Book Review- 33 Things

Book Review - 33 Things Every Girl Should know




Bolden, Tonya., 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, Crown Publishers, 1998, New York, ISBN- 9780517709368

This title is  very catchy and misleading however the book's cover offers a better understanding of the  by listing the names of 33 women who share their personal information.  This creatively well put together collection of information offers a wealth of diversity, through a collection of poems, essays, short stories, photos, drawings, and humor.  Judith Ortiz Cofer's Seize The Day provides thought provoking moments that can relax and revitalizes ones mind a passage that stood out was "step outside and breathe deeply.  Take in the smells of life, good and foul.  Remember this day is a gift" Cofer  gracefully showed us how  to seize the day in this passage.
Envision by Vera Wang shares her experiences having vision, working through obstacles, and entrepreneurship.  Mary Catherine Bateson reveals her views on loneliness in her work of Some Solitude Is Good " A lot of girls are taught to feel vulnerable when they are alone, even at home.  A lot of girls grow up expecting to find to find fulfillment only in being with others.  But being alone is apart of being your own" Bateson holds no punches in revealing a bit of self worth.  Bolden displays humor, honesty, wisdom, self worth, education, and relationships through the eyes of 33 women.  Bolden shows how famous and successful women struggle and explored coping magnetisms to help with the teen years. The author created a realistic collection of information by using real people with real problems and concerns.  The information shared was empowering to  the lives of teens and young adults alike.  The author did a splended job at gaining the audience's attention and keeping it.

"This excellent collection brings together the voices and art of some of our time's best and brightest."  Booklist

"A terribly earnest collection of advice that ranges from preachy to peachy"  Kirkus Reviews

" It's a mixing bag of inspiration, advice, fiction, and personal history be a wide variety of notable women"  KLIATT Review

Winner 1999 ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Actvities

1. Before reading the book keep a journal for two or three weeks about visions, plans, obstacals, relationships, self-worth and reflect.

2. After reading the compare the information shared by these 33 women to your information.  What are some simiularties and diffierences?  What can you relate to on a personal level?

3.  Choose a piece of your work and have your classmates to do the same and create a book simular to this  to share with other teens.