Two favorite quotes sum up the reasons that I chose to highlight a few great non-fiction reads for February.
First, “Wisdom is having things right in your life and knowing why.” William Stafford
And second, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Confucius
Included in this month’s nonfiction reviews, you will find self-help books for teens, inspirational stories, and some books that portray the world and its problems as they really are. I was especially touched by Ana’s Story by Jenna Bush. Although it is not a book I would usually recommend, it’s a story that is worthy to be shared and discussed by teens and their parents.
I feel a great admiration for the youth of our church. As I watch the young people in my ward face amazing moral and personal challenges in their lives and continue to be strong, brilliant, and immoveable in living their standards, I have great hope for the world that contains these powerful, righteous, happy youth.
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Ana’s Story by Jenna Bush
In this famed nonfiction story of a young girl’s struggle with AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and abandonment, Jenna Bush talks to teens about a real and moving subject. Although this book does contain some elements of question (language, teenage pregnancy, drug use) I believe it’s a book that all teens and their parents should consider. Jenna Bush’s writing is simple and forward, with an undeniable strength in its reality. Note the information about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in the back of the book.
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Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
A young girl, a mixed large family, a selfish, vicious stepmother, and a tragic life of struggle and abuse set the stage for this nonfiction memoir of a young Chinese girl, Adeline Yen Mah. Although some of the experiences of the childhood of Mah may be shocking, readers will be touched and inspired by the perseverance and inner strength of a real life Cinderella. I recommend this book to readers who like reading about Asian cultures.
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30 Days to Getting over the Dork You used to Call Your Boyfriend by Clea Hantman
This is a great book for girls who are trying to get over a relationship – or to put it bluntly, for girls who just got dumped. I really liked this book because not only is it full of funny anecdotes, but it also acknowledges that even when life seems like it will be over after breaking up with a beloved, things will eventually be okay. Every day has an activity to help the reader to do to move along the path of heartbroken to fabulous, followed by a song of the day to help sing the blues away. (I have checked out most of the songs and only caution against Day Twelve: Ben Folds Five, “Song for the Dumped” – It is vile!) I recommend this book because I found it overall to be full of fantastic outlook and information; plus it was a fun read.
Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Hansen, and Irene Dunlap
With stories that highlight such things as achieving dreams, overcoming trials, dealing with loss, and family relationships this book was interesting to me as an adult. Written for tweens, this book contains heartwarming, true stories of ordinary people who tell of the miracles and struggle of their everyday lives. I recommend this book for tweens, teens, or anyone who wants a good, clean collection of inspirational thoughts, poems, and stories.
SOS: A Teenage Guide to Getting Home Safely by John Bytheway
“Any youth without religious conviction and lacking in faith in eternal values is as a sailor without a compass or as a traveler without a guide. ” Harold B. Lee (Quoted in SOS: A Teenage Guide to Getting Home Safely).
Using the theme of water and boats, this popular LDS speaker/author opens with a reference to the favorite teenage prayer phrase “Help us return home in safety.” Bytheway talks about how youth can literally return home to their Heavenly Father in safety by using the gospel of Jesus Christ as a map, using the scriptures as an owner’s manual for their vessel, and taking life one wave at a time. Written in his easy to understand, especially for youth style, Bytheway has written a book that is short, simple, and to the point. I recommend this book for all teens; a great 20-minute read.
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How to be an Extra-Ordinary Teenager by John Bytheway
This book, like the previous one is an easy, quick read. On each page the author contrasts the difference between the life of an ordinary teen and an extraordinary teen. Using distinctions such as “Ordinary teens complain; Extraordinary teens contribute” and “Ordinary teens follow the crowd; Extraordinary teens follow the Creator,” this book lays out the qualities and attributes of successful, happy, righteous teens. This is a great book for any LDS teen. I would recommend this for every Young Man or Young Woman in my ward.
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What Makes Guys Tick by B.J. Rowley
Although some of the references are out of date (Walkmans instead of iPods, for example), this book kept my interest from the start. Talking straightforward and full of realistic humor, Rowley gets to the heart of the differences between guys and gals. He talks briefly about their physical differences and spends most of his time talking about the emotional differences. I especially liked the section where the author explains to girls the ways that their dress and action effect young men. He also includes a talk in the appendix by President Steven H. Satterfield on “How to Prepare for Life and Really Fall in Love on the Lord’s Terms.” This is a book that I recommend to all teens and also to leaders or parents of teens; it’s an excellent read.
Middle School the Real Deal by Julianna Farell and Beth Mayall
This is a cute, informational book about surviving middle school that I wished I had read when I was 13. It covers some great topics such as homework, sports, friends, crushes, bullies, and parents. Written in short, simple form, Middle School the Real Deal lends itself well for reading straight through or for browsing by topics of interest. I recommend this book to preteens starting middle school or for students who are currently attending middle school.
