How to Raise Your Parents: A Teen Girl's Survival Guide

I am so surprised I am writing this rave, or anything at all, because i would never have thought i would have read or picked up this book in the first place, even though I saw Ms. Burningham on the Today Show, and another venue (i watched and stayed tuned in cuz i'd already read the book). I'd been recommended the book by a friend in NY, and I started reading it in the bookstore and I couldn't believe it (i'm a middle-aged dude.......not exactly the target audience i imagine--thank God I was wrong!!) Well i was laughing out loud in a minute (VERY hard to do when you're by yourself), and learned some things i REALLY didn't know (and wish I had, in the past, and even in the present, and probably in the future) and took it right up to the cashier.......devoured it, and have recommended it to several friends, some who even fit into the demographic i assume (probably falsely) it was aimed at--this is a book for EVERYONE, and I'm sure it will receive all the attention (and sales) it deserves too. Congrats, Ms. Burningham, wherever you are!! Neal Karlen, Minneapolis, MN

Excellent book, my daughter has not read it yet but full of info for both parents & kids

Sarah O'Leary Burningham has written a delightful and valuable book for parents and teenagers. The content, the style and the visual presentation are terrific. Although I am a still a teenager on the inside, the mirror reminds me that I am over 50 on the outside. From this wise viewpoint, I recommend this book as helpful to parents and children as a way to encourage more conversation between generations. For example, the chapter "When They Hold the Car Over Your Head" reminds teens that parents believe 100% in this equation: Teenager-Car=At Their Mercy. If you, as the parent or the teen don't agree with one of Sarah's suggested solutions - come up with one together. Great out loud reading while on your car road trip as a family - just don't let your teenager drive!

Before you were born, your parents probably read books like "What To Expect When You're Expecting", among other parenting books and magazines. You're still here so they obviously worked but now you're a teenager. You want a cellphone. You want to go on a date. You want FREEDOM. But your parents hold the key to all of it and they don't want to give it you. How To Raise Your Parents is a how-to guide to convincing your parents why you really do need a cell phone, learing "Parent Lingo", and avoiding future embarrassment the next time your boyfriend come over. I found How To Raise Your Parents a hilarious book. Many of the tatics explained seem like they might actually work and I've actually tried a few of them. Sarah talks directly to the teen reader as she explains everything and it's written in a style that I'm sure every teen would enjoy. So whether or not you feel the need to train your parents, I suggest you pick up a copy of How To Raise Your Parents when you see it!

As a mother, grandmother and former teacher I have nothing but praise for this book. It is funny, but has such great advice. It's a must read for pre-teens as well as teens and the parents. The illustrations are magnificent. I can't wait for my grand daughter to read it!