Rating: 
Summary: A great book for teenagers!
Review: After reading most of this book, I have learned a lot about the adult world and controlling your life. Read this book if you want to learn a lot about living a successful live as an adult!
Rating: 
Summary: Almost There, But Not Quite
Review: Greetings, Marshall Brain obviously has skill. He can communicate. He not only can communicate, in fact, but he is talented in the respect that he can also persuade. Judging by consumer response, he also conforms to the will of the people, which not many modern authors can claim to do nearly so efficiently. I know I can't. Yet there is something lacking here, something these words, however expertly arranged, fail to produce. That thing, my friends, is logic. It may at first appear that logic binds the bulk of the ideas in this book into a brilliant, moving masterpiece. However, have you ever noticed that after reading a passage, you sense that these clearly coherent and superbly supported statements are wrong - that perhaps you have foolishly fallen for something that you wanted to hear, but falls miserably short of the truth? Then, upon re-examining the whole argument, upon dissecting every assumed truth into its every component...have you perhaps discovered fallacy? But enough of the elusive talk - let's examine some examples. When defining the basics for Chapter 14: "You can be confident!", in which he encourages readers to believe that lack of confidence is merely the product of self-doubt and a false, suspected notion of inequality, Marshall starts from an interesting assumption. "As a human being you are no different from anyone else." Following this staggering proposal, he continues to say, "you are equal to everyone around you - you are just as valuable and you are just as worthwhile and you are just as important as everyone else." Evidence? "That is a fact of life." While it may be easy for some to swallow this spoonful of sugar with ease, and maybe not a difficult task for most at first, a closer examination will lead the reader to the slightly deflating suspicion that life does not back up this assertion. Look around. How many people do you see that are "no different from anyone else?" Moreover, from where is the assertion made that humans are equal? Looking at a species of any animal, or merely at nature as a whole - does one not see the weak dominated by the strong? Does one not see the most attractive, most capable, most intelligent succeed where the rest find bitter failure? If this be not proof enough...look at your very life! Who leads? Is it not the best with words? Is it not the best with tools? Is it not the best with logic? Is it not the best who dominate the rest? But let's step aside from this thought for a moment - it is bothersome isn't it? Let's evaluate another topic that Brain finds noteworthy: self hatred. Here again one finds the nice, but hardly applicable, slogan of Brain's rephrased in an even more pleasant way: "you are just as good, just as worthy of love and success, just as talented, and just as important." Hmmm...now there's an interesting thought. Imagine this for a moment, though. You work very hard. From the moment you entered school, you realized that you had the chance to do something great. You read how others had changed the world, and you too decided that you wanted to partake. Night and day you slaved away, pushed yourself through college, and somewhere along the line you invented something great. Your invention revolutionized the world. It also made you a lot of well-deserved money. Now, there was another student in your class. Let's call him Bobby. Bobby didn't do much at all. Well, to his credit we will relate to you his many accomplishments. He had a good time. He realized life was meant to be enjoyed, so he slacked off at school, went to parties, had fun with the girls, and so on. When he got out of high school, he was unable to get a job. How did he manage? He applied for welfare. Meanwhile the government took a large quantity of your money. Someone had to pay for Bobby's survival, didn't they? On top of it all now, Marshall Brain states that you and Bobby are equal. After all, you are both humans. You, despite your petty contributions, are just as valuable as Bobby. You are no more important than Bobby. So much for your genius - so much for your hard work - your dedication. Does this sound right to you? But what if you've made no significant contributions? Worse, what if you've made no contribution at all? How will you succeed in attaining confidence? "Make a big list of your strengths" says Brain. Take pride in the fact that you can set the table! Glorify yourself in your skill of dressing! Tell me honestly and with full pride that you feel better knowing that you have managed to brush your teeth! Tell me honestly, do you feel better now? Yet Brain makes an interestingly delightful point in his prevention plan against self-hatred. "Confidence can be boosted by a win or a success." Indeed, I'd like to state that those are the only things that will boost confidence. Compliments? Sure, they'll make you feel good for a while. That is, until, you sit down and ponder their validity. The greatest compliment is that which you can give yourself - to yourself - and one that you are truly worthy of. If you are unhappy, do something that makes you more valuable, more worthy - do something you could not do before. Strive, strive, and when you fall, if you fall, or when you end, if you end, you'll feel the delight, the confidence you crave, and for once you'll know the joy of life. How nice a fantasy to indulge in - what a seemingly innocuous activity - believing yourself to contain a "super-hero power" is! Take Brain's advice. Ask your parents or other adults what your "super-hero power is." But, for your own sake, don't pin your hopes too much to this. After all, what evidence do you have to support such a statement? Despite the strength of your emotions, despite your innocence, your youth, or your sanctity as a living, breathing human being, can you honestly name the power you have been endowed with? Can you truthfully convince yourself that without hard work, effort, painful yet inspiring, you can not only reap happiness, but deserve it, and will have it through supernatural means or hidden talents? Sad, but true is reality, for some. Work it to your best interests. I believe in fear. But I believe in something else more than I believe in fear. I believe in the human ability to overcome fear - the human ability to rise up against all odds and show the world dedication. Take that person on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Tell