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teen

What Your Mother Never Told You

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Richard M. Dudum
Publisher: Island Publishing
Genre: Self-help / Teens
ISBN: 978-1-4196-7869-1
Pages: 245
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
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Teen girls today face situations that their parents couldn’t even anticipate, let alone warn them about. Richard M. Dudum has worked with teens for twenty-eight years, and he knows what’s really going on. What Your Mother Never Told You shares his observations with girls, so they can survive this turbulent time in their lives.

Teen girls need to recognize just how special they are. Several chapters focus on the importance of maintaining a good reputation and always putting your best foot forward. A girl needs to honor and respect herself so she can make sure she doesn’t put herself in positions where her reputation will suffer.

Next the issues of sex, drugs and alcohol are covered, but not by using a lecture. Dudum doesn’t condemn or condone their use. Instead he guides girls to “trust their stomach.” He doesn’t tell them not to drink, though he does strongly encourage them to avoid alcohol. Instead he advises them on how to handle drinking – to never get so drunk that they don’t know what’s happening around them.

He talks straight on sex, explaining how boys manipulate girls just to get into their pants. And he tells them how to know when to tell a boy that he’s full of sh*t. No girl owes a boy anything – no matter what he’s said or given them.

This is a true survival guide, since many girls find themselves in very grave danger, through careless decisions or in places they have no business being. Dudum provides statistics and stories on girls who ended up either dead or sexually molested, as a reminder that there are consequences to every action.

Although it saddened me to see what teen girls face every day, this book was a wake-up call that I think girls can relate to. Dudum talks straight, in no-nonsense terms, as an adult figure they can trust. I believe this brilliant and well-written book can help girls to stay true to themselves, and avoid destructive behavior that will mar their reputations or possibly end their lives.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

Just Snap Your Fingers and… Bingo You’re Sober!

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Maurice “Mo” Murray
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Genre: Self-help
ISBN: 978-1-4343-2881-6
Pages: 87
Price: $10.49

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Your true love, Ethyl, is dead. Ethyl Alcohol, that is – or Jack Daniels, if you prefer. And now it’s time to change your “Order of Loves.” In this recovery workbook, Mo Murray will guide you in learning to live without your first love.

Murray is a former substance abuse counselor who is also in recovery. Speaking from his years of personal experience and in counseling, he uses both humor and the truth about excess drinking to reach the alcoholic who still suffers. Several questions guide the reader through his own feelings and experiences of what his drinking has done to his life.

This book isn’t an early recovery guide, and it assumes that the reader has had some experience already in AA. Murray refers to the twelve steps and other program materials shared in AA, and without having attended meetings, the reader may find these references confusing.

The final chapter presents a self-hypnosis session, which allows the reader to reprogram his thinking and make an attitude adjustment. Murray believes that this positive affirmation statement will help the still-suffering alcoholic to rise above his limited thinking and achieve sobriety.

This is a fairly light-hearted book on a relatively serious subject, but recovery has its humorous moments, and learning sometimes comes easier with laughter. This book, by itself, probably won’t get someone sober, but along with the AA program and a sponsor working together, it would be a helpful guide in recovery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Windows of Gold

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Marianne Mitchell
Publisher: Rafter Five Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9673497-1-8
Pages: 126
Price: $9.95

Author’s website

Are you looking for great bedtime stories to read to your kids before you tuck them in for the night? Windows of Gold is a collection of twenty short stories, many of which first appeared in Highlights for Children. Told in folk tale style, these delightful stories will entertain your children for many nights to come.

Some of these charming tales take place in the southwest, with such colorful characters as Coyote, Rabbit, and Puma. Another has mysterious purple footprints left at the scene of secret acts of kindness. The title story demonstrates that not everything is exactly as it seems. And there’s the occasional troll and leprechaun to captivate the reader.

Marianne Mitchell is a master at telling folk tales. These vibrant stories come alive, and invite you to journey through foreign lands and magical places. You and your children will definitely enjoy the ride.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

Happy For No Reason

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Marci Shimoff
Publisher: Free Press
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 978-1-4165-4772-3
Pages: 336
Price: $24.95

Author’s website
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Are you truly happy from the inside out? If you’re like many people, you might say you’re happy, but is it only because things are pretty much going the way you like them? And what if your life isn’t perfect right now? Marci Shimoff believes it’s possible to be happy no matter what your circumstances are, and this book will show you how.

Research has shown that we all have a certain level of happiness that we seem to feel comfortable at. This set-point is partially genetic, but we have the ability to change the rest. By following the seven steps presented in this book, we can better control our happiness set-point and learn to be happy for no reason.

