Yes, it's yet another book by Dr. Leman! Admittedly, I didn't plan to read this one so recently after reading Firstborn Advantage, but I was waiting for someone and didn't have anything to read... so I searched the trunk of the car and found some library books that hadn't made it to the church yet. Thus, this book.

Anyway, all things considered, it was a nice diversion. I can't say it told me many things I didn't already know - especially considering I've read all his books on birth order - but it did challenge me to really think about the most prominent memories I have from my childhood. His assessments were spot on: as a firstborn, most of my early memories deal with failures, hurts, disappointments, or major achievements. All of my early memories are extremely detailed, as if I'd taken a video of each event through my eyes.

I was a bit surprised to realize how many "negative" childhood memories stuck with me over "positive" ones, but that's the nature of who I am as a firstborn - constantly concerned with success, perfection, and doing things right... so when something goes wrong, I'll almost always remember that over when something goes right.

I can see how retaining these specific memories can have an impact on shaping a person's reality during their childhood, and then when they're grown... Leman talks about how that reality may or may not even be real, but something you developed when you were younger, based on your experiences. Your worldview is reflective of your life as a child... but the good news is, you can change it.

Like I said, not too many things I didn't already know, but it was interesting to learn about memories and the role they play in shaping who you are, right from those early years until today. ( )