A Q&A guide for mother-daughter conversations about female health and sexuality, this book targets both daughters and mothers. Start Talking contains more than 113 questions girls ask including questions about periods, sex, relationships, guys, eating, exercise, body development, along with similar questions verbalized by mothers. Each chapter contains basic information accompanied by real-life vignettes, questions and answers for moms, questions and answers for daughters, ""Table Talk"" suggestions for moms on how to engage each other around these topics. This book differs from books targeting just girls understanding their own bodies, and from books targeting just mothers on what they should know: it is deliberately meant to spark conversations. |
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 Refreshing and Straightforward |
| Review Date: April 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Feathered Quill Book Reviews, Goshen, MA |
I so wish that Start Talking - A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom, about Health, Sex, or Whatever had been available when I was young, not that my mother would have read this book, but it certainly would have been worth my while to nab it from the local library. Mary Jo Rapini and Janine Sherman have written a sex guide that answers every question from menstruation, health care, STD's, birth control, and body image; to general information on sexuality and relationships.
A Girl's Guide is refreshing and straightforward in its approach, using both a question and answer format, and hypothetical dialogues between a mother and daughter. The authors begin by explaining that where you hold this conversation is just as important as the actual discussion. Putting aside time to take a walk, meet at a coffee shop, or take a drive in the car are some of the suggested settings. As for the basis for this conversation, mothers are encouraged to listen with an open mind to what their daughters have to say before responding. And if you aren't up on all the latest information, Rapini and Sherman supply an answer for almost every topic - from date rape, to condom use, to vaginal infections - and they do so in a non-judgmental manner. Each issue is answered accurately and succinctly and with a dose of common sense.
I actually learned quite a bit about sex thanks to this book. If you have never heard of the term "secondary virgin" you're in for an eye opener. Although I enjoyed the many hypothetical conversations between a mother and daughter, I did wonder how a mother could remain calm and rational upon hearing her high school daughter reveal that she is pregnant. Minor objections aside, this book is an excellent resource. The authors emphasize several points: make certain your daughter knows she is loved and supported by her parents, let her know that sex is more enjoyable when she has reached emotional maturity (after the age of eighteen), and remind her that should she have questions about sex, you are always available and open to listen. Most importantly, you need to approach your daughter as a parent, not a friend. It is your knowledge and life experiences that will help inform your daughter. With honesty, and a willingness to listen, AND this book in hand, you and your daughter will be able to navigate this challenging topic together.
Quill says: While this conversation with your child may be daunting, with the aid of this book, your prospects for success are much more likely. |
Highly recommended as reading for both mother and daughter, sure to forge quite the bond
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| Review Date: October 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Midwest Book Review, Oregon, WI USA |
| Talking to one's child is a dying art that parents need to rediscover. "Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom about Health, Sex, or Whatever" is a book to help mothers and daughters reform that bond that has so often been lost. Focusing on teenagers and the smorgasbord of changes that come with that age, it tackles everything from the first period to virginity to yoga to most importantly, how to deal with boys and everything that comes with them. "Start Talking" is highly recommended as reading for both mother and daughter, sure to forge quite the bond between them. |
An effective, practical guide to "Start Talking" for mothers and daughters
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| Review Date: March 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Texas R.N., San Antonio, TX |
Often mothers and daughters struggle to effectively communicate and share feelings and concerns related to important issues of sexual and emotional development, health, and interaction with boys during these years of transition and change. "Start Talking" offers practical, clear guidance and help to bridge the communication gap and successfully keep talking. This book is a great aide for every mother and daughter.
A Texas R.N.
San Antonio, TX |
Excellent book and reference
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| Review Date: April 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Naples, Houston, TX |
| "Start Talking" is an outstanding book that highlights key topics regarding woman's health and offers sound information. The Q&A format is easy to read; the suggested 'conversation starters / table talk' sections provide great guidance to a mother and daughter to openly communicate about health and sex. The book also helps a daughter and mother nurture the daughter's inner strength and inner beauty at a young age when it may be difficult in certain social circle and during the time when dating begins. I purchased a book each for my sisters-in-law for their daughters. |
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