Your Body: The Girls' Guide

I wish I had this book when I was a pre-teen!! The writing is clear and informative and speaks to you like a friend would. The sections about health and the body are wonderfully balanced with the sections about health and the mind. A great tour to how girls can best lay claim to their body and spirit in a culture that can pressure them to leave that behind. I have given it to many friends, pre-teen and adult alike and they have all raved about it. It is indispensible to todays growing girls!!

Dr. Brody's book Your Body: The Girls' Guide is a long overdue addition to the preteen and teen literature. As a psychologist, I have searched long and hard for a book to recommend to my girl patients who are entering puberty and have numerous questions. Girls need a means of sorting out and navigating this often confusing period, so that they can experience it as it should be: an exciting time of possibilities.Dr. Brody writes with the knowledge and experience of a psychologist; the support, guidance and comfort of an older sister; and the understanding and insight of someone who has stayed current with teen culture. Dr. Brody does not bury her head in the sand when it comes to talking to girls -- she offers facts and reassurances, a realistic perspective on today's social climate and its impact on girls' self-esteem, and tips for remaining healthy and in charge. For example, Dr. Brody is aware that girls are confronted with issues related to sex at much earlier ages than ever before. She encourages girls to wait until they are ready for sexual intimacy, but also arms them with information to make wise decisions to protect themselves. I believe that information is power, especially when it's balanced with Dr. Brody's sensitivity.Dr. Brody talks to girls about the challenges they face in growing up with the at times conflicting messages they receive from girl and boy peers, their parents and the media. She helps girls feel good about their bodies and their minds, strengthening girls to hold their own in a challenging world.

Finally a book that speaks honestly about what truly faces young women today. I have three nieces and plan to give them each a copy.I'm particularly happy that Ms. Brody relates from her own experiences, because the intimacy established provides space in the already over-crowed lives that teens are living these days. The quiet reflection, positive alternatives, and sections on getting further help make the book even more helpful. She speaks wisely about self-image, peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, health and fitness, and yes, sexuality.I'm hoping that more parents and teachers throughout the country, and world for that matter, will also read this book as a start-up for a dialogue between them and their children and students.I highly recommend to teens and adults alike.

I was amazed that so much information that was so helpful could be in such a tiny inexpensive book! I mean I learned more from this book than from anywhere. Reading this book made me actually think that loving me for whom I was really was cool and I decided to give it a try. Now I feel better I eat better I exersize better and I even made my friends feel better about themselves too! This is a wonderful read that changed my life.

I would recommend this book to all teenage girls (boys alike) who have any questions regarding female/human sexuality. The author speaks in a language which is as friendly and entertaining as it is informative. A perfect gift for that burgeoning daughter or niece.