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Ask Elizabeth: Real Answers to Everything You Secretly Wanted to Ask AboutLove, Friends, YourBo dy... and Life in General
A teen girl's guide to life, love, friends, and growing up, in an intimate diary format from Saved By the Bell star and popular teen spokesperson Elizabeth Berkley.
Ask Elizabeth is the complete guide to teen life; the last and only self-help book they'll ever need. Drawn from the many workshops Elizabeth Berkley has conducted with teen girls across the country, Ask Elizabeth brings these revealing and intimate conversations to life on the page.
Much like a private diary, the book is a personal resource that girls can turn to when they seek answers to teen life's toughest questions. It contains real and practical advice, anecdotes, and Elizabeth's own life lessons in answer to frequently asked questions from Elizabeth's workshop, such What do you do when you look in the mirror and don't like what you see? or How do you get a guy to know you're alive?
Along with a panel of experts, Elizabeth advises teen girls in matters of sex, nutrition, fitness, body image, personal relationships, and more.
Ask Elizabeth is the complete guide to teen life; the last and only self-help book they'll ever need. Drawn from the many workshops Elizabeth Berkley has conducted with teen girls across the country, Ask Elizabeth brings these revealing and intimate conversations to life on the page.
Much like a private diary, the book is a personal resource that girls can turn to when they seek answers to teen life's toughest questions. It contains real and practical advice, anecdotes, and Elizabeth's own life lessons in answer to frequently asked questions from Elizabeth's workshop, such What do you do when you look in the mirror and don't like what you see? or How do you get a guy to know you're alive?
Along with a panel of experts, Elizabeth advises teen girls in matters of sex, nutrition, fitness, body image, personal relationships, and more.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2011
19 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Berkley
3 books11 followersElizabeth Berkley is an American television, movie, and theatre actress. Berkley's most notable roles were in the television series Saved by the Bell, as brainy feminist Jessie Spano, and the 1995 Paul Verhoeven movie Showgirls, as exotic dancer Nomi Malone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 22, 2011
My embarrassing facts about reading this book:
1) I am not a teen. This is an advice book written for teen girls. I am a teen librarian, however, so reading this wouldn't be quite as embarrassing if not for facts 2 and 3.
2) I liked it. Kind of a lot.
3) (And this is so embarrassing I can't believe I'm going to release it onto the internets) I learned from it. This book actually dropped some knowledge on me.
If you saw this book and you're around my age you might think, "Elizabeth Berkley? From Saved by the Bell? And Showgirls? She wrote an advice book?" And you would be correct. Yes, Jessie Spano--who memorably taught us the dangers of caffeine pills--grew up and wrote an advice book. And it's actually really good.
The book covers everything from body image issues to following your dreams to dating boys. It includes the advice of Elizabeth, as well as essays by experts. My favorite part is that it also includes advice from other girls in their own words. If I read this as a teen, it would probably be my favorite book ever. It's also gorgeous--whoever did the art direction was amazing. The layout and look of the pages is pitch perfect for its audience.
So, while I skew old for this book, I still really enjoyed it and will definitely be recommending it to the teens in my library!
1) I am not a teen. This is an advice book written for teen girls. I am a teen librarian, however, so reading this wouldn't be quite as embarrassing if not for facts 2 and 3.
2) I liked it. Kind of a lot.
3) (And this is so embarrassing I can't believe I'm going to release it onto the internets) I learned from it. This book actually dropped some knowledge on me.
If you saw this book and you're around my age you might think, "Elizabeth Berkley? From Saved by the Bell? And Showgirls? She wrote an advice book?" And you would be correct. Yes, Jessie Spano--who memorably taught us the dangers of caffeine pills--grew up and wrote an advice book. And it's actually really good.
The book covers everything from body image issues to following your dreams to dating boys. It includes the advice of Elizabeth, as well as essays by experts. My favorite part is that it also includes advice from other girls in their own words. If I read this as a teen, it would probably be my favorite book ever. It's also gorgeous--whoever did the art direction was amazing. The layout and look of the pages is pitch perfect for its audience.