Marci Shimoff interviewed what she calls the Happy 100 to discover their secrets to staying happy in every circumstance. These steps outline their experiences, with deeply moving personal stories to demonstrate them in action. Fun exercises are also provided on how to use these steps in your own life.

The positive energy of Happy For No Reason is contagious. Marci Shimoff is one of the teachers featured in The Secret, and it’s obvious she lives what she teaches. If you want to be happy for no reason, you’ll find this book to be an inspiring and valuable guide.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Day I Hit a Home Run at Great American Ball Park

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Paul Mullen
Publisher: Orange Frazer Press
Genre: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-1-933197-30-2
Pages: 146
Price: $12.95

Author’s website

Michael “Fuji” Powers is the last of the Powers brothers to have a chance to play for the Withamsville-Tobasco Cardinals C Ball team. He’s always dreamed of playing his championship game at Great American Ball Park and hitting a home run there.

But before he has the chance to hit a historic home run, he has some obstacles to overcome. First he has to make the team. And once he does, he has to deal with being teased as one of the two rookies. Fitting in isn’t as easy as he thinks, and he needs to learn how to stand up for himself to prove his worth to one of the team’s best players.

Fuji is growing up quickly, and he’s suddenly aware of the feelings he has for Cathy, who has always been a tomboy he’s played baseball with. Cathy shows interest in someone else, and Fuji realizes he wants her to be something more than a friend.

Mr. Powers always instilled a strong desire in his sons to succeed, but sometimes Fuji feels pressure to be perfect for his difficult-to-please father. But Fuji learns a lot about his father’s life during the course of this book, which ultimately brings the two closer together.

Fuji is a typical twelve-year old boy, playing baseball, getting into mischief with his friends, learning about family values and experiencing his first crush on a girl. He’s a likable boy that kids will relate to, and will want to see succeed. And his crowning moment of glory will leave the reader feeling proud to have spent time with him.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

chick-lit

Sweet Georgia Brown

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Cheryl Robinson
Publisher: New American Library
Genre: Women’s Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-451-22228-2
Pages: 376
Price: $13.95

Author’s website
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Georgia Brown loves her man, Marvin, and she wants him to succeed in stand-up comedy. Although she’s forced to be the main breadwinner of their family of four, she does what she can to help him live his dream. But what she doesn’t realize is success often comes with a price.

Marvelous Marvin finally makes it, landing a lucrative position with the 102 Hitz morning show. His humorous style is a huge hit, but most of his jokes are aimed at his sweet wife. Poking fun at everything from her weight to their lovemaking, he will stop at nothing in humiliating her.

Living with Marvin’s big ego isn’t all Georgia has to contend with. She’s also forced to accept his illegitimate daughter when the girl’s mother dumps her with Georgia. And Marvin isn’t being true to his wife, and he doesn’t mind sharing his exploits with the world on his morning show.

When Sweet Georgia Brown is offered an opportunity to retaliate in her own morning show, she jumps at it. But she can’t help but be true to her own nature, no matter what the station is hoping she’ll do.

Readers will cheer for this wonderfully uplifting woman, who only wants those around her to be happy, but must finally choose her own happiness. She’s a great role model for any woman who finds herself in a situation where she’s being taken advantage of, and ultimately must say, “Enough!” Georgia finally has the courage to stand up for herself, and she does it in a positive and empowering manner. Way to go, Sweet Georgia Brown!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, science-fiction

The Prometheus Project – Captured

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Douglas E. Richards
Publisher: DNA Press, LLC
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-933255-33-0
Pages: 160
Price: $7.95

Author’s website
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When Ryan and Regan Resnick first discover the Prometheus Project in Trapped, they must try to save their mother. In Captured, they face an even bigger challenge – this time they need to save the world.

When the alien race known as the Qwervy created Prometheus, they hadn’t anticipated other aliens sneaking in and using it for sinister motives. Now a brilliant alien criminal has taken over the city and has plans to take over the world. All of the adults on the team have been taken hostage, and it’s up to Ryan and Regan to outwit the alien.

In order to demonstrate the concepts the kids will need to use, the author sets the stage early before disaster strikes. But then these two exceptional kids use those concepts masterfully against the diabolical alien.

I loved Trapped, and I think Douglas E. Richards outdid himself in Captured. These are books the thinking kid will love, and a wonderful adventure. I’m eagerly awaiting the next volumes in this outstanding series.

