The Whole Guy Thing

May 1, 2012
Rue, who maintains a Christian teen blog, has gathered questions from female preteens and young teens on a variety of topics related to interactions with boys, and here she expands that into an advice resource. Chapters follow the same general format but focus on slightly different topics. First she quotes from a few young women and then presents a brief quiz so girls can identify where they fall on an emotional spectrum. She follows with a few comments from young men summarizing their group perspective, some related scriptural material and topics for conversations with parents. Finally, she includes a blank section where girls can record their feelings. Most of the topics seem to center around how to comfortably interact with boys or how to accept not being able or willing to do so. The chapter entitled "Do They Really Just Want One Thing?" addresses the issue of sexual activity, with a caveat: "We're not going to discuss any of the actual details of the act." For girls that have already engaged in sex, she offers this comfort: "[P]lease don't feel like you're damaged goods. You are a human being who has made a mistake, and who among us hasn't messed up somewhere?" Most of the gently but unapologetically preachy advice steers girls toward parental guidance and soulful conversations with God. A safe, readable book on a challenging topic that offers conservative, prayerful advice for young teens. (Nonfiction. 11-15)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up-This guide is written from a conservative Christian viewpoint. Rue explains how to interact with boys while creating a "self-respect that is rooted in God's love." Each chapter is filled with advice and a quiz to help readers determine where they are in dealing with guys. The overall theme is of parents being the final authority over a teen's relationships with male peers. Fans of the author's other works on tween and teen issues will appreciate her message and tone. Readers whose families follow a less conservative Christian path may not find the same benefit from the book's advice and guidance. While the advice is solid, the constant biblical references will cause some readers to tune out early on.-Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, AtlantaH

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