Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: The Real Deal
School Cliques, Classes, Clubs and More

By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Deborah Reber
Nonfiction
287 pages
ISBN #0-7573-0255-6

“The Real Deal is a unique, must-read book for anyone who has a teen in his or her life.
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest book store!
-- Dana E. Blozis, independent book reviewer

As the mother of a pre-teen daughter, I anxiously awaited my review copy of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: The Real Deal. I have read several other books in the Chicken Soup series and have always found them to be both insightful and entertaining. Upon the book’s arrival, my expectations were surpassed with the latest in the Chicken Soup series. The Real Deal is exactly what it promises to be, and so much more.

This particular edition contains true stories of isolation, insecurity, and uncertainty. Told by the teens themselves, these stories highlight the pains and pressures of being a teen in the 21st century. Through their eyes, readers will see firsthand the challenges today’s teens face and how they overcome problems like moving to a new school, peer pressure, violence, and racism. The teens’ stories are at once poignant, sad and uplifting as the spirits of these young adults shine through.

In addition to the honest, heartfelt, teen-told tales, The Real Deal contains invaluable tips, anecdotes, and personal stories from teen expert Deborah Reber. Despite her thirty-something status, she reaches out to teens with amazing sensitivity and an I-feel-your-pain attitude that teens and parents will appreciate. Reber, in her remarkable teen wisdom, also provides questions and quizzes to help readers reflect on their own experiences, further engaging both teens and their parents.

As a former teen and now a parent, I found this book to be incredibly useful, one that can bridge the gap between parents and their children as they go from 10 to 20 virtually overnight. The Real Deal is a unique, must-read book for anyone who has a teen in his or her life. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest book store!