Customer Reviews

All Things Girl: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...What is Beauty, After All?

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My sisters and I (ages 15, 13 and 10) eagerly awaited the arrival of these books. As we received each one, we became more and more saddened. While they would contain a few sentences of the beauty of the Church's teachings, they would quickly switch to fluff topics. For example, we had hoped to hear more on how your inner beauty is much more important than your physical. With such beauty, why do you need to use so much makeup or any at all? The beauty book (and the modern and modest) gives many very detailed makeup tips, (lip liner, lip stick, lip gloss, TONS of eye makeup, mascara, blush, concealer, foundation, powder, etc, etc, etc.). I do not personally think that makeup is a bad thing and certainly is not sinful, but I was hoping that they wouldn't put such an importance on the need for it. The book seemed to promote the draw into vanity (and not how to combat it) which is so promoted by our current secular world. They do say some things like you don't need designer clothing, etc. but that was pretty much it. I suppose I see how they were trying to bridge the ever widening gap between our Christian world and the secular world, but I still think that they had a great opportunity here that they missed using.

The other books missed the mark for us too. In Friendship, Boys and Getting Along, they say that "going with" and "having a boyfriend," simply means that you like a boy. When they could have stressed more firmly about waiting to date, they simply say that going places alone or having boy/girl parties are for high school. While this is a common take on dating, what about the virtue building possibilities here of not stressing such an importance on feeling that one must date in high school or even earlier? While the authors often have some good things that are character building, they just as often turn back to the secular view. The other sad thing about this book in particular is how they slam boys, saying that they just don't get "it." Also, that when you are ready to have a rational conversation, they are still doing silly things like playing with legos.

They seem to be constantly contradicting themselves, for instance, they say that makeup should be modest (that you shouldn't look like you have makeup on) and then they give 7 very detailed steps on how to apply all the various kinds of makeup that if followed would not look natural. And the aforementioned dating problem where they say that dating and courtship should be kept until you're ready to find a husband and then say that having a boyfriend and "going" with a boy should be saved as something to look forward to in high school (or younger).

They do have a few redeeming factors, they talk about your dignity as a daughter of the King (the same intro is repeated in every book) and about how your situation does not affect your dignity. Also, they have some prayers, good saint stories, and an examination of conscience in each book (these are not thorough, as they only cover the sins contained in the subject of the book, i.e., friendship). They try to give advice about friendship, clothing and hairstyles, although again they are mainly secular and sometimes rather obvious.

The manners book (All Things Girl, Mind Your Manners) is probably the best book, although you could probably get a much better book on manners somewhere else. They have place settings, a fun page about manners around the world, church manners, and other general etiquette.

My 12-year-old sister is homeschooled and I take charge of her instruction once a week, adding a class on Social Skills, Manners and Etiquette. This series has a bit of everything that I envisioned teaching her. I find some of the layout/pictures cheesy or too, how shall I put this, pink, but I probably would have loved it at her age. She thinks it is the coolest school book ever. Don't forget to get the journal. She likes it so much she brought it on our cruise!

As a mother making those first steps into teaching my daughter about the changes coming as she approaches her teen years, I appreciate this book. It opens up topics for further discussion. I find the writing style and content to be just what is needed. Thanks to the authors for writing this book!

What a find! I had been looking for a good Catholic resource for my daughters who are all interested in fashion, beauty tips, media, friends, etc., but there wasn't anything out there until the All Things Girl series. These books are truly a treasure my girls love! Not only because they contain current topics, but also they contain solid Catholic teachings on dignity, vocation, saints, virtues and a plan girls can implement for their prayer life. Each book is beautifully designed with lots of color, quizes, ideas for projects, and an examination of conscience related to the topic of the book. These books are a must for every Catholic girl!

Totally relevant in today's world! My girls loved doing the quizzes and it made them think!

It is hard to discuss puberty with your first child, and this book has been a life-saver! I really wanted something that discussed bodily changes and maturity from a Catholic/Christian standpoint. This book has been really helpful. It is written just at her level (she is 10 1/2), and we discuss topics together after she reads it. This book supports our values and is easy for her to understand. Thank You!!!