Sunday, February 27, 2011

The Truth About Dating, Love & Just Being Friends

This is the newest book by Chad Eastham and is typical for him in his charm of being able to twist together humor and seriousness into a practical guide for teenagers.  He delves into the realm of teenaged relationships in an effort to refocus the what is actually important in life...which is not what they think it is (ie - boys and girls...eeeee!).

I wanted this book because I have four teenagers...one boy and three girls...and thought it might help give some insight to the couple that are boy-crazed and encourage the other two that are pretty level-headed.  But what I found in my exploration of the book is that this book is intended for the older teen set, probably more like 16 and up.  That doesn't diminish his wisdom or wit, though, as I felt that Chad was right on in his approach to the age group he was writing to.

One of our 14 year olds viewpoint on the book was this: "This book basically just says 'don't have sex' and 'don't fall in love until you are like 20'.  I really didn't think this book was very helpful for kids my age because it is directed at much older teens and really wasn't useful for me."
So while I found it to be a not-now, but maybe-later book for MY kids, I would recommend it to any older girls/boys or parents out there that are looking for a Godly approach to this topic from a perspective that keeps it light and easy to understand.  Chad is a pro at what he does, fur sure, dude.

Book Information:
Chad Eastham, with his typical wit and wisdom for teens, brings much sought after advice on girls’ favorite topics including dating, love, friendship, and other important stuff.
Chad shines some much-needed light on these major issues for teens. Rather than let their feelings navigate them blindly through their tumultuous adolescence, Chad offers clarity, some surprising revelations, and answers to some of their biggest questions: How do I know who to date? When should I start dating? How should I start dating? Is this really love? And, Why do guys I like just want to be friends?
Packed with humor that adds to the sound advice, this book will help teens make better decisions, have healthier relationships, and be more prepared for their futures. Just a few things girls will learn include: Five things you need to know about love; Eight dumb dating things even smart people do; Ten reasons why teens are unhappy; and Ten things happy teens do.
Any teen can live a happier, healthier life: they just need to hear The Truth.

I review for BookSneeze
**Thomas Nelson provided me this book for review purposes & is allowing me to keep this title once finished. I get no other compensation...other than the chance to fill my heart and soul with an excellent read. :) **

Still Reading...
Bina

Under The Overpass

By FAR, the most impacting book I have read in a long time. 

Mike Yankoski and his friend, Sam, set out on a journey of faith by forsaking all the worldiness of their lives and then painted so vividly the realities that they found while living on the streets of America.   I can quite honestly say that I read this book in a day because I just couldn't put it down...and have found that it continues to change how I view and relate to the homeless people all around me. 

I used to look away from them...because they scared me.

I used to look past them...to the freedom of a 7-11 doorway which got me away from their requests.

I used to pretend they weren't there...and am so ashamed of my lack of love for people in this world. 

There is so much I am unable to do to help those who live in my neighborhood...but one thing I took away from Mike's experience is that it only takes a second to look them in the eye and smile.  No, I may not have money...and yes, I might legitimately be in a hurry...but I realized how broken I would feel to never be noticed by anyone.  And that one fact broke my heart...and changed my approach and I have found the joy that comes in knowing that I did my best to let someone else in this world know that they were seen, even if it was only by a gal like me.

If you only have the chance to read one book this year of this kind of genre...I would recommend this one with two thumbs up...followed by 8 other fingers and 10 toes.

You can find more information on this book by clicking here ...it just might change your life and the life of someone you run into.

**WaterBrook Multnomah provided me this book for review purposes & is allowing me to keep this title once finished. I get no other compensation...other than the chance to fill my heart and soul with an excellent read. :) **

Still Reading...
Bina