See review of: Trapped

Reviewer: Alice Berger

finance, spirituality

The Giving Myths

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Stephen B. McSwain
Publisher: Smyth & Helwys
Genre: Christian Living / Financial Stewardship
ISBN: 978-1-57312-495-9
Pages: 248
Price: $18.00

Author’s website
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Stephen B. McSwain makes a bold statement – that giving will lead to the life you’ve always wanted. Although many of us have been raised with the idea that we should be generous, most of us aren’t giving nearly as much as we could. This book explores the giving myths many of us believe. Basing his opinions on years of working in church fundraising, McSwain explains why these myths persist, and why they’re false beliefs.

Quoting several passages from the Bible, he shows how churches have misinterpreted the words of Jesus and the prophets in order to coerce their congregations into giving more. When guilt tactics fail, the churches turn to encouraging members to become involved to motivate them to generosity. Other topics include the standard of tithing, and equal and fair share giving. And some folks believe they simply can’t afford to give.

But once McSwain debunks all of these myths, he reassures us that if we can look past the myths and give generously – to our church or spiritual center, and also to our favorite charities – God will grant us the life we’ve always wanted. While we may not be showered with material things, we will be given all we need, plus the peace of mind in knowing that we will always be provided for. And isn’t that all we really need, anyway?

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement, teen

I’ve Got This Friend Who…

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kidspeace
Publisher: Hazelden
Genre: Self-help
ISBN: 978-1-59285-458-5
Pages: 188
Price: $14.95

Kidspeace Website
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The pressure that teens face is intense. School makes demands on their time, and teens often feel like they need to act in a certain way to conform with their peers. This book focuses on six high risk behaviors – alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, eating disorders, self-injuring behaviors including cutting, and other high risk behavior like reckless driving and unprotected sex – and how teens can avoid getting involved in them.

The format of the book is a discussion session between six teens of various ages and experiences. Two of the teens had experienced some of the behaviors, and they could share their experience of how they got involved in the activities, and also how they managed to extricate themselves. This sharing of their experience was the strongest part of the book. As they discussed each topic, they came to the conclusion that the activity was not in their best interest, and then they devised ways they could avoid finding themselves in situations that could potentially lead to trouble.

Although the book was written from the voices of the teens, I felt that an adult was speaking through them, providing all the intellectual reasons why they shouldn’t get involved in these behaviors. More first-hand experience – for example, what happens when a teen gets arrested for stealing a car – would have been beneficial. Teens aren’t as interested in facts as they are in maintaining their sense of identity, and if they could see what happens when someone is brought into a police station in handcuffs, that might send a powerful message that it’s not as cool to engage in these activities as their peers may say it is.

I would have also liked to see more options presented for finding help, rather than the stock answer of telling their parents or a trusted adult. Many kids who fall into troublesome behavior have a poor relationship with their parents, and home is the last place they feel safe. Anonymous hotlines, 12-step groups, and a private counselor who isn’t required to “rat them out” to their parents would be their first choice. Providing a sample session with a phone counselor or explaining what happens at a 12-step meeting would give teens an idea what to expect in this situation, and help them to maintain their poise, even when admitting they need help.

Overall, though, this book definitely addresses a need in helping teens face the problems they’re dealing with today in a positive and proactive way. It uses teen language in presenting the many facts they need to know to keep themselves safe. Used in a classroom setting, it would be a great discussion starter in getting teens to think about these important topics.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

cats

Taro and Tomi: My Feline Son and Daughter

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Shizue Tomoda
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Genre: Autobiography
ISBN-10: 1419673874
Pages: 118
Price: $12.99

Buy it at Amazon

Raising a pet can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. Especially if you are a first time cat owner, Japanese, and living in France. No one knows this better than Shizue Tomoda, proud mother of her “feline son and daughter,” whose lives are colorfully described in her book, Taro & Tomi.

Tomoda spares few details in her simple but straightforward prose.< Most of the book is about Taro, her first kitten, where he is described in every aspect as he adjusts from adoption to life in an apartment. Charming illustrations supply the reader with images that give further life to a young kitty’s antics and also to the patience of a proud mother. Later on we learn of another addition to the fold, Tomi, and how a second child can alter the family dynamics of a newly created household.

Tomoda literally treats her cats as children. True cat lovers will identify with and applaud this behavior. When friends come to stay for a short time and form a particularly affectionate bond with Taro, the author experiences motherly concerns for her son after they leave. “When I woke up in the middle of the night, he was still lying on one of the guestroom beds. I wondered if he had fallen in love with one of the girls.”

Taro and Tomi benefit from the counseling and guidance Tomoda gives them as they grow together as a family. Her parental concern is one of the book’s most endearing qualities. The love and compassion the author displays for her children will surely touch the reader whether or not they ever owned a pet. This short, but warm-hearted and expressive book is certainly a refreshing and worthwhile read.

Reviewer: Gene Berger