13 Is the New 18: And Other Things My Children Taught Me While I Was Having a Nervous Breakdown Being Their Mother

This book is such a psychological lift if you are the parent of a teen. The author's observations of life with a teen is dead-on accurate, but viewed through a wry and clever sense of humor, which is infectious and can't help but leave the reader thinking 'thank goodness I'm not alone', and 'life with a teen is pretty amusing', and 'my teen and I have hopes of coming out ok on the other side of adolescence'. The author describes her teenage boy but I was surprised at how similar the behavior is to my teen girl. I will be making a present of this to every friend who is bewildered at the changes in their child during the ages 12-14, my gift to their mental health through it all.

In her book, "13 Is the New 18," award-winning Associated Press writer Beth J. Harpaz shares with her readers her experiences of dealing with her son before and after he turns 13. She tells about seemingly ordinary things, like buying her son deodorant, in an amusing fashion. Did you know that Axe deodorant comes in bodyspray, dry, shower gel, and deodorant stick form, and has fragrance names like Adrenalin, Apollo, Phoenix, Kilo and Tsunami? She didn't either until she went to buy the stuff without her son present. Lucky for her, she picked the right form and scent. As she watches her son survive his 13th year, she reminiscences about her own life and the time she transitioned from a child to an adult. She shares some insights into the process that any mother can appreciate, especially the mother of a son who is close to the age of thirteen. The sometimes poignant, almost always amusing narrative really struck home as I am the mother of a fourteen-year-old son who has already experienced my son's "terrible 13s." Although my son's and her son's lives are very different from each other, I could identify (and sometimes sympathize!) with the author. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Even if you don't have a son, I'm sure you can appreciate the humor of the writing and the story-telling. 5 stars.

I laughed out loud many times when I read this book. The author can take something as simple as deodorant and make it funny. The best part of the book for me, was when I realized that my family is not alone - other families go through the same sort of things with their teenagers. I decided to try, after reading the book, not to take life so seriously. I can get through this. Like when we took our 13 year old son on a nature vacation and all he did was complain, fart on purpose, and listen to his i-pod the whole time. Since then, we've gone on many more family vacations together and enjoyed them. But it's always reaffirming to hear what goes on in other families. Perhaps the old adage, "Misery loves company" applies here. This is not really an advice book. It's more of a memoir than anything, a really funny memoir.

Started reading the book in the eveings when re-runs of The Cosby Show were on, and as I read and then would watch the show, I was amazed at how the lessons being written about were so wise. Especially liked Chapter 10 The Secret Lives of Teenagers, which speaks about parents who may have done some wild things when they were teenagers, but now as parents, assume their kids are different and dont do dumb stuff. Chaper 8 was fun since I like the author, attended an all girls school, although mine was a boarding school. And as long as I can remember I wanted sons, and ended up with a lot of sons. It was fun reading how girlie the author had been and still was when she had her sons. Because she never was into sports and other male oriented interests. And how she changed so much after having sons. Over all it is the fact she is such a wonderful and observant mother who actually listens to her kids. This may seem like something other would assume would be expected. And in many ways, it is expected, but sadly, also isnt done by many a parent. This is why I recommend the book so highly. Because maybe in reading it, other parents and adults in general will learn something about what being an awesome adult is all about,

"13 is the New 18" is an exciting read by author Beth J. Harpaz. Parenting is a full time demanding job. "13 is the New 18" is a book that parents and potential parents will enjoy. Beth Harpaz writes in first person about her life as the parent of a 13 year old boy named Taz. Being the mother to Taz is no easy feat. Taz, once a innocent young boy has evolved into a popular teenager with a world full of ideas. His nurturing mother encourages to pursue his new teenage identity. "13 is the New 18" is humor filled book about the adventures of Taz and his parents. This is a really good book. It's not a tell all or a preachy "how to be the best parent in the world" book. "13 is the New 18" is the kind of book that a parent will enjoy. The author shares first hand stories of the trials and tribulations of raising a teenage son. Her writing style is light, enjoyable and the book is easy to read. Readers who enjoy this book will look forward to future books from Beth J. Harpaz.