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A Girl's Guide to Life
A Thought Catalog Book
A Girl's Guide to Life is a timeless book of warm and sensible advice for young girls, originally written by a mother for her own eight-year-old daughter. From compassion and empathy through self-expression and creativity, from thoughtfulness and helpfulness and good deeds through gratitude and heartfelt apology, from the incomparable joys of friendship to the importance of learning how and when to say no, this little book offers wise counsel that will be of use for many years to come.
"A Girl's Guide to Life is exactly that -- a delightful guide filled with wisdom and warmth for all ages. It's about saying yes and saying no and everything in between, giving respect and expecting it too. Practical proverbs in a fun-to-read package." -Dandi Daley Mackall
"Sensible, subtle, loving advice tells girls how to be brave and happy and to do right -- and that life is complicated. I'm rushing A Girl's Guide to my youngest granddaughter." -Lore Segal
"Herman's book may help to ease readers into their teenage years, at a time when they want to be both independent and nurtured... A sweet book of advice for young girls.'
- Kirkus Reviews
A Girl's Guide to Life is a timeless book of warm and sensible advice for young girls, originally written by a mother for her own eight-year-old daughter. From compassion and empathy through self-expression and creativity, from thoughtfulness and helpfulness and good deeds through gratitude and heartfelt apology, from the incomparable joys of friendship to the importance of learning how and when to say no, this little book offers wise counsel that will be of use for many years to come.
"A Girl's Guide to Life is exactly that -- a delightful guide filled with wisdom and warmth for all ages. It's about saying yes and saying no and everything in between, giving respect and expecting it too. Practical proverbs in a fun-to-read package." -Dandi Daley Mackall
"Sensible, subtle, loving advice tells girls how to be brave and happy and to do right -- and that life is complicated. I'm rushing A Girl's Guide to my youngest granddaughter." -Lore Segal
"Herman's book may help to ease readers into their teenage years, at a time when they want to be both independent and nurtured... A sweet book of advice for young girls.'
- Kirkus Reviews
- GenresNonfiction
80 pages, Hardcover
First published December 16, 2014
About the author
Michelle Herman
26 books33 followersMichelle Herman‘s newest books are If You Say So, a memoir-in-essays, and her first novel for young readers, All the Time in the World. You can read her parenting, family, and relationship advice weekly in the Sunday Care and Feeding column at Slate.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Michelle has lived for many years in Columbus, Ohio, where she lives in a 120-year-old house with her husband, the painter Glen Holland.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Michelle has lived for many years in Columbus, Ohio, where she lives in a 120-year-old house with her husband, the painter Glen Holland.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 29, 2015
My rating is for the purpose of the information within, not the entertainment value for an adult.
I chose to read this book because I have a daughter at the age of the intended audience. This book does a great job of simplifying everything into terms for a kid. Also it uses examples that would be important to a child. If the author would have used adult issues, it probably would go over most little girls' heads because the situations wouldn't be something that they are concerned/troubled with in their day-to-day.
The organization of the sections wasn't the best in my opinion, but it probably won't matter to the chosen audience.
I believe my daughter would enjoy this book, and it would be beneficial for her. I recommend parents with preteen girls check it out.
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
I chose to read this book because I have a daughter at the age of the intended audience. This book does a great job of simplifying everything into terms for a kid. Also it uses examples that would be important to a child. If the author would have used adult issues, it probably would go over most little girls' heads because the situations wouldn't be something that they are concerned/troubled with in their day-to-day.
The organization of the sections wasn't the best in my opinion, but it probably won't matter to the chosen audience.
I believe my daughter would enjoy this book, and it would be beneficial for her. I recommend parents with preteen girls check it out.
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
July 23, 2017
READ THE ORIGINAL REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://thebookaddictsblog.blogspot.pt...
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I'm going to be honest: I downloaded this book a bit on a whim, mostly because the cover was so beautiful.
The concept of this book and the story behind it, how it came to be, was actually really heartwarming, and I wish I had had something like this to read when I was younger. It accommodates all the things we've been told all our lives and makes them clear, in a way that is so important for young girls to read, but not limited to it. I believe every young child should read and follow these motherly advices and, as teenagers or adults, we can read this and look back, remember how our lives can become full and honest and rich.
In my opinion, this was an extremely sweet, heartfelt, inspiring and rereadable book that can help you at any age, no matter how many times you have heard the things it says before.
I desperately want a physical copy of this book that I can pass down to my future children, so they can take from it everything I certainly did.
