Customer Reviews

An Intimate Understanding of America's Teenagers: Shaking Hands with Aliens

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Great insight into teenagers from someone who should know, but the most interesting parts come from the author's comparisons of teenagers from forty years, AND his ability to make fun of kids. And even though he does make fun of them, he comes off as loving them, too. The most powerful parts of the book are the chapters about sex and the one about death. The funniest parts are the chapters about the weird kids and the one about kids that can't do anything right. Some of the author's solutions may seem to be too little, too late, but maybe that is why parents of small children or would-be parents should read this book, too. At almost 300 pages of very small font, parents, teenagers, and even teachers get their money's worth!

Many would think that just by being a parent, we'd have all the insight in the world into our children's lives. Unfortunately, we cannot possibly be there for many of their important moments -- moments that occur during school hours, for example. Also, parents might not be the ones that our children look to for advice, or for answers to their many questions. Fortunately, there are teachers who care enough about their students, and strive to make a difference in their lives.

The book, "An Intimate Understanding of America's Teenagers," was written by one of those caring teachers, Bruce Gervirtzman. Bruce has more than three decades of experience as a high school teacher, coach, play director and debate advisor. He's seen first hand many of the situations and distractions that teenagers have experienced, and thus has gained valuable knowledge of how and why they act the way they do. Throughout the book, Bruce provides readers with personal stories, experiences, and great advice for parents and caregivers of children.

We highly recommend this book -- what parent couldn't use advice from someone who has seen first hand how children act when their parents aren't around, or when they go through situations that they cannot discuss with their parents? We think it's worth being more informed than not...and this book provides wonderful information. It's a great read, and highly recommended.

I couldn't even make it through this book, on account of this guy's angsty, condescending tone. Instead of humorously commentating on adolescent trends, etc. it seemed his passion was fueled solely by bitterness. He seemed like the type of adult who compensates for his own teenage years by verbally battering the entire age group... And the kind of guy who would laugh at his own jokes, or obsessively worry about the crab grass in his yard. In short, his attitude is a major buzz kill.

I am an ex-student of his. I was in his English class in the mid-1980s. I remember him as a WONDERFUL teacher! He was one, of about a handful, who really cared about us. You could tell that he actually wanted us to learn.

I enjoyed the book. Some of it is just basic common sense stuff. Some of it may go a little too far; such as suggesting that a teenager shouldn't have a TV or computer in their room. That may be a little unrealistic nowadays. But overall it is worth reading. He really does have a unique understanding of teenagers. It is definitely worth reading if you have teenagers, or teenage nieces or nephews. He shows how to look at their problems from their point of view. He doesn't say that they should get a free pass on any bad behavior, but he does say that their behavior should be understood BEFORE being dealt with.

This was a great insight from a man who knows what he is writing about. Good job and a pleasure to read.