Review: Being a Teen by Jane Fonda

[khamneithang]

Being a Teen: Everything Teen Girls & Boys Should Know About Relationships, Sex, Love, Health, Identity & More by Jane Fonda is a timely and helpful guide which should be in the hands of every teen worldwide. Born December 21, 1937, the author Jane Fonda is a famous actress, writer, political activist, former fashion model, and fitness guru. She rose to fame in the 1960s with films such as Barbarella and Cat Ballou and is a household name worldwide. She is many things to many people and this all-encompassing guide for teens may come as a surprise to many.

What, however, is to be remembered at the heart of the book is genuine concern for young people. Jane Fonda has approached the subject with pragmatism which will be a huge boost for young readers who are gearing up for life. Her open and honest discussions about sex, relationships, self-esteem and other subjects are truly worth pondering. The book answers questions like "How do I know if I'm in a real relationship?", "How can I say `no' and still be popular?" and "When is it okay to have sex?" In a world full of confusion, this book should open the eyes of many teens.

Being a Teen is not just about sex and relationship. It has chapters which frankly and honestly answer questions which many teens will feel awkward to ask others. Vast and exhaustive, it covers almost everything from identity to culture, relationship to sex, from body to their growth, from sexual abuse to family, from bullying to friends and much more. Talking about healthy relationship, Fonda writes: It is not a healthy relationship if there is abuse or pressure of any kind. You should not allow disrespectful language,subtle pressure or deception in an intimate relationship. It should go without saying that anyone who puts you down, uses violence against you or tries to force you into sex is an unhealthy partner.

Many readers will also find the information given at the end of each chapter useful. It contains more information about organizations & resources where one can get help or advice. Being a Teen is informative and resourceful, a book teens can dip into whenever they are faced with obstacles, that they can read and refer back to again and again. Some may be cynical about the book but I honestly believe that the author delivers this treasure-trove for teens to guide them onto a path that will lead them to healthy relationships, happy family and above all, a really satisfying life.