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I'm going to be honest: I downloaded this book a bit on a whim, mostly because the cover was so beautiful.
The concept of this book and the story behind it, how it came to be, was actually really heartwarming, and I wish I had had something like this to read when I was younger. It accommodates all the things we've been told all our lives and makes them clear, in a way that is so important for young girls to read, but not limited to it. I believe every young child should read and follow these motherly advices and, as teenagers or adults, we can read this and look back, remember how our lives can become full and honest and rich.
In my opinion, this was an extremely sweet, heartfelt, inspiring and rereadable book that can help you at any age, no matter how many times you have heard the things it says before.
I desperately want a physical copy of this book that I can pass down to my future children, so they can take from it everything I certainly did.
January 24, 2016
I thought this was a great short book. Even though I am turning 26 in January this book still can remain true and helpful. I was given a copy of this book to read and review. It only took me like 30 minutes to read. I think that all girls and women should read this.
November 10, 2018
A book that is a guide filled with life advice for girls. It discusses empathy and compassion, dealing with touch situations and many other situations that tweens and teens may encounter. This is a sweet book recommended to everyone to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
December 15, 2019
So cute. The kind of tips is good to be remembered always.
December 30, 2020
It's good
Let's be honest it's a good book but it depends on the reader, if this book is useful to them
Let's be honest it's a good book but it depends on the reader, if this book is useful to them
December 29, 2014
originally reviewed at So many books, so little time
"Your life is the reason you should read this book"
This book is simply put, a piece of advice from a mother to a daughter, and although it has been recommended to lower age groups, the relevance of these thoughts never fails to catch you off-guard. The author herself writes in the introduction, "Because here's the thing: even as you grow older, you are going to be the very same person you are now. And no matter how grown-up you become, it never hurts to be reminded of the things that are really important in life."
When I decided to read this book from NetGalley, I had surmised it to be a didactic sermon on how we should live our lives. I couldn't have gone any more wrong. This is the most heart-warming, comforting string of words ever pulled together that I have read. It is a Thought Catalog Book after all, I should have known better!
The language is lucid, effortless and endearing. Even if you are all grown -up and happy in your zone, the reader is bound to be moved by the rules of the book. It is a book for life. I myself am surprised that a simple writing, adorned with simple illustrations and written in the most simple manner could make me revisit all life lessons I have learnt.
What makes this book special and worthy of your time is that these are rules to living a fulfilled and more fruitful life, and this book works at the learning stage as well as at the reminder level. We need to be reminded that more than anything in this world, we need to hold on to the inherent goodness in us.
I especially liked the fourth part: All Play and no Work. And how in a precise, succinct two-pages, it reminds us how good it feels to help someone without being asked to.
Since I am always pondering a lot about friendship and the like, I was curious to read what was contained in that section, the last one of all.
And I did get my answers.
I will wait for other books by the author too.
"Your life is the reason you should read this book"
This book is simply put, a piece of advice from a mother to a daughter, and although it has been recommended to lower age groups, the relevance of these thoughts never fails to catch you off-guard. The author herself writes in the introduction, "Because here's the thing: even as you grow older, you are going to be the very same person you are now. And no matter how grown-up you become, it never hurts to be reminded of the things that are really important in life."
When I decided to read this book from NetGalley, I had surmised it to be a didactic sermon on how we should live our lives. I couldn't have gone any more wrong. This is the most heart-warming, comforting string of words ever pulled together that I have read. It is a Thought Catalog Book after all, I should have known better!
The language is lucid, effortless and endearing. Even if you are all grown -up and happy in your zone, the reader is bound to be moved by the rules of the book. It is a book for life. I myself am surprised that a simple writing, adorned with simple illustrations and written in the most simple manner could make me revisit all life lessons I have learnt.
What makes this book special and worthy of your time is that these are rules to living a fulfilled and more fruitful life, and this book works at the learning stage as well as at the reminder level. We need to be reminded that more than anything in this world, we need to hold on to the inherent goodness in us.
I especially liked the fourth part: All Play and no Work. And how in a precise, succinct two-pages, it reminds us how good it feels to help someone without being asked to.
Since I am always pondering a lot about friendship and the like, I was curious to read what was contained in that section, the last one of all.
And I did get my answers.
I will wait for other books by the author too.
March 3, 2015
I got this ARC from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
“A Girl’s Guide to Life” is, as you could’ve guessed, a guide on how to live written by a mother to her 8 years-old daughter. While it starts by stating that no one but you will ever live your own life, it follows by giving general advice that while it’s quite obvious once you read it, you soon realize you may not be acting the right way. The author emphasizes the importance of empathy and accepting and expressing one-self, which is something we all cherish in others, but sometimes we fail in showing it.
This is a short guide “to life.” While it’s directed towards a little girl, the advice it states are global and useful for little boys, and grown-up adults who already know all this stuff, but may need to be reminded of it. It’s highly recommended not only for people who struggle with little things in life, but also for mothers who want to raise confident and loving children, and Thought Catalog followers (we should point out this is a Thought Catalog Book after all). It is a quick, easy guide with cute drawings by Glen Holland, and it’s quite obvious that the author wrote every sentence with love while reminding herself of her own memories.
“A Girl’s Guide to Life” is, as you could’ve guessed, a guide on how to live written by a mother to her 8 years-old daughter. While it starts by stating that no one but you will ever live your own life, it follows by giving general advice that while it’s quite obvious once you read it, you soon realize you may not be acting the right way. The author emphasizes the importance of empathy and accepting and expressing one-self, which is something we all cherish in others, but sometimes we fail in showing it.
This is a short guide “to life.” While it’s directed towards a little girl, the advice it states are global and useful for little boys, and grown-up adults who already know all this stuff, but may need to be reminded of it. It’s highly recommended not only for people who struggle with little things in life, but also for mothers who want to raise confident and loving children, and Thought Catalog followers (we should point out this is a Thought Catalog Book after all). It is a quick, easy guide with cute drawings by Glen Holland, and it’s quite obvious that the author wrote every sentence with love while reminding herself of her own memories.
March 22, 2015
A guide to life for your little ones – that is something I think every parent would love to pass on to their children to use at every stage of their lives for so many reasons – to teach their kids what they learned from their own parents, from their mistakes, from their choices (good and bad ones), and from them (their kids!). Written in simple, honest, heartwarming language that sounds just like any mom talking to her child, this book is a short, sweet read that passes on life lessons that can be useful at any stage, any age (though perfect for girls between 7 to early teens).
This book is a series of thoughts on various lessons the mother wants to impart to her eight year old who requested that her mother write her a guide to life (like in Little Women – I found this back story delightful and personal since this concept made me think it would be cool to have a guide like this for myself; and now for my little ones). This makes the book sound random at times but then again, it is a Thought Catalog.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book is a series of thoughts on various lessons the mother wants to impart to her eight year old who requested that her mother write her a guide to life (like in Little Women – I found this back story delightful and personal since this concept made me think it would be cool to have a guide like this for myself; and now for my little ones). This makes the book sound random at times but then again, it is a Thought Catalog.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
January 11, 2015
A simple and earnest little book of life advice for girls. Written originally for her eight-year-old daughter, this reworked book of advice aims to help girls cultivate a full and fulfilling life. Herman keeps it simple but also offers a sincere explanation of what it means to live with empathy and compassion while growing in self-confidence and personal expression. Some of the advice may seem basic but it isn't entirely clear to me that young people hear this advice too often these days. Plus, it can't hurt to have it expressed in a book rather than from their parents, right?
A quick read with illustrations that have an old fashioned feel the book also has a great backstory. Would make a nice gift for the 7-11 year olds in your life. I am not an expert but my sense is that the book is better targeted toward the younger end of that spectrum.
A quick read with illustrations that have an old fashioned feel the book also has a great backstory. Would make a nice gift for the 7-11 year olds in your life. I am not an expert but my sense is that the book is better targeted toward the younger end of that spectrum.
July 31, 2015
A book that is a guide filled with life advice for girls. It discusses empathy and compassion. It is okay to express one's feelings be they negative or positive. It shows how to navigate a tough time even though it may be difficult. While most of this advice ought to be already known, I suspect that with our busy lives the advice in this book is overlooked.
This is a sweet book recommended to everyone to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 9, 2015
I thought this book was quite charming. I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads through a giveaway and I was a little skeptical at first. Normally I am not fond of children's books, but this one contained several universal truths that even now, into adulthood, this book still resonated with me. Admittedly, it helped considerably to put myself in the shoes of my eight year old niece, who is undoubtedly closer to the target age range, and I was amazed at all the little considerations the author took to make sure young children could feel comfortable reading it.
July 12, 2015
I got this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a great book for young girls. It is written for girls in their preteens, and it gives them advice on growing up. From how to treat other people, expressing themselves, meeting new friends, and why we fall in love. It would have been a handy guide for, I feel, many women, including myself, had it been published earlier. I still recommend skimming through because there are some tips in here that are important to remember.
