Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the site that aims to bring you something fresh, something new (or new-to-you), something SCARY (hey, it IS October...tis the Halloween season and all), every day of the week.
Today, we are discussing something truly scary. Something you may have to run for cover from. Something we all encounter in our lives and there is NO ESCAPE.
Scared yet? You should be because today we are looking back on our....
....TEEN YEARS....
--insert terrifying scream of fright here--
That's right. Our teenage years. Oh, I know they say they are the "best years of your life" and the moments that we'll look back on fondly in our golden years, but let me say this....while that is true in some respects, those actually going through it at the time more often than not beg to differ. Before I wax fondly on this train of thought for too long, allow me to introduce today's blog tour guest and book of choice...
Authors Write Letters to Their Teen Selves
Edited by
E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally
This is a non-fiction collection from some of the biggest names in the writing world today sharing their personal stories of heartache, hard times, epic fails, and unchangeable rolls of the dice. Within these pages, you'll meet those struggling with everything from their self-image to lifestyles, affiliations to inescapable health issues and everything in between. In reading the correspondence from their voice of the present to their selves of the past, we gain not only life lessons and wisdom, but hoorays for dancing to their own drummer. You see, despite the trails and tribulations of youth, there is also a certain freedom many experience and along the road of life, it can become tainted or lost out right. That's the part that many miss later on, but I digress....
This is a BIG world we live in and its filled with all kinds of people, both for better and worse. Hopefully you've encountered only those that would enhance your life path...but then again, in some ways, I hope that's not the case. Heartless, right? No...not really and here's why. Those experiences, both the good and the bad, help us to understand who we are, what we'll become and inevitably the type of person we WANT to be. Do they majorly suck when you're going through them? ABSOLUTELY...and some of the experiences revealed in this "tell all" shouldn't have to be lived through by anyone (though much KUDOS, pats on the back, and hugs to all those authors that shared their personal trials so openly!)...but the people that crawled out of the flames, the individual that hit the streets running with their head held high after settling up with what fate dealt them....those are the heroes of the moment.
They faced what was happening, found a way through and now share their stories in order for the next generation (and heck, even those of the same generation still looking for a way out or forward) to know that someone out there understands. They are not alone. There are those that have been-there-done-that and unfortunately there will be those that take their places in the same dark pits they escaped but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is most decidedly not a train. Life goes on as will you, though right now that might be hard to see. When I first signed up for the tour, I was offered the chance to choose the type of post I wanted to present; obviously I went with a review. In that respect, I have to say that this is certainly an emotional read but in the BEST way possible. It's great to make that human connection with some of the names you've added to your "favorite authors" list over the years and seeing how much they've over come builds an even greater respect for them. There was an unexpected development though....the lending of confidence.
How so? Well, another option for the tour was to share our own Dear Teen Me letters and while I may not delve as deep as many of the authors included in this book, I will share a small bit of me with the me of back then. Here goes.... *deep breath*
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Psst! Hey, you. Yes, YOU. Is this seat taken? I'm you from the future and yes, I do know how crazy that sounds...just hear me out. You've got your dreams and your ambitions, which are great! Don't let them fall by the wayside just because someone else tries to throw a monkey wrench in the works. I would however recommend reevaluating your goals. Why? Well, the medical field is an AWESOME choice now and in the future, but you're truly at home in the world of books. Don't deny it....you're itching to pick one up now as we speak and that's okay! Some of the friends you make in time will be connected to you by the reads you share and the worlds you explore. They may be virtual but they are as real as you and me...well, us. It's hard to explain, but trust me....making some headway towards that goal today will help you achieve much more in the coming years.
Speaking of friends...I'd love to say that you shed your shy status and blossom into something other than a wallflower but alas, your bookish before the term was coined and you'll always have a mountain to climb to crack that turtle shell you're in. Don't worry...like I said, there are others like you and once you find your passion, you'll find the freedom to express yourself like never before.
As for love...you'll love many things; your family, your friends, but the guy front is more of a no man's land. So not the drama! Oh you'll go through spells of longing for that connection those around you seem to be making left and right but finding Mr. Right is gonna be a little harder for you. Curious if you've found him in the future? Not as of this meeting, but there's always tomorrow. Keep your chin up and don't be afraid to smile at that cute boy glancing your way....it'll give you more experience for the future.
I'll wrap this little chat up because as you and I both know, we can be long winded sometimes. You're a "good girl" and there's nothing wrong with that but, if you can, try to get out a little more; make some memories and have some fun. At the very least, it'll give you something to talk about in later years; at the most, you'll find those lasting friendships you've been seeking. It's a win-win any way you slice it.
Take care...and don't be so hard on yourself. Straight A's are fabulous but you're only young once.
With much love and respect....
Me
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Review copy received courtesy of Zest Books. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official website, check out their blog, like them on Facebook, pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter! Zest Books is an award-winning publisher of smart and edgy titles that focus on the colorful chaos of teen life. These nonfiction books cover timely topics in creative ways by incorporating solid life advice, practical how-to instruction, and humorous commentary. Zest Books’ catalogue includes 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School, Where’s My Stuff: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide, and Scandalous! 50 Shocking Events You Should Know About So You Can Impress Your Friends. In Fall 2012, Zest Books launches a new line of memoirs and first-person accounts, and Dear Teen Me is the first book in this new line. Zest Books is distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This title officially releases October 30th, 2012 so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you...or if you would like a pre-order option, stop by Indiebound, Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble or Book Depository sites.
Until next time...happy reading.
5 comments:
Though not normally a fan of this genre this does sound appealing, thanks for mentioning it.
I have seen this around the blogosphere and have been thinking about the letter I would write to my younger self, loved your post
I think this book sounds fascinating. I am curious to see what I would say to my teenage self. Thanks for opening up with us and sharing a bit about who you were as a teen. I think your advice to get out a little more and not worry quite so much about grades was great. It is possible to worry too much! Enjoy each moment! :)
Enjoyed your review and loved the letter to your teen self! I think I'd tell Teen Me almost the same thing, that good grades are great but shouldn't be the only thing. Live a little! Don't be such a stickler for rules! Ah, if only we knew then what we know now.... :)
That was awesome. WAY cute.
The things I would tell teen self...
Snippet:
Wait for Mr. Right. He will come. When you're 28 and he will be SO flipping worth it.
GO to Europe. Do not put it off. It will get harder the older you get.
Be patient waiting for that baby. It will happen and it will be beyond amazing when it does.
That was FUN!
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