From Boys to Men (Plugged In) - Hardcover

Michael Gurian is a psychotherapist and bestselling author whose books include The Wonder of Boys and The Good Son. His work reflects the diverse cultures (European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and American) in which he lived, worked, and studied. He has taught psychology, religion, mythology, and literature at three American universities and at Ankara University in Turkey. He lives with his wife and two children in Spokane, Washington.

Grade 5-7-Practical advice for preteens on how to cope with the emotional and physical changes that typically accompany adolescence. Gurian takes a holistic approach-in addition to the physical aspects of puberty, he addresses such subjects as developing romantic and sexual relationships, friendships, peer pressure, and even nutrition and wellness. The writing is direct, personal, and conversational. The tone is always positive and empathetic. Although the author's style works for the most part, there are times when his earnestness makes him obvious in his attempt to connect with readers. He refers often to and assumes the existence of "a boy's clan," people that a young man can trust and confide in, and encourages his readers to seek out advice from such sources. Serious flaws in the book are the lack of further reading and of detailed illustrations to accompany the discussions of physical changes and sexuality. The book also lacks an index. While Lynda Madaras's The What's Happening to My Body Book for Boys (Newmarket, 1991) is superior to this title in many respects, Gurian's book is still a worthwhile purchase.
Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library
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