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Summary: A Diary of an Adolescent
Review: I liked this book better than "Reviving Ophelia". This was an open and honest account of what it's like to be a young woman in America these days. I believe parents and everyone working with adolescents should read this. Young girls may even find themselves in this book.
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Summary: Lacks perspective
Review: There appears to be a socioeconomic imbalance in the book. When Shandler collected writings, she included "socioeconomic, cultural, and racial issues" as a suggested topic. Indeed, near the back of the book, there is a section on "Race, Identity, and Prejudice." In general, however, the bulk of the writings have a middle-to-upper-class feel to them. There are no writings about facing or overcoming poverty or lack of resources for college or other educational goals. In the section entitled "No Safe Place," I expected to find at least one piece about street or school violence, but found none. Because a large part of Shandler's readership will be teenage girls themselves, she has a responsibility to provide some perspective and discussion of solutions. In some sections, she fails to do that. In the section entitled "Self-Inflicted Wounds," for example, she admits to receiving only ten pieces (out of 815) on the subject, and includes four of them. Three of them are very dramatic, emotional poems. There is little "why" discussed and little hope expressed. Admittedly, in some circles of adolescent girls, self-mutilation is an alarmingly common problem. Still, such pieces do little to help the problem. I'm afraid such writings will only "fan the flames" for many young women. In this and other sections, it might have helped to have some writings from young women who are overcoming their problems, or from slightly older young women who have gained some perspective on their younger adolescent years. Such writings would perhaps challenge the adolescent reader a little more, and force her to think more deeply about her problems, rather than simply invite her to a pity party. On a more positive note, Shandler is not afraid to include very common, less dramatic issues such as academic pressure. "The Academic Squeeze" is an excellent section that explores the issue of school stress. This section acknowledges that worry over grades and college admissions, unhealthy habits (especially lack of sleep) caused by a difficult study schedule, and parental pressure can sometimes compound (or even cause) the more immediately alarming problems such as depression and suicide. Similarly, the section entitled "Manipulated and Controlled" addresses another problem that doesn't usually get much attention-that of adolescent girls' allowing themselves to be manipulated by boyfriends.
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Summary: Review by one of the authors
Review: I am a college student at Hollins University in Virginia, and back in the good ol' days of high school, my English teacher prompted me to send one of my stories into Sara Shandler. I did, and my story was consequently published in Ophelia Speaks. The publication of my true story was a cleansing experience, it helped my realize that although the sitution I wrote about meant everything to me at the time, life does go on. After reading the rest of the stories in the book, I can honestly say that teenage girls can benefit from these true-life accounts. To anyone who feels like the world is too much to handle, this book is great therapy. Even if all you want is more insight into the female adolescent point of view, this compilation will really help. And it makes a great gift! Thanks for reading!
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Summary: Talks about REAL teens
Review: It was a great collection of REAL teens experiences. Some of the things can be learned from and it's a big look into reality.
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Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: I picked this book off a list for a college class on Women's studies. I dreaded the fact that I had to finish an 300 page book in less than a week for an assignment. But once I began reading this book, I couldn't stop. I could identify with each and every chapter..if not from my own experience, then from experiences of my peers and friends. I read reviews from people that said it was awful because it shows only the dark side to teenage life. Well, that is the point of this book..to help teenage girls deal with the dark side, and to help them realize they are not alone in their problems. If this book had stories about girls with perfect teenage lives, it just would not have been the same. I would recommend that every parent buy this for their teenage girl...and that every teenage girl buys this for their parents. It is a book that will provide a better understanding between parents and children, because parents will realize that girls today have just as many problems as they probably had when they were our age, and that their children are not alone.
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Summary: We Loved it!
Review: Today's society has made us feel that our children must exceed in everything they do from grades to appearance(The need to be accepted into college is an added pressure). The young women who speak to us in this book feel that pressure and are just plain scared. This book which my daughter and I read together made me understand her feelings so much better(It was a terrific way to broach subjects that we parents may feel strange talking to our children about. Thanks Sara!
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Summary: Briliant Book!
Review: This is a wonderfuly written book! It is written so well from the mouths of the girls themselves. It is a wonderful follow up to "Reviving Ophelia" but I found this book to be even better. I guarantee you will find yourself, your sister, and your best friend within these pages!
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Summary: READ THIS REVIEW
Review: this book is amazing! i enjoyed it so much! it's my favorite book. a teen usually doesn't have the chance to read about the lives, struggles and triumphs of other teens across the country. it's so authentic and realistic. it's great to be able to relate to other teens and know that you are not alone, and also be able to look at the experiences of others, and just enjoy stepping into their lives. This book is a marvel. A must for every teenage girl. AND it's definitley WAY better than "Chicken Soup."
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Summary: couldn't relate
Review: When I first saw this book I thought that, as a fifteen year old girl, surely I would be able to relate to some of the girls stories. I found it hard to relate to any of them. I think that this book makes it seem as if all girls have problems such as the ones the girls in the book have. I'm happy to say that the overwhelming majority of girls that I know do not have eating disorders or problems with depression and suicide.
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Summary: Our Life Isn't Just Candy
Review: This book shows just how wrong those people who say "being a teenager is so easy, I wish I was still one" are. It shows how much of a struggle our life really is.
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