Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit

I gave this to a teenager who had a breif psychotic break following the death of her brother. Many reads did not work for her while she was in the hospital, as she 'read into' the books in negative ways. This book was so positive for her that she tore it up and hung pictures around the hospital room walls. SHE LOVED IT. It was the only book that helped her. Following her stay, she realized her need to go into drug treatment, and she did, with a new copy of Girlosophy, which she shared with all the girls in her program. They loved it too. They commented that the book conveyed the beauty, strength and power in girls and women. There was no negative comparisons. The message recieved is "We are all beautiful and strong and capable."

As a real teenager (as opposed to a concerned adult) I found this book to be fantastic; right on target with many of my own beliefs, it reinforced them in print in a beautiful book. As to the hypocrisy claims, I don't think they have any basis. Yes, Anthea Paul uses pictures of beautiful girls. Personally, I feel the same inadequacy when seeing these women as I do when I see models - none. I am me, and that's all there is to it. This is what Paul stresses so greatly in her books. The big difference between the girls in the girlosophy books and models is that the girls in these books are real, whereas models seem to be from another world (seen as unattainable and frustrating to many). Also, there are no "women who work in corporate law, or carpentry" because the theme of this book is more of a beach/summer type of book - if it was set in urban places to have more of a city feel, I'm sure there would have been pictures of women who work in corporate law, and the same applies to carpentry or whatever skill one wishes to see in this book. In the end, a book can only cover so much, and personally, I think this book covers life and philosophy of life as well as can ever be done by a book.

Having seen many of today's teen self-help books, I'd have to say this one really takes the cake. It's filled with eclectic wisdom, inspiring messages, and best of all: truly beautiful pictures of girls from all backgrounds. I know there has been some debate on the women used in the pictures (how they all have "classic beauty" and not enough diverse body types are used) but this can be easily overlooked because there is so much more to the book. It sends a wonderful message to today's women overflowing with positive thinking and love. A must-read for all women ages 12+.

This book is very inspiring. It contains beautiful photography, wise quotes, and great advice for teens. I read this book when I feel down, and it lifts me right up again. It helps you to look at life in a better way.

This book was wonderful! I have read so many teen help books, and reading this one made me want to throw the others out the window. It has inspiring pictures, and is written beautifully. Before reading another book you must take the time to look at this one.