them that their mother is dying on the other side of the tower, or that a vast sum of money awaits them if they make the crossing. Better yet, nip them in the butt. It is a beautiful thing to see motivation in motion. The only irony, of course, lies in the fact that motivation and fear are one the same, applied differently, of course. If you have the dedication to work up to your goal in small steps, good for you, so long as the time consumed is truly being put to the best use possible. "It's a short life." Yet besides the confidence Chapter, I have noticed other points worthy of comment. Although Brain professes to know much about teenagers, I, being one myself, have my doubts when I read an assertion that strikes me, as it may strike you, too, to be rather biased. "Because life has no meaning, I might as well be as obnoxious as possible - This is the 'juvenile delinquent' and 'career criminal' school of thought. Since life is meaningless, you might as well make as many people miserable as possible by killing people, robbing them, vandalizing things and so on." He does admit, however, in the following line, to have an incomplete logical connection - "it is unclear how the connection from 'my life has no meaning' to 'therefore everyone else should be miserable' is made, but these people make it nonetheless". My friends, that is because there is no connection. I have met these "juvenile delinquents" - these forgotten few who have been brutally used by society and have hence risen to repay their treatment. I by no means support them, as their efforts are futile and involve perpetrating violence onto others, yet I believe they have a right to be fully understood, and not simply passed of as the troublesome dregs of society. These individuals more often than not have been raised in environments lacking in love, security, and attention. Thus, the grow to fit the mold cast for them, constantly trying strike fear into the heart of society, as proof of their strength, when they are the most disabled. "These people" to which Brain refers to so harshly, often do not realize the full extent of their actions and simply commit them to gain prestige and the admiration of their peers. This is frightening, perhaps, but what is even more frightening is the idea that these are humans too...and that all humans, properly indoctrinated, could be raised to commit such crimes. So I believe Brain's too rough in this area. Are humans so advanced? Undoubtedly, by their own standards. But supposing humans are so superior from their fellow creatures - have all humans really contributed to this rise? When Brain claims that "this t
Rating: 
Summary: Some good points, but strong beliefs seem to get in the way.
Review: I am very interested in books written for teenagers. Maybe because there weren't as many life skills guides when i was a teenager ten years ago. I feel that they can be very helpful, and talk about things that can assist teenagers and adults alike. I don't have a problem with those that have strong religious beliefs, but when it shapes the way a book is written, it carries that undertone. For example, when Marshall Brian talks about sex, he explains that it is not an option for teenagers. That is a very unrealistic view. Even if he doesn't believe its a good idea for teenagers, express that, then follow it up with... "if you decide to have sex, this is how to be safe." Whether or not he thinks they should, it will happen, and the author shouldn't be in denial about it. Another thing is, he acts as if marriage and children is the end all, be all. The point is, he only discusses one path for teenagers to follow. He never discusses gay teenagers, and they do exist, whether he wants to admit to it or not. Some people are not interested in marriage or children, and in this day and age, a lot of people stay single when they are older. It's great how he breaks down the money situation, like how much money you need to move out and start on your own, and how to develop your talents and skills, so it can help you in the job situation later. However, sometimes, it seems that he leans toward money being everything, or the most important thing, which isn't true. There is a lot more to life than being successful in a job and making money. He never mentions having fun, building self esteem, enjoying your time being young. It's like he is presenting a life that looks good "on paper," rather than what is good for the individual. He also talks down to the teenagers quite a bit, saying things like: "As a teenager, you are fairly naive about the real world," and "most teenagers also life in a protected dream land created by their parents." Maybe that's true for some teenagers, but I feel that in the new millenium, teenagers are more aware about what is going on arounnd them. He is the president of a software development firm and taught computer science. He seems to make some good points and it is easy to understand. But, in the future, I think that he is better off writing books having to do with what he is best at. Not everyone can write books for teenagers. You need to provide more than one option, or at least, get to know teenagers, so you know what's important to them.
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Summary: Every Parent Should Share This With Every Child!
Review: I borrowed this book from the library, but am now back at Amazon to order a copy to give to my 16 year old daughter. I want her to read it cover to cover, and keep it as a resource always. Why? Because it contains page after page of important, logical, indispensible advice for living a full, productive, and happy life...all explained with humor, insight, and amazing clarity. Some of the reviews here criticise Mr. Brain for speaking directly against teenaged sex, or talking about the importance of money, or seeming to have conservative values. Guess what, kids? These are the very lessons that you WILL learn - either the hard way, or the smart way. Brain is just trying to give you the "smart" option, to save you some heartache and, quite likely, years of making mistakes. The book is amazingly comprehensive - helping with everything from buying a car or house to understanding the give and take of personal relationships. It's practically an "owner's manual" for someone with a bright, shiny new life who wants to take proper care of it. One note: I'm not going to hand this book to my daughter, say "read it," then walk away. We're BOTH going to read it, then I'm going to say "let's talk about it." This is an invaluable tool for parenting...not a replacement. Thank you, Marshall Brain, for this remarkable book!
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Summary: Should be required reading!
Review: I bought this book three years ago for my (then) 12 year old daughter, and we read it together. She still pulls it out periodically to review certain chapters. I highly recommend this book for any teenager and their parents. The book is written in such a way that it keeps teens' interest; serious ideas, but written in a down-to-earth manner. This book truly will help teens to become confident, responsible adults!
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Summary: Invaluable Book
Review: I find it amusing that some of the reviewers giving poor reviews of the book make clearly erroneous statements. For example, one reviewer mentioned the emphasis on 'material things' in the book, saying how Brain focuses exclusively on making money. But if they would have actually read the book, it would make sense that they would have noticed the chapter entitled "Material Things Will Not Bring You Happiness" (duh). Also to the person saying that he doesn't even consider teenage sex as an option, did you miss the chapter "Teenage Sex Is An Option" ? How careless can you be? Obviously these people did not read the book.
It offers many common sense things (common sense to people who have gone through them) for teenagers. I am 20 and I consider myself pretty well-versed in the world, having held many types of jobs in addition to attending college. I've been involved in taking care of the family finances, so I know many of the unknowns out there, and this book still offered me such good advice that I'd recommend it to not just teenagers, but any young adult who is just getting started in the real world.
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Summary: This is a solid book that every teenager should read
Review: I first bought this book about 4 years ago with my daughter in mind (she is now 19). I read it first and was very impressed with the down-to-earth way the writer laid out the realities of adulthood. I grew up with four older brothers and have three kids of my own. I know from that experience that a lot of teenagers reach a point where they become obsessed by "getting out on their own" or "getting their own place". They don't think about what is realistically necessary in order to succeed on their own. This book is written in a way that grabs your attention and serves as a wake-up call. For the previous reviewers who complained that the author did not advocate sex among teenagers, what adult in his/her right mind would do so? However, he DID NOT say it isn't an option....obviously it is. What he said was in the context of keeping yourself from making a mistake that could actually ruin....yes, ruin....the rest of your life. His main theme seems to be that the choices you make today WILL affect you down the road, and he points out ways to make the right kind of choices. After I read it, I shared it with my daughter. She read it cover to cover, and has referred to parts of it ever since. I then passed it on to my (then) 17-year-old stepson -- whom I don't think even cracked it open, but hey, I tried. Now I am buying it for my (now) 17-year-old stepson, who I will strongly encourage to read it. Great book for parents and teenagers to share -- TOGETHER !
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Summary: The one essential read for teenagers
Review: I found this book while strolling through Barnes & Noble one day. I was 16 at the time and starting to discover that sometimes the adult world does not coincide with my wants or my needs. My parents were making me pay this dreaded thing called insurance on my car and their were expenses associated with my car I hadn't even thought about like registration, tags, inspections, and property tax. This book makes it very clear in its section on money that as a teenager, you probably cannot make it in the real world on your own. This book is straight forward and simple, telling the honest truth about the adult world. I am 18 now and am still finding real life examples of situations described in the book. I was somewhat prepared for them after reading the book, even though I didn't like them, but these experiences were in no way traumatic or heart-breaking as they would have been if I had not read the book. It is the only book teenagers must read for themselves, especially my sister, for who this book came out five years too late.
Rating:
Summary: The one essential read for teenagers
Review: I found this book while strolling through Barnes & Noble one day. I was 16 at the time and starting to discover that sometimes the adult world does not coincide with my wants or my needs. My parents were making me pay this dreaded thing called insurance on my car and their were expenses associated with my car I hadn't even thought about like registration, tags, inspections, and property tax. This book makes it very clear in its section on money that as a teenager, you probably cannot make it in the real world on your own. This book is straight forward and simple, telling the honest truth about the adult world. I am 18 now and am still finding real life examples of situations described in the book. I was somewhat prepared for them after reading the book, even though I didn't like them, but these experiences were in no way traumatic or heart-breaking as they would have been if I had not read the book. It is the only book teenagers must read for themselves, especially my sister, for who this book came out five years too late.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable book.
Review: I hate to use hyperbole, because it will make me sound like a teenager (which I have not been for quite a long time); but I'll say it anyway: This is one of the greatest books ever written. As others have pointed out (most of them criticizing), the author speaks VERY bluntly to teens. A big part of his message could be summarized thusly: "You, young person, think you know everything. You know nothing." The truth of this statement should be obvious to everyone who has left the teen years behind (both chronologically and maturity-wise). I can only conclude that those reviewers who were offended by this message were either teenagers, or adults who have never grown up. To all others, Brain's thesis is so self-evidently true that no debate is needed.
I also disagree with reviewers who believe Brain's value systems intrude. First, he did NOT say "sex is not an option" -- he said precisely the opposite, that it IS an option (then he explains why it is a bad choice from several perspectives, not just a religious one. In fact, the reader can infer that Brain is a Christian but it is not certain that's true; this book is not even remotely focused on a religious perspective). In summary, this book is a treasure chest of helpful advice to teens. I only wish it had been available to me as a teenager.
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