I thought this was a great book for young girls. It is written for girls in their preteens, and it gives them advice on growing up. From how to treat other people, expressing themselves, meeting new friends, and why we fall in love. It would have been a handy guide for, I feel, many women, including myself, had it been published earlier. I still recommend skimming through because there are some tips in here that are important to remember.
January 23, 2015
This is the cutest book ever! This is the best piece of advice that a mother could ever give her daughter. It is filled with all the things that, as a mother, I want to tell both of my girls but I know that there are things I will forget. So I am getting both of them a copy for their 12th birthdays (when they turn 12) in the hopes they that will not only enjoy it but will pass it on to their daughters.
I received this book from Netgalley.
I received this book from Netgalley.
May 11, 2015
There's some good life advice in these pages. I don't however see the need to limit it to being a "Girls' Guide" and not sure it was able to specifically target the audience it intends to. I appreciate the anecdotes from time to time but feel that it may still be lacking. Illustrations were also a bit too serious if meant for a younger audience.
Note: This E-Book is free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: This E-Book is free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2016
I received this as part of the Goodreads Giveaways program.
What a sweet, quick read. There isn't much to say about this, other than Herman does a good job of writing understandable prose for children, and that she qualifies her statements quite well. Each lesson is imparted with a lot of love.
This would be a lovely gift for a child, or a teenager about to set out into the real world. The lessons apply to all stages of life.
What a sweet, quick read. There isn't much to say about this, other than Herman does a good job of writing understandable prose for children, and that she qualifies her statements quite well. Each lesson is imparted with a lot of love.
This would be a lovely gift for a child, or a teenager about to set out into the real world. The lessons apply to all stages of life.
March 3, 2015
I received this book through the goodreads giveaway.
When I first got it, I was not sure what to expect. However, I truly enjoyed it! This delightful little guide was written by the author's mother to her when she was eight years old. It is a sweet book filled with wisdom and warmth any child would enjoy hearing from their mother!
When I first got it, I was not sure what to expect. However, I truly enjoyed it! This delightful little guide was written by the author's mother to her when she was eight years old. It is a sweet book filled with wisdom and warmth any child would enjoy hearing from their mother!
February 11, 2015
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This tiny book (pocket sized) is filled with such wonderful pointers for what life brings us. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though it is a "Girl's" guide, it could pertain to boys. It is a book to keep handy in case life throws you a "punch". I highly recommend reading it!
This tiny book (pocket sized) is filled with such wonderful pointers for what life brings us. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though it is a "Girl's" guide, it could pertain to boys. It is a book to keep handy in case life throws you a "punch". I highly recommend reading it!
March 21, 2015
I'm not sure what led me to download this book, and as I started reading it I felt like I was too old for it and surely there was nothing I could learn from it. I kept reading, however, and realized that yes, while this book is directed to a younger generation, my 25 year old self could still take its simple, heartfelt messages and apply them in my life just as any 10 year old could.
January 14, 2015
I received this ebook free from Netgalley for a fair review.
A Mother's advlice to her young daughter.
This simple little book is charming!
Filled with info that you would love to encapsulate for your younger daughter, and a few gentle reminders for the adult as well.
A Mother's advlice to her young daughter.
This simple little book is charming!
Filled with info that you would love to encapsulate for your younger daughter, and a few gentle reminders for the adult as well.
February 15, 2015
This a fantastic little book for younger and older girls. The advice on how to live you life is exceptional! She gives advice on doing the right thing, how to treat others, what to do in life such as work and love, etc. A must have for parents to give to their girls.
February 7, 2015
This short book is written for 7-11 year old girls but adults can learn from it too as the advice given is how to be a good person. Each section would be excellent to discuss with a girl after reading. I received a copy through Goodreads in return for a review.
March 20, 2015
Inspired by an event in the novel Little Women, this mother-to-daughter advice on life is simple, straight to the point, and applicable to girls of all ages. Readers will love this book and are certain to pass it on to all the girls in their lives!
December 28, 2014
Even for the stated audience (girls 7-10), this isn't really worth reading. Full of vague statements. Not everything was correct (of the few factual parts there were). Wouldn't recommend it.
April 4, 2015
Very sweet book! I wish I had read it sooner in my life. I would definitely recommend it to young girls. These are the kind of lessons I would like my daughter to learn someday.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews