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

by Bruce J. Gevirtzman (Author)
Key Phrases: rebel paradox, speech tournament, speech team, United States, Devouring Junk, Didn't They (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“Bruce Gevirtzman has the remarkable ability to understand the teenagers he has mentored over the last four decades. I know because in 1973 he taught me to think, speak, write, and critically read about a world that seemed so confusing. His wisdom and his passion have left an indelible mark on every teenager who has had the fortune to step into his classroom. His book will guide teachers and parents to realize that they must listen to the children they have been blessed with and help them to be rooted when the winds of adolescence challenge them. Bruce Gevirtzman is to teaching as Dr. Mary Pipher is to the girls she counsels in Reviving Ophelia.”–Bob Pacilio, Chair English Mt. Carmel High School, CA

“Bruce Gevirtzman knows more about the thoughts of teenagers than most care to. His writing is both humorous and poignant and his lessons teach what seems to be the impossible lesson for many teens to learn today: to think. This book is a must read for veteran teachers and new teachers, as well as parents and future parents.”–Steve Cisneros, Artistic Director, Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group

“For three decades, Bruce Gevirtzman has made a difference in kids' lives--helping them to become good people and good citizens. It would be enough that he has a living legacy by virtue of the thousands of lives he has improved with his teaching and mentoring; but now, thanks to this masterful book, many more thousands of young people (and their parents) will benefit from Bruce's wisdom.”–Jay Boyarsky, Prosecutor, Palo Alto, CA

“Parents, teachers, and educators would be doing themselves a great disservice if they did not take advantage of the opportunity to learn the lessons and experiences Gevirtzman shares with the world in this book. It is the legacy of a remarkable teacher and a truly good man.”–Nermin Kamel, Teacher, La Mirada High School, California

“Bruce knows as much about teenagers as any other man in America. His insights are provocative, and his storytelling is often moving. Add to this some very funny moments, and you have one heck of a read!”–Howard Haas, Internationally known educator, Author of the critically acclaimed book, Listen to Our Children

“Master teacher Bruce Gevirtzman has influenced and impacted thousands of students during his stellar career.”–Rabbi Lawrence Goldmark, Executive Director, Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis, La Miranda, California

“When it comes to getting inside the mind of a teenager, few other books offer insights like those you will find in this book!”–Bruce Sussman, Chief Meteorologist, CBS Affiliate, Portland, Oregon

Book Description

A veteran high school teacher experienced with more than 8,000 students takes us on an absorbing journey, close-up with teenagers sharing their loves, hates, fears, fantasies, pain, pressures, dreams, and desires.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Praeger; 1 edition (August 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313345082
• ISBN-13: 978-0313345081
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #661,488 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars powerfu, funny, August 31, 2008

By	Paul Sparks - See all my reviews

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!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great knowledge & advice for all caregivers of children, October 14, 2008

By	MyParenTime.com "myparentimesfamily" (USA) - See all my reviews

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great insight, October 28, 2008

By	M. Fox - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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