So, while I skew old for this book, I still really enjoyed it and will definitely be recommending it to the teens in my library!
July 1, 2013
I decided to read the book 'Ask Elizabeth'by Elizabeth Berkley because my mum had bought it for me and thought I might find it helpful because it is all about teenage girl problems, family, love life, body image and more! It was a very long read but I really enjoyed it and would recommend to any teenage girl who is struggling with any of the issues above which I'm sure majority of us are!
This category completes the diary/auto biography/biography category of the bingo board. I was allowed to choose this novel for this category although technically speaking, it is more of an advice book but it is Non-Fiction and a great read! Even though it was very long and took me ages to read, it is definitely worth it and has made me see things from a different perspective and has changed my attitude towards many things.
There was no character in this novel. Everything said/written in this novel is from 'Elizabeth Berkley' who answers many teenage girls life questions and endless troubles to do with Body Image, Friends, Family, Love Life and way more! She did collect girls comments, questions and stories and put them in so readers can see that teenage girls are all experiencing the same thing and similar experiences and all think similarly. We all would change things about ourselves, we all argue with family members, we all have fights with our friends. But as well as showing stories, it also shows girls responses, how they deal with it and their advice. It is actually really helpful! I didn't think that this novel would help me so much and think differently!
There wasn't a particular quote that really inspired me but a certain section of the book did as it was organized into different categories for different topics. The category I liked the most was the Self Esteem one. I never knew how critical we can actually be on ourselves. Everyone see's us as normal or pretty but we can criticize every single thing about ourselves we may not like but no one else might not even notice it. I found it inspiring when Elizabeth wrote about changing what you say about yourself. Instead of focusing on negatives, focus on the positives. this is only one small part of that section but the whole section definitely my favourite section.
From this auto biography/non fiction book, I have learned to many things to count! I didn't realise how girls think so similarly and how we are so critical and I learned other girls stories and experiences which have helped e not to make their mistake.
This category completes the diary/auto biography/biography category of the bingo board. I was allowed to choose this novel for this category although technically speaking, it is more of an advice book but it is Non-Fiction and a great read! Even though it was very long and took me ages to read, it is definitely worth it and has made me see things from a different perspective and has changed my attitude towards many things.
There was no character in this novel. Everything said/written in this novel is from 'Elizabeth Berkley' who answers many teenage girls life questions and endless troubles to do with Body Image, Friends, Family, Love Life and way more! She did collect girls comments, questions and stories and put them in so readers can see that teenage girls are all experiencing the same thing and similar experiences and all think similarly. We all would change things about ourselves, we all argue with family members, we all have fights with our friends. But as well as showing stories, it also shows girls responses, how they deal with it and their advice. It is actually really helpful! I didn't think that this novel would help me so much and think differently!
There wasn't a particular quote that really inspired me but a certain section of the book did as it was organized into different categories for different topics. The category I liked the most was the Self Esteem one. I never knew how critical we can actually be on ourselves. Everyone see's us as normal or pretty but we can criticize every single thing about ourselves we may not like but no one else might not even notice it. I found it inspiring when Elizabeth wrote about changing what you say about yourself. Instead of focusing on negatives, focus on the positives. this is only one small part of that section but the whole section definitely my favourite section.
From this auto biography/non fiction book, I have learned to many things to count! I didn't realise how girls think so similarly and how we are so critical and I learned other girls stories and experiences which have helped e not to make their mistake.
Read
December 12, 2019Elizabeth Berkley of Saved by the Bell fame shares advice and encouragement with teen girls in this scrapbook-style self-help book.
Recommended grade level: 7-12
Pages: 240 (for ISBN 9780399254499)
Genre(s) and keywords: nonfiction, girls’ nonfiction, self-help
Tone/Style: personal, positive
Pace: moderate
Topics: self-esteem, body image, romantic relationships, family, friends, grief and loss, depression
Themes: self-confidence, being true to oneself, growing up
Who will like this book?: Girls looking for advice, support, and a sense of normalcy and community in navigating issues of self-esteem, body image, relationships (romantic, family, and friends), and moods. Anyone who needs some positivity and inspiration in navigating the common challenges of being a teen.
