10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know – Book Review
8 March, 20154 Min Read
As part of the BookLook Bloggers Review Program with Zondervan Publishing, I chose to review 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Christian mom blogger Kari Kampakis because:
1) I want to support a fellow mom blogger in her first published book debut
2) I had actually read her blog post that served as the inspiration for this book, and was curious to see how she elaborated on the article
3) It’s a great topic that much applies to me, with a baby daughter and another one on the way!
About the Book
Book description from Amazon.com:
These 10 simple truths can build one big change in your daughter’s life.
When Kari Kampakis wrote a blog post titled “10 Truths Young Girls Should Know,” the post went viral and was shared 74,000 times on Facebook and pinned 20,000 times on Pinterest. Obviously her message strikes a chord. This nonfiction book for teen & tween girls expands on these 10 truths and can reach the hearts of both mothers and daughters.
Teen girls deal daily with cliques, bullying, rejection, and social media fiascos. Kari wants girls to know that they don’t have to compromise their integrity or their future to find love, acceptance, and security. Her 10 truths include:
– Kindness is more important than popularity.
– People peak at different times of life. Trust God’s plan for you.
– Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Otherwise, you’ll never stick to your guns.
– Today’s choices set the stage for your reputation.
– You were born to fly.
Fans of Kari’s blog and newspaper column will not want to miss her first book. Filled with practical advice, loving support, and insightful discussion questions, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know is a timely and approachable list of guidelines that will help young girls navigate a broken world and become the young women God made them to be.
My Thoughts on the Book
So lately I have been overly book review happy and haven’t actually taken the time to, ya know, read the FULL description of a book prior to agreeing to review it. For instance, a few months ago I reviewed a board book, assuming it would be age appropriate for my toddler, only to learn it was for 8 to 10 year olds. (In my defense, what 10 year old wants to read a board book?!)
But anyway, I made the mistake of assuming this book was for MOMS to read and utilize the information and impart the wisdom to the upbringing of their daughters. But the book is actually written TO young women directly. It’s basically an open letter from Kari to your kids. Which is all nice and dandy, don’t get me wrong. It’s just not what I expected. Which is 100% my fault since the description says, “for tweens and teens”. Whoopsie!
But even with the author speaking to me like I’m in the throes of prepubescent hormonal upheaval, I still found the book a worthwhile and edifying read. The information is Bible based, solid and sound for ANY age, notwithstanding the clearly aimed for teens wording.
Overall it is a very sound book, and there isn’t any one theological or moral point that I disagree with the author on. She’s engaging and manages to speak age appropriately without being condescending or disrespectful to the fragile ego of the “not quite adult / not quite kid” crowd.
The ONLY thing I found to be “meh” about the book, is the frequent references to public school cliques and overblown clichés of High School life. The assumption that every kid resides in a High School Musical-esque Stick to the Status Quo song was a bit unrealistic and over the top to me. And considering the target audience of the book is devout Christians, I’m guessing a lot of her audience will be homeschooled, or in a private or Christian school, where the secular culture isn’t running so rampant. But maybe I’m wrong? Regardless, I found myself quirking a skeptical eyebrow at some of her school scenarios.
But aside from that, the book is golden. One I found very worthwhile to read, and one I’d like to keep in hand for Tessa to peruse when she’s ready for tween literature. Overall, I would highly recommend it to any young woman seeking some Bible-based wisdom and personal development insights!
[Disclaimer: There are no affiliate links in this review. I am an independent product reviewer. I only review products I am truly interested in. I don’t accept payment for reviews. The products I take the time to jabber on about are either items I have personally purchased, or the product has been provided for review after me incessantly nagging for a sample. All of my reviews are unbiased regardless of how the item was obtained.]
Have you had a chance to read any mom bloggers published works? Interested in checking this one out? Share below!
Gingi, I haven’t read this yet but I am definitely book marking it and I am getting a copy because my little Valentina is starting grade 7, junior high next year and unfortunately that mentality of cliques is here in the schools… I don’t have a Christian school I can send her too and home schooling isn’t an option for us either. We do attend church and I am trying to be more involved as I want her to know that none of this matters in the long run, I want her to know that her Heavenly Father loves her and that is what is most important… quite hard to get that through to a tween/teen when they are going through it… xox
This book would be PERFECT for Valentina! It really is a good and engaging read.. something you can read all at once or in bite sized chunks, and the information is VERY empowering for young Christian women! You should see if you qualify for the Book Look Bloggers program, and you can get a free copy to review! Check out http://www.booksneeze.com !! <3
It sounds like it’s a helpful book for tweens/teens. I think it can be a difficult age and I’m glad there’s something geared towards them that’s appropriate. Wonderful review.
Those are really important for a girl.
I would like to see for the boys.
you can watch that (Pk hindi movie) to refresh your mind.
Krl http://www.clippingpathoutsource.com
Happy Monday Gingi, when you first started talking about the book, I thought it was for mom’s to for their daughters. So while my own girls are a little young for this book, it might make a good gift for my neices who are about the right age. Thanks for sharing!
Great review! The book sounds really helpful for teens and the list seems like good advice even for adults! I am happy when I see books that help people develop in positive ways. It’s interesting how popular it is.
xo Bry GothicGlamour.Naughty&Nice
I came from a family that chose not to impart any wisdom or guidance into my life. It made for some very difficult years in my twenties, but thankfully, God was holding me close the entire time and still continues today. I’m glad there are resources like this book for young girls. It’s needed. I wish the book success.
