The Curse of the Good Girl

Simmons (ODD GIRL OUT) explores how encouraging our daughters to be "good girls" (nice, polite, modest, selfless) can undercut their courage and self-confidence, making it hard for them to know what they feel and say what they think. As narrator of this provocative book, Christina Moore sounds genuinely engaged; she moves easily from dramatizing the book's plentiful dialogue (produced from interviews) to capably navigating its expository passages. Moore's varied pacing, expressive voice, and clear diction make listening easy and pleasurable, allowing for a deep consideration of the author's observations. Whether dramatizing the life of an insecure girl or offering Simmons's recommendations to parents who want to raise "authentic girls," Moore's presentation enhances our understanding of this book. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine