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I'm a bit of a dork and, I will admit that there are a lot of books aimed at teens that I really love at the age of 27. With all the adult hype over the Twilight series and such, I know I'm not alone. I really love these books, the Girlosophy series that are written by Anthea Paul. So far there are nine books in the series (four of which I own) and they are all full of good advice, real girls and women, true stories, and wonderfully colorful pictures. My favorite is A Soul Survival Kit but they have some other great titles including The Love Survival Kit, How To Write Your Own Life, Real Girls Eat, and The Oracle, among others. I wish I would have had books like these when I was 15 because they do not just scratch the surface. They give actually useful information, advice, and inspiration that stems from a soul level. Paul wants girls to focus on what is real, feeling comfortable in their own skin instead of finding the right bag to carry with the right shoes. At any age, Girlosophy is one to live by.
Everyone should read Wendy Shalit's book The Good Girl Revolution. It is a refreshing take on modern feminism shown from a totally new angle. Shalit's book explores how modesty is the new rebellion for young women. While Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus are dancing on stripper poles for their 12 year old audiences, these real life girls are combating the sexualized image of women in a truly original way. Being the "bad girl" isn't a big deal anymore, its being wholesome and setting high standards that's genuinely shocking. Shalit interviews girls and young women ages 12 to 28 and the results are a breath of fresh air. Check this out at your local library and visit her blog. It truly is the revolution we've needed.
I have a weird fascination with Etiquette Books. In this day and age where people are constantly checking their blackberries for new text messages and emails during a conversation with their grandmother, there isn't a period of time where we need these books more. I wouldn't say that I am an authority on perfect behavior, but I really do love to read these books. I find them interesting because they really say something about culture, it is intriguing to know what is considered correct. Books like these can come in really handy. Many of them have chapters on international etiquette if you're traveling to another country, they can tell you what is appropriate for a wedding, funeral, or a business dinner if it's been a while since you've attended, they will tell you what to wear for semi-formal, formal, or black-tie events. Some even have chapters on personal style and will give you a check list of what to pack on a week end away so you can still travel without looking like a slob or forgetting to bring some nice shoes and wind up wearing your New Balance Trainers the whole time. The Etiquette Grrls have a funny take on etiquette and a New England perspective on all things correct. How To Live Like a Lady is almost a pocket guide, its small and includes the essential information on Life, Manners, and Style. I own all three of the these books, but if you want just one comprehensive guide, Emily Post is definitely the authority, her book is bigger than Webster's Dictionary.
Anyone who knows me knows I love books. I especially love libraries. In fact, that's what I plan to do with my life, if I ever get out of school. Currently I am getting my bachelors in English, Creative Writing. Then, I plan on getting my Masters in Library Science from The University of Missouri. I went with my godson to the Plaza branch of the Kansas City Library today and he thought this sculpture by Donald Lipski was pretty cool. He even jumped through it. I could spend hours and hours and days and weeks in the library looking at books on subjects I never thought I was interested in. If you haven't been to your local library lately, get over there! Who doesn't like borrowing instead of buying? Books, CDs, Movies, free internet, really fun library events like talks from authors and artists. If it's been a while since you've gone, I am sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!
