Soul Searching: A Girl's Guide To Finding Herself [Paperback]

Sarah Stillman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2000

In this girl-to-girl look at the big picture, teenager Sarah Stillman offers sound advice for discovering what is really important in life, unlike teen magazines, which cover fashion and movie stars but don't offer much insight into self-discovery. Her recommendations, spelled out in easy guidelines and hands-on exercises, include keeping a daily journal, practicing simple meditation, and learning to relax. Other chapters focus on dreams and what they can reveal, activism and community involvement, volunteering, self-acceptance, and taking control of the future by setting goals and following through on them. Real-life examples keep things believable, with plenty of ways for readers to start taking action. Soul Searching is a refreshing, fun-to-read change of pace that encourages and celebrates the potential of the teen experience, a time to discover the joys, hopes, and aspirations of a girl's true self.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Stillman, a teenaged sage, has written a well-researched guide that includes sections on creating personal space, setting one's body free through yoga and massage, relaxation and mediation, journaling as a way to discover one's soul, and dream interpretation. The wordy tome ends with a chapter on world religions that asks readers "Is There a Buddha in You?" Each chapter provides a wonderful list of resources. Unfortunately, despite the essentially good ideas and sound advice, the text is pretentious and stilted, and Stillman seems far too worldly and sure of herself for a 16-year-old. Mindy Morgenstern's The Real Rules for Girls (Girl Press, 2000) and Karen Bokram and Alexis Sinex's The Girls' Life Guide to Growing Up (Beyond Words, 2000) may not include as much soul-searching, but they are much better choices for anyone who wants some simple advice for living.-Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

A 16-year-old author gives simple advice on how to overcome superficiality and live a calmer, happier life. -- Skipping Stones, February 2001

Stillman takes readers through a journey of self-discovery and introspection in her well-organized work. -- Today's Librarian, March 2001

This is an amazing accomplishment for such a young woman. -- Linworth Publishing (The Book Report), May/June 2001

When you put down Soul Searching, . . . you'll feel excited, motivated and hopeful about the real you. -- Teen People Book Club, January 2001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse/Beyond Words; Original edition (October 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582700354
• ISBN-13: 978-1582700359
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,585,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made A Big Difference In My Life, August 17, 2001

By 

Emily Todd (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul Searching: A Girl's Guide To Finding Herself (Paperback)

This is a great book! Very different from all of those superficial magazines that don't give you any real advice on living your life. 'Soul Searching' is well written, well researched, well organized, has cute drawings, and gives great advice.

'Soul Searching' has great variety in its subjects. Sarah Stillman talks about karma, philosophy, religion, creating sacred spaces, feng shui, aromatherapy, yoga and massaging, spa treatments, relaxing and meditating, visualization, journal writing, dream interpretation, hobbies/passions, etc.

Any young girl can benefit from this refreshing book on how to find your soul.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and wonderful, March 18, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Soul Searching: A Girl's Guide To Finding Herself (Paperback)

I was given this book for my birthday last year and find myself returning to it constantly, loaning it to my friends, cousins, and even my mother. Written by a teenager, it applies to the feelings of girls today, and covers topics like meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, visualization, religion, philosophy, and following your passions. Instead of the normal "top ten beauty tricks" and "best clothes of the season," soul searching teaches females to find their inner beauty, and pamper their body instead of covering it with make-up.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great book!, December 15, 2000

By 

Erin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul Searching: A Girl's Guide To Finding Herself (Paperback)

Soul Searching is an awesome book! It has a lot of really helpfull advice for girls in it. I found it refreshing to read something that goes beyond make-up or boys. This book focuses on things that really matter, like coping with stress, keeping a journal, relaxing with yoga or meditation, developing your own philosophy, arometherapy, and interpreting your dreams. I particularly like the chapter on becoming a philosopher. It is really cool to get advice from someone who is my own age.