My Feet Aren't Ugly
by Debra Beck
Published by Beaufort Books
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Reviewed by Lisa Frisbie
Subtitled: A Girl's Guide to Loving Herself from the Inside Out
For 15 years Debra Beck has also mentored teen girls. She is the founder of Spirited Youth--an organization devoted to nurturing young women with guidance and support, and has led workshops with Girl Power.
"It is important to surround ourselves with people who are trying to improve themselves," Beck says, "...they encourage us to grow and to become the best we can be."
Now Beck has written a guide for pre- and early teen girls, drawing upon her personal coming-of-age experiences and also those of her daughters. The author provides a step-by-step process for building self-acceptance and developing self-esteem.
Helpful chapters are devoted to such topics as how to choose friends, how to develop creativity, maintaining physical and spiritual health, overcoming fears, and lowering stress. Throughout the book the author provides pages for journaling and reflection, helping her readers stop and take the time to apply what they're learning to their own lives and their own pathways.
Beck tackles the tough subjects--eating disorders, drugs, suicide, and sexual pressure--with no-nonsense advice drawn from experience and observation. She builds a strong case for helping young girls decline sexual activity, pointing out the possible risks: pregnancy, STDs, and a potential lowering of self-esteem.
Beck argues that young girls should make wise choices and accept themselves. "Learning to like yourself is key: make sure you are doing things in your life that promote self-acceptance." Girls who are soon to enter their teen years, or who are early in their teens, will learn from and identify with many of the struggles and pressures the author raises.
At times I felt the book was a bit thin on information--and would have benefited with a good editing, however, anything that helps teen girls have better self-images is a noble cause. I just felt the book could have done more.
Armchair Interviews says: Readers will find the author to be a helpful friend and supportive mentor along the way.
Reviewer Lisa Frisbie has co-authored eight books including "Happily Remarried" and "Raising Great Kids On Your Own."