Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life by Kim Cattrall, Amy Briamonte, Marf (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Award-winning "Sex and the City" actress Kim Cattrall offers heartfelt adviceto today's teens. Cattrall tackles real questions in an honest, intimate, andtotally hip way. Info-packed spreads feature never-before-seen teen photos ofthe actress.

Publishers Weekly

In an introductory note to her book aimed at adolescent girls, Cattrall, who played Samantha Jones on Sex and the City, tells readers that she wants to share "my personal journey through some of the same challenges and decisions that you're about to face as your world starts to change and expand." Her advice-filled narrative is indeed highly personal, recounting in detail many of her own experiences as an adolescent, a young woman and an adult. Cattrall candidly addresses such topics as developing self-esteem and a positive body image; discovering one's own sense of style; the importance of good nutrition, exercise and sleep; plus coping strategies such as understanding dynamics among family members and friends, dealing with "toxic cliques" and the "queen-bee mentality," and dating and sexuality. The author, who at 16 moved alone from her small Canadian hometown to New York City to attend theater school, repeatedly underscores the value of knowing oneself and of taking risks. Her message is surely valid and consistent, yet the text in some spots ricochets from one topic to another, and the writing is occasionally murky ("Dealing with unhappiness can also help you understand how to navigate your emotions when bad things really do happen"). Fans of Sex and the City will most appreciate the copious photos of Cattrall and her references to the characters on that show. Marf's jaunty cartoons give this volume a lighthearted look. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

VOYA

Advice books for teenage girls are everywhere but this latest offering from one of the stars of television's Sex and the City is worth more than just a second glance. Cattrall covers a variety of topics on the teenage girl's mind, from what to wear to when to have sex, in a chatty, easy-going, and often-humorous manner. Celebrities tend to fall into the trap of taking on a condescending preachy tone when they attempt to write for teens, but Cattrall manages to avoid this pitfall. Equally impressive is the number of photos she features from all stages of her life and the true stories she tells to go with them. The wonderful color line drawings by cartoonist Martha Richler add to the fun, breezy feel of the writing. The layout of the text is both visually appealing and easy to read. It is true that much of the advice she gives, such as being true to yourself and not rushing sex, has been heard many times before, but the way in which she showcases her message makes it easy to take. Her name alone is sure to draw interest, but the content will keep them poring over the pages. This book is a must for both public library and middle school collections.

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