You are doing an AMAZING job, I love reading your blog.. so glad to hear you can see God’s hand in your life! He is faithful! Blessing to you my friend! *hugs*
I haven’t read a book like that. I find that most mom stuff I tend to get are online rather than a book. Of course I still love to read books but if it’s leading towards being a self-help one, I’d most likely read online. I love the 10 truths she stated though. Will definitely share! 😉
I wish there were books like this when I was growing up, some words of wisdom would have helped the confusing period of my life. Sounds like a really good book, might pick it up for my niece.
I was lucky enough to have some books like these on hand during my adolescence, which is another reason why I am such a huge fan of reading self-edifying books on occasion.. You should check this book out sometime if you get a chance! <3
The ten ‘rules’ sound very reasonable to me, would have liked them summed up when I was young, because nobody told us anything but ‘beware of boys’ ‘obey’ and ‘study’ – but often young ones don’t like advice from ‘wiser’ olders, so don’t know if I would have taken everything serious. But I have to say that these, a little bit converted, are true too for boys, really they are based on common sense, and were already part of the education of my son.
Giving all my love to you for the coming days
Rosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
Gingi, I haven’t read this yet but I am definitely book marking it and I am getting a copy because my little Valentina is starting grade 7, junior high next year and unfortunately that mentality of cliques is here in the schools… I don’t have a Christian school I can send her too and home schooling isn’t an option for us either. We do attend church and I am trying to be more involved as I want her to know that none of this matters in the long run, I want her to know that her Heavenly Father loves her and that is what is most important… quite hard to get that through to a tween/teen when they are going through it… xox
This book would be PERFECT for Valentina! It really is a good and engaging read.. something you can read all at once or in bite sized chunks, and the information is VERY empowering for young Christian women! You should see if you qualify for the Book Look Bloggers program, and you can get a free copy to review! Check out http://www.booksneeze.com !! <3
It sounds like it’s a helpful book for tweens/teens. I think it can be a difficult age and I’m glad there’s something geared towards them that’s appropriate. Wonderful review.
Those are really important for a girl.
I would like to see for the boys.
you can watch that (Pk hindi movie) to refresh your mind.
Krl
http://www.clippingpathoutsource.com
There’s an author – John Eldridge – who write similar books for boys! My favorite he’s written is called “Wild at Heart”.. you should check it out!
Where was this book when I was a young Teen 😀 This sounds like a very interesting read Gingi!
Serene xoxo
http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com
I really need to look into these books! They look amazing!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
sounds like a fun book! I need to try it out!
kelseybang.com
Let me know what you think if you do!! <3
Love the list on the 10 Ultimate Truths! Very inspirational advice indeed!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
I really love this and I love the message the book it putting out in to the world too.
I should be the best book when I’ll have a little daughter! Thank you!:) xx
Margo Raffaelli
Yeah, I’m planning on keeping it on hand for my little one! <3
Happy Monday Gingi, when you first started talking about the book, I thought it was for mom’s to for their daughters. So while my own girls are a little young for this book, it might make a good gift for my neices who are about the right age. Thanks for sharing!
Laura! You should also check out the BookLook program! It might be something right up your alley!! Check it out! http://www.booksneeze.com
Great review! The book sounds really helpful for teens and the list seems like good advice even for adults! I am happy when I see books that help people develop in positive ways. It’s interesting how popular it is.
xo Bry
GothicGlamour.Naughty&Nice
Looks like a great book.
XO
Check my new post.
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin
Love your review, seems like a great book!
Great quote about the kindness, so true!
http://www.stripesnvibes.com
Yeah, I like the “10 Truths” inforgraphic from Kari’s blog!
It sounds like a useful book for teenage girls!
I came from a family that chose not to impart any wisdom or guidance into my life. It made for some very difficult years in my twenties, but thankfully, God was holding me close the entire time and still continues today. I’m glad there are resources like this book for young girls. It’s needed. I wish the book success.
You are doing an AMAZING job, I love reading your blog.. so glad to hear you can see God’s hand in your life! He is faithful! Blessing to you my friend! *hugs*
Kindness is definitely so much more important than popularity. I hope more people will realize that. It’s an important message.
I haven’t read a book like that. I find that most mom stuff I tend to get are online rather than a book. Of course I still love to read books but if it’s leading towards being a self-help one, I’d most likely read online. I love the 10 truths she stated though. Will definitely share! 😉
I wish there were books like this when I was growing up, some words of wisdom would have helped the confusing period of my life. Sounds like a really good book, might pick it up for my niece.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I was lucky enough to have some books like these on hand during my adolescence, which is another reason why I am such a huge fan of reading self-edifying books on occasion.. You should check this book out sometime if you get a chance! <3
The ten ‘rules’ sound very reasonable to me, would have liked them summed up when I was young, because nobody told us anything but ‘beware of boys’ ‘obey’ and ‘study’ – but often young ones don’t like advice from ‘wiser’ olders, so don’t know if I would have taken everything serious. But I have to say that these, a little bit converted, are true too for boys, really they are based on common sense, and were already part of the education of my son.
Giving all my love to you for the coming days
Rosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
Sounds nice! Love that quote about kindness is more important than popularity, so true!
Sarah x
http://www.palmtreesandheels.blogspot.com