Real Girl/Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self [Paperback]

Heather M. Gray (Author), Samantha Phillips (Author), Ellen Forney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1998

-- Explores issues of beauty and the media; body image and self-esteem; eating disorders; sexual anatomy; first-time sexual esperiences, safe sex; coming out as a teen; and feminism
-- Provides factual information and support for girls attempting to find themselves amid society's mixed messages

The phenomenal success of Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia alerted the nation to the sad state of teenage girls in America today. With the media's constant barrage of implausibly thin, brazenly sexy. impossibly glamorous models, it's no wonder that girls are confused and frustrated. But while a number of books have addressed the problem, no book until now has addressed the girls themselves -- and given them the tools to fight back.

Real Girl/Real World fills that gap. Written by two women in their 20s who still remember vividly what it was like to be a teen, this snappy, straight-talking guide helps girls make up their own minds about what kind of people they want to be. From cosmetics, diets, and body image to sexuality and feminism, the authors dispel myths, put issues in perspective, and give girls the power to choose for themselves. To make sure their message gets through, they've made the book highly accessible. Illustrated throughout with cartoons and photographs, it's filled with bulleted lists, timelines, sidebars, vignettes, quotes from real teens, and "toolboxes" that provide resources for further information.

"Real Girl/Real World covers issues that are central to girls' lives -- whether we want them to be or not....contains real girls' experiences, facts, and information that show that there is no 'right way' to be". -- from Real Girl/Real World

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-A hip, informative, and frank resource. Adopting the premise that "there's no one 'right' way to be," the authors address topics including self-image, eating disorders, menstruation, sexual activity, and feminism. Peppered throughout the text are extensive personal narratives from girls who share their own experiences that support or illustrate the authors' points. While similar titles don't usually include a discussion about feminism, this book has an entire chapter devoted to the history and development of women's rights and the current Grrrl movement. Extensive bibliographies and webliographies of recommended resources are included in each chapter and a complete, referenced bibliography is provided at the end. Resources vary from the sophisticated Camile Paglia to the standard The New Our Bodies, Ourselves (S & S, 1985) to the alternative 'zine Femme Flicke. Written in an intimate, chatty style, this title is a useful personal guide for teens.
Katie O'Dell Madison, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 9^-12. There is "no one right way to be." That's the theme of this scattershot but encouraging, frank, and approachable resource for young women that crisscrosses topics related to body image, self-esteem, and sexuality. The tone is casual, friendly, and feminist without being strident; but accessing information, which includes occasional historical perspective (on abortion, for example) and how-to's (unillustrated information on putting on a condom), isn't easy, as it is couched among dozens of personal comments, the real heart of the book. Of varying length and quite candid, the remarks give readers much to think about, and the authors have been careful to include voices that speak to different sides of compelling concerns--first-time sex, eating disorders, lesbian relationships. The last chapter is unusual for books of this kind: the authors restate the definition of feminism and relate it to young women today. Some data are old, and, unfortunately, descriptions are not included with the plentiful resources cited, which range from mainstream and lesser-known (I'm So Fucking Beautiful) periodicals to Web sites and adult and teenage books. Stephanie Zvirin

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 221 pages
• Publisher: Seal Pr; 1 edition (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580050050
• ISBN-13: 978-1580050050
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,184,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real book for a real girl, November 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Real Girl/Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self (Paperback)

Want a book that will serve the facts up as they really are? Try out this book "Real Girl/Real World." This book covers a wide range of topics from anatomy to sexuality. I think it is probably most suited for high school age girls, and possibly college freshman who may need some enlightenment before leaving for school. For those out there who aren't lucky enough to have open parents to talk to, this book is essential for the facts and the "do"s and "don't"s of womanhood. I especially found the first chapter on the beauty standard interesting. The authors, Gray and Phillips, challenge society and propose suggestions that point to why women are the way they are. They talk about the role models of beauty, why beauty is perceived as important, and eventually come to conclude how useless the beauty standard really is. Filled with pictures and small boxes of cute side info, this book is a good read from cover to cover. I found that I could read it in one sitting without getting bored (which is better than any normal sex and sexuality "textbook" can say). I'd like to see this book become a standard on any shelf of textbooks in a health classroom. Cheers to Gray and Phillips!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Relevant and Real, May 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Real Girl/Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self (Paperback)

This book is a very valuable resource for teenage girls on the cusp of womanhood. The writing is accessible and addresses a wide spectrum of highly relevant issues, particularly ones that most girls are uncomfortable discussing with their parents. Parents: buy this book for your daughter and it may facilitate important discussions. Even if it doesn't, it is sure to answer questions that are on her mind, and yours. Bravo to Gray and Phillips!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Issues of prime importance to today's adolescent female, August 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Real Girl/Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self (Paperback)

Beauty, body image, eating disorders, sexuality, and a myriad of complex associated issues fill the pages of this book. It's fact-filled and teen-friendly.

Nice touches include quotes from real girls. They are poignant and articulate: "It's upsetting to me that I wasted so much time and energy on anorexia." says one 17 year old. "The things that aren't perfect give you personality." says a 16 year old. "I stand up for myself when I need to." says a 14 year old.

Real Girl/Real World contains information, facts and resources in an easy-to-read style that doesn't talk down to young people. The authors define key terms, discuss different sides to some issues (Barbie, abortion), and insert brief case studies to illustrate important points.

There's straight talk about labels, such as sluts and studs, and each chapter includes books and resources for further information. Real Girl/Real World is a welcome addition to a teen's bookshelf. It's appropriate for approximately ages 13-21.

The book would make a great gift for a high school senior or college freshman!