Who won’t like this book?: The book doesn’t get too deep into any particular issue. It’s great as a starting point or a general teen support book, but if the reader is dealing with a more specific issue (say, mental illness, grief, or an abusive relationship), suggest other books that address those issues more fully (maybe in addition to this one). This book is not for boys.
Other comments: Despite what it says in the description, this book doesn’t really cover sex. The relationship stuff is mostly about having healthy relationships, knowing who is right for you, and dealing with breakups. Most of the girls quoted are ages 14+, but most of the content in this book will be relevant to middle schoolers (if not now, then soon), and there shouldn’t be much to worry content-conscious parents.
Sequel(s): none
What to read next: There are lots of great self-help books for dealing with common teen girl experiences. (Not so many for boys, unfortunately.) Try these: Speak Up!: A Girl’s Guide to Having Your Way and Speaking Your Mind by Halley Bondy; Girls Against Girls: Why We Are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change by Bonnie Burton; Operation Beautiful: One Note at a Time by Caitlin Boyle (for some self-esteem boosters); and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times by Richard Carlson (for both boys and girls).
https://flashlightchronicles.com/2016...
Find more middle school book summaries at Flashlight Chronicles: www.flashlightchronicles.com
Recommended grade level: 7-12
Pages: 240 (for ISBN 9780399254499)
Genre(s) and keywords: nonfiction, girls’ nonfiction, self-help
Tone/Style: personal, positive
Pace: moderate
Topics: self-esteem, body image, romantic relationships, family, friends, grief and loss, depression
Themes: self-confidence, being true to oneself, growing up
Who will like this book?: Girls looking for advice, support, and a sense of normalcy and community in navigating issues of self-esteem, body image, relationships (romantic, family, and friends), and moods. Anyone who needs some positivity and inspiration in navigating the common challenges of being a teen.
Who won’t like this book?: The book doesn’t get too deep into any particular issue. It’s great as a starting point or a general teen support book, but if the reader is dealing with a more specific issue (say, mental illness, grief, or an abusive relationship), suggest other books that address those issues more fully (maybe in addition to this one). This book is not for boys.
Other comments: Despite what it says in the description, this book doesn’t really cover sex. The relationship stuff is mostly about having healthy relationships, knowing who is right for you, and dealing with breakups. Most of the girls quoted are ages 14+, but most of the content in this book will be relevant to middle schoolers (if not now, then soon), and there shouldn’t be much to worry content-conscious parents.
Sequel(s): none
What to read next: There are lots of great self-help books for dealing with common teen girl experiences. (Not so many for boys, unfortunately.) Try these: Speak Up!: A Girl’s Guide to Having Your Way and Speaking Your Mind by Halley Bondy; Girls Against Girls: Why We Are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change by Bonnie Burton; Operation Beautiful: One Note at a Time by Caitlin Boyle (for some self-esteem boosters); and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times by Richard Carlson (for both boys and girls).
https://flashlightchronicles.com/2016...
Find more middle school book summaries at Flashlight Chronicles: www.flashlightchronicles.com
March 3, 2014
I received this book a few years ago as a gift and had no interest in reading it, for the simple reason that self-help books never "helped" me or taught me anything. Today, I decided to skim through it because I was bored, and I ended up reading it from cover to cover. Elizabeth Berkley offered so much intelligence, positivity, and valuable lessons in this book, all with poise and grace. It's obviously targeted towards teenagers, but honestly, I think females of all ages could learn something from this because it includes such a wide variety of topics, and so many different point of views from the contributors. Overall, an excellently created read that inspired me to always focus on the bright side - and that there always is one.
