shine: Beautiful Inside and Out

I am reading this book with a bible study that I lead for high school girls. I love that it is actually a workbook so the girls can take it home and work through their portion and bring it back so we can discuss it as a group. Each exercise is very applicable to them.

"Shine: Beautiful Inside and Out" is a wonderful blend of poignant insight and refreshing humor. Ms. Hawkins deftly avoids didactic plattitudes in favor of relational dialogue that leaps off of the page. It is clear that the author speaks with the hard won wisdom that only comes with a deep rooted confidence in her own innate value. In an age where sexual exploitation is the prime measure for the value of young women, "Shine" is a welcome alternative for those who find worth from the inside out.

I read this book as a father, looking ahead to my daughter's early teen years. It provided some insights and thoughtful discussion on positive self-identity that I think will help me be a better parent.

This is a fantastic study for all teen girls. The author shares funny and meaningful stories from her own life as poignant examples of her main ideas. I especially enjoyed the interactive nature of the book. There are places provided throughout the pages for the reader to write in her own thoughts and ideas, draw pictures, and generally reflect on the chapter. I will very highly recommend this book to all the teenage girls I know.

If I had to pinpoint two issues I'd like to see addressed in any book geared toward women-to-be, they'd be body image and healthy self-expression. Within an uncompromisingly Christian context, Aly Hawkins writes a book that emphasizes both in a series of short, punchy chapters (meant to be read and reflected on in the course of a week each, I believe). Each chapter consists of some text about a chosen topic: talent, friendship, passion, style, grooming, supporting scripture from the bible, a few questions aimed at provoking thought on the topic, room to journal (highly emphasized and encouraged) and, best of all, a personal anecdote from the author's not-too-distant adolescent past. Young women are exhorted to cultivate compassion (for themselves and others), creative effort, regular and "real" dialogue with mentors and guardians, and a strong sense of personal style. Though Ms. Hawkins also speaks strongly AGAINST certain habits - eating disorders, envy of others (a big trouble-maker for me and my teenage friends if I remember correctly), self-mutilation, squandering of personal ability, never do you get the impression that she is not firmly in your camp. Ms. Hawkins remembers the struggle to live life with authenticity and courage whilst under the gimlet eye of adults, 85% of whom don't "get" you, don't care, and hope you won't give them any more trouble. You get the strong impression from reading her book that even though she's urging you toward better things, she's commiserating with you, firmly on your side, and always mindful of how it was for her at that age. And she's one of the funniest writers I've ever read. While Western culture inundates all of us - but especially the youngest, most promising and most impressionable of us - with the need to be gorgeous, slender, amazing, self-actualized, well-funded, well-dressed, heavily made-up and desired from every angle by the drooly-mouthed, Aly Hawkins offers another way to shine through the mire of adolescenthood with compassion, quirky joy and authenticity. I wish I had had her around when I was that age.