by
3.51 of 5 stars

These days, a lot of people are trying to tell teens what’s best for them. Here’s a look at life from artist and professional nonco... read full description


reviews

Jan 21, 2009
Sally rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Meh, I don't think I'll finish it. I guess it's geared towards teen girls, but the material seems a bit mature for even older teen girls. Just the first few pages point out that teen girls and their mothers probably argue because the moms are noticing their daughters come into their sexuality and the mothers are jealous. uh? Casual mention of sex, assuming that sex is part of many teenagers' lives. um, shouldn't be.

Not my cup of tea, nor are the collage illustrations. Oh, well.
3 comments like (1 person liked it)
Aug 18, 2009
Emily rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Who wouldn't pursue a book with this title? When I found it in the library, it didn't look like what I thought it would, and in all honesty, the design - the collage technique - is not my style. But the tone and the writing are so clever. The tirade about yellowtail was "amazing." I was upset at the page telling guys not to drink tea or eat soup because it makes them look like a wuss. But then I decided it was sarcasm and that I could trust Ms. Rosenwald since she had just 10 pages ear More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 16, 2009
Monica rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Very different, but so cool.
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Sep 29, 2009
Robynn rated it: 3 of 5 stars
An advice book with some great bits and some funny bits. But then some of the bits I was rather unhappy about. Her message at some points was not the message I would want given to young ladies or for that matter to anyone. However, I really believe that if parents are doing their very best then the young people they are bringing up can make good judgements about what is wise and what is not wise. We all have to do that all the time for all of our lives.
Jan 26, 2010
Heather rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I had a chance encounter with this book last night at the public library. (Yes, I work in a library and go to other libraries in my spare time.) I am glad I didn't have to buy it to read it, because it didn't meet my expectations. Basically, it's a collage-style book that would have made far more sense as a zine. Had it been a zine, I probably would have been excited about it and bought ten copies and given them to friends. But the fact that it's a glossy, large, full-color book gives me pause. More...
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Dec 14, 2009
earthy rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Great title, not very great content. I appreciate a sassy narrative voice as much as the next girl, but this one seemed unnecessarily negative. The mini essays have no real order to them and no really coherent statement to make. The art is interesting, but I've seen the format done better by author/artists like Sabrina Ward Harrison.

In short, the content doesn't live up to its nifty title. Too bad.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Mar 10, 2011
Ubalstecha rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This is a very weird book. It is supposedly written for teenage girls, and certainly, the chaotic, 5 second sound-bite nature of the work might appeal to some of that demographic. Author Rosenwald has illustrated her rants and homilies with collages. In fact, there are times that the reader thinks the only reason for this book is the collages. The text is secondary.

A little disappointing.
Aug 24, 2009
Tamara rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Fun and random.

Favorite Quotes:

The trouble with love is that pets don't last long enough and people last too long.

I taught my cats to spoon. They're from Queens so they picked it up right away.

Things to say when you don't know what to say: I'll have to talk to my horse about it.

Some believe sex is where babies come from, but we now know that babies come from France.

Jan 12, 2009
OH. MAGAD! This book includes: 1) a DIY update on the Ian Dury song "Reasons to be Cheerful" 2) an advice for teens Mad Lib 3) some French and 4) thru 122) many many more useful and funny and brilliantly colored things.

PLUS it starts out by saying that nobody interesting ISN'T plagued by doubt. Yeah. Word. This is the NUTS.
Sep 29, 2011
Peacegal rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Good (and truthful) title, and a fairly creative (if somewhat dated-looking) artwork style. As for the content…meh. The artist just seemed to hurl everything on the pages without bothering to see what stuck (or fit). The running gag about being a “vegetarian who eats meat” was unfunny the first time around.
Aug 18, 2009
Becky rated it: 3 of 5 stars
So fun. Tamara, you need to read this. Lots of dark humor and digs at pop culture (which will become dated fast, but are still funny). Collage format.

I liked the pages "why do all the wrong people have self-esteem," "best poem ever," and "far-out things to say instead of AMAZING or AWESOME."
Aug 11, 2009
Kelly rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Graphically Delicious!

Each new page held colors and pictures more enthralling than the last one.

Funny quotes and stories mixed with messages than everyone (not just teen girls) ought to hear and take to heart.

This book will leave a smile on your heart and a spring in your step.
Jul 08, 2010
Sally rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This book looked like something that was thrown together on a whim. It lacked relevant content and had no edifying or redeeming value. I read a library copy because the title caught my attention, and I am grateful that it took no more than a few minutes to get through it.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Apr 15, 2009
Tracy rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Hmm, what to say. Well, this book got really good reviews and had a catchy title so I thought I'd give it a try. Although there were a few nuggets of wisdom to be gleaned and the layout and design was cool, it really wasn't worth the time I spent reading it.
Mar 12, 2009
Donna rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is a hilarious book full of colorful collage art, irreverant humor, lists of pet peeves, confessions, and DIY advice. If you've ever: fought with your mother, been kicked out of class, or been caught shoplifting then this book may be for you.
Aug 30, 2011
Janie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I really like her idea that interesting people have doubts. But, I just didn't get a lot of the book. I think I'm too old for her demographic and I think she's just venting but disguising it as guidance for young women.
Mar 20, 2009
Ever rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I really love this. There is enough material here to make you laugh, or annoy you, or feel bad, or think "Thank the gods there's someone out there who thinks the same way I do!". I just wish it was longer!
Jun 27, 2009
Anne rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I wish something like this had already been in existence when I was a teenager. It would have made life a lot easier. At 26 I really enjoy the art and the humor of the book.
Sep 07, 2009
Lisa rated it: 3 of 5 stars
How can you not love the title of this irreverent book? With collage and tongue firmly planted in cheek Rosenwald has created a fun take on self-help books.
May 08, 2009
Jessica rated it: 2 of 5 stars
The back of this book really caught my attention. I thought it was going to be more interesting than it was. It was just kind of weird and boring.
Feb 09, 2009
Lupine rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Appealing for the younger teen. Some of it is a little toungue in cheek and I am willing to be the moms will enjoy it as well.
Jan 21, 2009
CLM marked it as to-read
Is this the best title ever? Perhaps not suitable for my way-sensitive nieces, however.
Mar 23, 2009
Rose rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This artsy, offbeat book will have you laughing out loud.
May 12, 2009
Melly rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This made everyone in the CFD laugh. Quite a bit.
Apr 21, 2009
Maggie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is very visual and HILARIOUS.
Jul 01, 2009
P rated it: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting book. I think that is suitable for teens with open minded parents. Educational. If I was recommending this book to a young person, I would be sure to have discussion time available for after the book was read.
May 24, 2009
Beth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Felt like I was rereading my old journals - style, content, language. Fantastic!
Apr 30, 2009
Bunny rated it: 5 of 5 stars
How did I hear about this book? I'm honestly curious now. This is seriously awesome. It's YA, but I think any female over the age of 13 needs to read this. I say 13 only because there is a small bit of language. Not to mention the part about how babies are made. You know, how sex involves electrical sockets and the like.

Seriously, short and easy and visually appealing. Look it up.

Feb 24, 2009
Melissa rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book made me laugh and laugh! I wish every girl had a copy.
Jan 04, 2011
Christiana rated it: 3 of 5 stars
kind of random, but teens will like, I bet.