July 29, 2012
Elizabeth Berkley really knows how to tell girls the answers they have been wanting to know for so long! I picked this book up while I was on a trip ,and I really enjoyed that someone who had dealt with some of the situations that I have has opened up ,and talked about them! The great aspect of this book was the fact that you felt as if you were reading a book that was by a friend ,and or Mentor that I looked up to rather than a celebrity! I recommend this to any girl looking for advice on any subject! :)
December 11, 2012
this book is absolutely amazing. its one of my favorite books.. and i read it when i have trouble with boys, school,family.. etc. I go to it to somewhat think things through, and it reminds me that what i'm going through is part of growing up, and that i'll be okay. I'm so glad i have this book, it gave me so much advice... and it still does.
September 20, 2014
I have read this book so many times and it still leaves me in awe because Elizabeth and the other girls in the book give such amazing advice. It's actually quite comforting to know that you're not the only with a certain issue and whatnot so this book was amazing. Plus, the book is extremely pretty and set out in a scrapbook way. Love it!
February 22, 2014
This book is really great for young girl because it gives them advice about what ever girl wants to hear and more.
June 13, 2012
I checked this out from the library as a curious Saved by the Bell Fan. I ended up reading the whole thing. I was pleasantly surprised, but still curious what makes Elizabeth Berkley enough of an expert to write the book. I think the book it put together in an interesting way and is a book I would have really liked as a high school student. As an adult, even, I think her section on grief was excellent.
November 29, 2016
I wish I had this book when I was a teenager - it's the big sister advice I couldn't receive and want to give.
Published in a scrapbook format, this book feels authentic and vulnerable, with advice from girls all across the United States.
Published in a scrapbook format, this book feels authentic and vulnerable, with advice from girls all across the United States.
December 1, 2021
I really liked this book. It’s geared towards young girls, but I think all women would benefit from reading this. Since as women, we all still have the same issues and questions about relationships, self image, friendship, death, depression, haters, etc. I wish this book or one like it would’ve been around when I was younger. The only thing I didn’t like about it was when they had the stories from girls in cursive, some of those were hard to read what they wrote. And some of the stories that looked like they were on notes were too close to the inside of the book, so you couldn’t read some of what they wrote.
July 6, 2020
To be honest it’s not a bad book. Some things were helpful but with some common sense I think we could’ve all come up with the solutions this book provides. But then again, I think I am just to old for this book. Overall I would recommend this to my younger self, lol and people ages 11/14.
May 11, 2015
I really like this book, it talks about all the problems girls (and I guess guys) go through during life. Family, friends, relationships, and self insecurities. It really gives young adults a new outlook, answers questions, and helps solve problems.
There isn’t a main setting in the book. There isn’t any main characters unless you count the narrator (Elizabeth) and/or the true stories of girls who’ve gone through the same things. The main conflict is trying to give answers and solve problems for girls and giving them skills (like working out problems with friends) that they’ll use all their life.
I definitely recommend this book to others, mostly girls but I guess guys could get something from it too.If someone has problems with family, friends, relationships, or themselves. I believe this book could do anyone wonders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 7, 2011I don't read nonfiction very often. This is because I usually find it pretty boring and uneasy to relate to-even if its a book of advice that is supposed to help me. There was in fact a time when I swore off nonfiction completely because I always ended up disappointed. However, when I started looking through Ask Elizabeth, I knew it would be an exception to that. And it is.
Ask Elizabeth is a must read for teen girls who have ever had questions about, well, almost anything in life. It's a book I will go back to time and time again for advice and whenever I need a pick-me-up. If I could, I would carry it with me where ever I go, so that if I ever need advice, I can get it. I hope you'll give this book a chance too, it's very helpful and unique.
Ask Elizabeth is a must read for teen girls who have ever had questions about, well, almost anything in life. It's a book I will go back to time and time again for advice and whenever I need a pick-me-up. If I could, I would carry it with me where ever I go, so that if I ever need advice, I can get it. I hope you'll give this book a chance too, it's very helpful and unique.
