Stay Strong: Simple Lessons For Success In Life - Hardcover

Williams, Terrie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0439129710 ISBN 13: 9780439129718

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 2001

Synopsis

The owner of a public relations firm tells the amazing story of her career and shares the secrets of her success to offer inspiration and help teens achieve their dreams.

About this title

Review

Public relations guru Terrie Williams, author of The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast-Paced Business World, has decided to try her hand at advising teens, and the result reads like a hip-hop version of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. In Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens, Williams breaks down what she believes are common negative adolescent attitudes ("It's all about money,", "How I talk is my business," etc.) and then goes on to challenge the reader to reassess those attitudes and turn them around. For example, in the chapter on how to make conversation, she writes: "Be careful of using words and phrases so full of slang that give the message 'You are not one of us' or 'I am not interested in you enough to speak in a way I know you'll understand.' It's just rude.... You are stronger when you are able to communicate with anyone. So, enjoy your slang but know when not to use it." Like Chicken Soup, her text also incorporates true stories. Some of these stories are about celebrities such as Eddie Murphy and Camryn Manheim, but most come from ordinary teens and their experiences. Original rap lyrics that illustrate the theme of each chapter and a down-to-earth introduction by Queen Latifah will make this work especially appealing to urban teens. Stay Strong is a sassy, street-smart addition to the growing body of self-help literature for adolescents. The book includes a bibliography and a recommended reading list. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

From School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-This upbeat handbook offers advice on a variety of topics such as lying, money, manners, being popular at any cost, and feelings. Each chapter contains scenarios/stories about an issue. Williams then recounts her philosophy/life story as well as similar ones from famous people. The effect is strong and positive. Quotes from teens are scattered throughout. From the introduction by Queen Latifah, it is clear that the author cares about her readers and hopes that she can help some of them make appropriate choices. The writing is direct and the format is bold and eye-catching. Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Teens (Fireside, 2000), Jack Canfield's Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Health Communications, 1997), and Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens (Hyperion, 2000) approach similar topics, but Stay Strong presents itself to a wider ethnic population. The overall message of being true to one's self is much needed and it can't be repeated too often.

Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0439129710
• ISBN 13: 9780439129718
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240