52 Mentor Musings

“If you’re looking for an inspiring guide for anyone who ‘moves alongside a young person as their non-judgmental cheerleader,’ 52 Mentor Musings is it. Robin Cox distills decades of research and practice into relatable wisdom—sometimes packing it into a figurative paper bag. His 17-Point Personal Growth Kit transforms everyday objects into life lessons, like a rubber band (stay flexible) and an eraser (learn one lesson from every mistake). Practical and insightful—a valuable read!”

Magdalena Brzezinska

“Drawing on decades of mentoring experience, Robin brings together personal stories, practical strategies, and up-to-date research in 52 short, weekly messages. Whether you’re a teacher, mentor, parent—or all three—this book is an invaluable companion you’ll want within arm’s reach. Easy to read and packed with wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement, it’s a must-have for anyone walking alongside young people, helping them grow, set goals, and become the best version of themselves.”

Trish Nees

“Through real-life stories—including surviving cancer and early personal tragedy—here is a powerful, authentic reflection on mentoring, resilience, and personal growth. The author offers practical, no-nonsense insights shaped by a lifetime of mentoring. Poignant yet grounded, each weekly chapter delivers accessible wisdom, making this a valuable read for anyone working with young people.”

Chris Wright

“These weekly lessons, stories, and case studies offer a wealth of information and inspiration for anyone who is mentoring a young person in their life. I found the advice offered here to be both deeply moving and energizing, reminding us that the act of mentoring can benefit us adults as much as the young people we care for.”

Mike Garringer

“In a society grappling with disconnection, Robin Cox’s book is a much-needed resource for mentors, parents, educators, and others supporting young people in uncertain times. Each weekly reflection feels like a personal mentoring session—blending relatable stories, actionable insights, and genuine encouragement.”

Jenny Horst

“As our social media dependance increasingly draws us away from core values, core relationships, committed support systems, we need a warm book like this that offers wise counsel shaped by personal experiences in many different contexts, offering insight and proven approaches—and challenging questions! These nurture positive relations for which all people—young and old—are hankering.”

Rudi Pakendorf

“If the definition of ‘teenager’ is taken as meaning ‘between ages’—i.e., the period between childhood and adulthood—then it would be true to say that Robin Cox’s latest book, 52 Mentor Musings, builds a bridge ‘over the troubled water’ of adolescence (thanks Simon and Garfunkel), and links the two ages of youth together. With the sincerity of his personal experiences, Robin continually emphasizes that the guide over this bridge needs to build up a wealth of compassion, trust, and understanding if a true connection is to be made. Building bridges for teenagers is a huge privilege rewarded when the mentor sees blossoming of confidence in the young person. These musings will breathe life into all who are privileged to work with young people.”

Keith Richardson

“I highly recommend Robin Cox’s latest book for those who seek to mentor, parent, and teach young men and women. He emphasizes that successful mentorship, like any other meaningful relationship, is built upon trust tested over time. He speaks with authority on the practical aspects of mentorship, and with humility on the gracious gifts and rewards of developing careful and caring relationships with young people.”

Andrew Cook

“Wearing my senior’s hat, I highly recommend 52 Mentor Musings as an insightful and inspiring resource—one to regularly ‘dip into.’ Packed with wisdom, it empowers young people to reach their potential and become compassionate contributors in an ever-changing world. A truly valuable read.”

Karen Mackay

“This timely offering by Robin Cox illuminates the power of human connection at the ‘best’ and the ‘worst of times’ for our youth. The vignette style of this book, interspersed with proven strategies, current research, true stories, and analogies kept me engaged. While I found it hard to put down, it is essentially, a ‘read it when you need it,’ must-have resource for all who journey with young people.”

Caro Emslie

“These musings are for everyone, mentors, teachers, employers included. Having two teenage children—and being a leader and mentor in a corporate workplace—I have found them invaluable.”

Emma Huggett

“Robin Cox’s life’s experiences, his strength in adversity from a life-threatening disease at an early age, and other cardinal factors in education, place him in a unique position to foster a greater knowledge for patience, perseverance, strength, and humility from educators. These and other topics—unlocking potential, celebrating strengths, providing practical strategies, engendering curiosity, and survival for challenging times—will surely equip all who journey alongside teenagers for their empowerment.”

Paul Murray