August 6, 2016
The overall tone of this self-help book appealed to me, it felt very much like advice given from an older sister who has been through everything already. The anecdotes and action steps written by Elizabeth Berkley were interesting and fun to read, but the best parts of the book were the notes and stories by real teenagers sent in to the Ask Elizabeth website. I think teens will probably also like those stories, they have a confessional feeling that reminds me of the first time I read Post Secret. The design of the book is very eye-catching and appealing, it has the look of a diary or journal that is shared between friends.
December 30, 2014
The artwork in this book was so pretty and every chapter spread had a beautiful layout that made the book feel interactive. I thought it had good content overall and a few quotes specifically that really stuck with me. This being said, there are a lot of books like this out there and I don't feel that this one had anything different to add. While I do feel that this book had merit, there were good chunks of the content that I felt were completely irrelevant to me. Not to say that it wouldn't help others, just for me I wasn't completely satisfied.
May 28, 2011
I am eager to pass the book along to my fifteen year old daughter. It is so hard to give teenagers advice! Elizabeth Berkley as a very reasonable open way of offering good perspective and common sense to teenage girls (something they developmentally sometimes lack) She deals with many difficult topics in a very sensitive way. The ascetics of the book are gorgeous in a scrapbook style. A definite strong recommendation for teens!
May 6, 2011
To any teenage girls who go through the stress of love, friendship and family, this book will give you the kind of advice you need to pick yourself off the ground and be happy. From the guy you love breaking your heart to your best friend ignoring you, Elizabeth brings you in a place where you can be free and make the right choices. I a sure you that you will smile and laugh while reading this book and that you will begin to realize the choices you need to make in life.
July 14, 2011
Unlike other advice books for girls/women, Berkley does not adopt a critical, condescending or preachy tone. Instead, she shares her own struggles and achievements in addition to providing feedback from girls she has worked with, thereby creating a very relatable, readable and helpful guide. The only downside was that most contributions were made by girls eighteen and younger, and yet were surprisingly insightful and well thought-out.
November 1, 2011
I was first drawn to this book because of the format. It looks very much like a scrapbook and has lots of teen girl appeal but it doesn't just end there. The information in it is really good. Topics covered are body image, love, friendships, family issues and inner thoughts and feelings. The questions are answered by the author as well as other teens. It is a beautifully written teen girl advice book.
October 29, 2012
Jessie Spano wrote a self-help book? I must read this.
UPDATE:
I secretly kind of liked this. The information did nothing for me, but would have been awesome when I was a teenager. I wish this book had existed then! I liked the overall message that Elizabeth Berkley was proclaiming.
I think what I liked the most was the artistic way this book was put together. This book was just PRETTY! This wasn't just words on a page, this was artwork that happened to have words in it.
UPDATE:
I secretly kind of liked this. The information did nothing for me, but would have been awesome when I was a teenager. I wish this book had existed then! I liked the overall message that Elizabeth Berkley was proclaiming.
I think what I liked the most was the artistic way this book was put together. This book was just PRETTY! This wasn't just words on a page, this was artwork that happened to have words in it.
July 21, 2011
I only have this book because Elizabeth Berkeley herself came to my school and gave it for free. I thought it very profitable to many teenagers/young girls. Elizabeth discusses many issues that most girls face nowadays in a friendly way, yet not in a way to SOLVE the problem. I thought it a nice idea, although I never use/read the actual book.
October 8, 2011
I think every girl should read this book.If we all read this book there wouldn't be half as much drama. If you dont like the way you look then you should read this book.But this book is for girls only!
May 26, 2011
A good self help guide for teen and pre-teen girls. Would have liked to see some edgier topics.
May 8, 2011
This is one hot item at my library.
May 21, 2011
Elizabeth Berkley gave some very good advice in this book but it is somewhat mixed in a little too much. It could be just a tad more organized.
November 28, 2011
This book wasn't especially informative. I like it mainly for the design.
September 11, 2011
ightt..
October 6, 2011
The best of the 'celebrity advice for teen girls' genre. In fact the only one that is any good, and it's actually pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews