If Debra Beck ever meets the guy who told her, at 15, that her feet were ugly, I hope she thanks him for us. Because if it hadn’t been for that mean remark then, we might not have My Feet Aren’t Ugly: A Girl’s Guide to Loving Herself from the Inside Out now.
Beck's goal for writing this 130-page self-help book for teen girls is to give them a hand in achieving the self-esteem and healing she missed when she was their age. She begins in a lengthy first chapter writing about learning to like oneself by doing things like living with integrity, finishing projects, taking care of personal health and appearance, and being a good friend.
The following eight chapters relates that foundation of healthy self-esteem to the many other challenges modern teen girls face in areas of conquering fears, risking creativity, maintaining physical appearance (including a discussion of eating disorders), encountering drugs, resisting suicide, dealing with the physical changes that accompany adolescence, and developing a healthy outlook toward sex. For problems such as eating disorders and suicide, she also lists web links to help agencies in appropriate sections.
Beck's understanding of and love for teens shines through all the way. From a girlhood plagued with low self-esteem, mothering two teens of her own, and continuing to work with young women in Spirited Youth, comes a voice that is part big sister, part mentor, part cheerleader and always encourager. In a warm, chatty style she shares her own struggles, lists fears, tells lots of stories from her own experience, and through it all challenges girls to be their own person.
The inviting cover, cartoon-type illustrations (by Maggie Anthony), and Beck’s own occasional lapse into humorous girl-speak (e.g., talking about street drugs: “One big problem is that a lot of them are made in someone’s lab at home mixing the ingredients [a guy probably high out of his gourd]”) make the book a lot of fun. It is interactive too, with numerous journal prompts, lots of space to write, lists, and quizzes sprinkled amongst blocks of text.
Article comments
1 - Andrea
I'm really excited that I came across this book review. What a great topic. I happen to publish a blog entitled, Your Feet Make You Unique, that caters to women who wear sizes 10 & Up. I just might let my blog readers know this book is available. I think it will be a great resource.
Andrea Pace, Your Feet Make You Unique
(helping women to feel better about walking in their own shoes.)
"women with ample feet are truly unique"
2 - violet
Andrea - no way! That is too cool. And it all goes so well with your last name 'Pace'.
Yep, this is an encouraging book - helpful for self-consciousness about feet - and much more.
3 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!
4 - violet
Thank you so much, Natalie!