfully written guide that manages to be both grounded and relevant without slipping into the usual traps of affectation or oversimplification. Kennedy’s writing is sharp, clear, and accessible, and what sets this book apart is how comfortably the author moves between individual experiences to practical, real-world application. The advice given is far from generic, and, as someone unfamiliar with the Scout program, his presentation of values made perfect sense, and I learned quite a lot. I did not grow up in a first-world country and took his point of view regarding thrift to heart. He flips the definition around, arguing convincingly for its ethical and intentional aspects, rather than dismissing it as mere frugality. The real strength here lies in how Kennedy offers readers tools, not just ideas. There’s a purpose in each chapter, with takeaways that are useful to the reader’s everyday choices. It’s a smart, genuinely helpful read.
