This is my latest review for Active Christian Media. I chose to review this book (The Life of Teenagers "Ain't No Joke") more from selfish reasons than for anything as I have 2 sons moving towards their teenage years and I'm always looking for advice in raising them.
Keith G. Wright uses his experiences of growing up to impart wisdom to kids today. The book is almost autobiographical as Wright intersperses key truths into those stories. His task is to drive home those key truths to the reader as the audience is actually supposed to be teenagers.
Wright offers a lot of good advice including dealing with parents, peer pressure, sex, individual uniqueness, overcoming obstacles and a lot more. As a former teenager I see how helpful this book of advice could be for a current teenager. In a couple of years I will give this book to my oldest son. DO NOT GIVE THIS BOOK TO A CHILD WHO DOESN"T UNDERSTAND SEX. Even though it's sprinkled in small spots around the book I'd wait until a child is 13 to give this book to them.
I'm hopeful that books like this would be helpful to teenagers. My only concern is that the kids who don't need the book would be receptive while kids that would benefit would drop the book quickly. It's definitely a book that sounds a bit parental in its' tone but I am hopeful. There is a ton of practical advice that any teenager can use.
Overall, I'd give this book a 4 out of 5. Mr. Wright's goal to educate and inspire teenagers is met pretty well as I do believe the advice is worthwhile and written in a tone that has possibilites for teenagers to grasp. Again, I'm not sure all teenagers, especially ones who really need the advice, will be receptive. That's why it doesn't get a 5.
This book was reviewed for Active Christian Media. I received no payment for this review, but was given the book as a gift. The publisher is ANJ Books, Miami Shores, FL and the ISBN is 0-8778342-0-4.
