Ellen Forney's autobiographical comic strip "I Was Seven in 75" has been run for years here in Seattle papers, it's great to see that it's finally available in paperback! Her stories of growing up in the 70s are humorous, insightful, and really remind us of things we had almost forgotten. I really enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to everyone.

This book is a very valuable resource for teenage girls on the cusp of womanhood. The writing is accessible and addresses a wide spectrum of highly relevant issues, particularly ones that most girls are uncomfortable discussing with their parents. Parents: buy this book for your daughter and it may facilitate important discussions. Even if it doesn't, it is sure to answer questions that are on her mind, and yours. Bravo to Gray and Phillips!

Beauty, body image, eating disorders, sexuality, and a myriad of complex associated issues fill the pages of this book. It's fact-filled and teen-friendly.

Nice touches include quotes from real girls. They are poignant and articulate: "It's upsetting to me that I wasted so much time and energy on anorexia." says one 17 year old. "The things that aren't perfect give you personality." says a 16 year old. "I stand up for myself when I need to." says a 14 year old.

Real Girl/Real World contains information, facts and resources in an easy-to-read style that doesn't talk down to young people. The authors define key terms, discuss different sides to some issues (Barbie, abortion), and insert brief case studies to illustrate important points.

There's straight talk about labels, such as sluts and studs, and each chapter includes books and resources for further information. Real Girl/Real World is a welcome addition to a teen's bookshelf. It's appropriate for approximately ages 13-21.

The book would make a great gift for a high school senior or college freshman!

Want a book that will serve the facts up as they really are? Try out this book "Real Girl/Real World." This book covers a wide range of topics from anatomy to sexuality. I think it is probably most suited for high school age girls, and possibly college freshman who may need some enlightenment before leaving for school. For those out there who aren't lucky enough to have open parents to talk to, this book is essential for the facts and the "do"s and "don't"s of womanhood. I especially found the first chapter on the beauty standard interesting. The authors, Gray and Phillips, challenge society and propose suggestions that point to why women are the way they are. They talk about the role models of beauty, why beauty is perceived as important, and eventually come to conclude how useless the beauty standard really is. Filled with pictures and small boxes of cute side info, this book is a good read from cover to cover. I found that I could read it in one sitting without getting bored (which is better than any normal sex and sexuality "textbook" can say). I'd like to see this book become a standard on any shelf of textbooks in a health classroom. Cheers to Gray and Phillips!

Ariel Gore's collection of essays is like artful finger-food served at a really good party. Each morsel is delicious, clever, well-crafted, and bite-sized -- bite-sized is something you come to appreciate in reading material if you, like I, have a pre-schooler and an infant. But I must admit, I snacked on these essays during the day and then, after the kids went to bed, I pigged out until the whole book was done.

It doesn't matter, I have a feeling I'll be reading this book in snatches for many years yet.

Like the Hipmama Survival Guide, this book offers understanding and nice big doses of reality (contrary to what the media keeps telling you, there ARE mothers of colour, single mothers, mothers who have 'jobs' instead of careers, mothers who paint, mothers who have sex, etc. out there), while avoiding doling out pat advice with a heafty side of guilt. It's an intelligent book and Gore should be congratulated on taking the stance that mothers are capable of complex thought. Maybe because the format of the book is a lot of small essays, I thought there was an excellent effort made to cover the many aspects of motherhood. Among others, there are essays about unspeakable thoughts, money and lack there of, body image, depression, housework, political activism, community, spirituality, guilt, and (my favorite) the value of giving in and indulging your inner goof-off. This should give you an idea that this isn't just another parenting book filled with advice about when babies sleep through the night and what to take to the hospital (should you opt to go to one). It's also unabashedly feminist which is a huge relief after hearing so much nonsense about feminism (esp. among women of my generation) being a dirty word.

This is pure comfort food for your brain. Fill up your plates.

This is the one book I will be giving as a gift for all future mamas-to-be. This one goes past class lines, this is for mothers in ALL walks of life. It goes beyond "the perfect Diet!" and "the best $200 stroller!" and inane comments on how to satisfy your man while simultaneously mothering. This one speaks to the heart.

Whether you are the young mama that Ariel was in her essays on her daughter's birth, or you are an established older mama, or currently riding any point in between - this book will speak to you. It is a sensory experience that is so easy to read, and hard to put down, that I finished it in one late-night sitting. Truly one of the only things worth giving up precious sleep for.

...from her past with tales from other mamas in hew newest winner, The Mother Trip. Their combined words remind us that we are not alone and that most inportantly, we need to be honest with ourselves about who we are and what we need to feel personally fulfilled. She addresses the combined feelings of joy and isolation that motherhood beings upon us. It isn't easy to be a mom, and while our generation has received so many mixed messages about what a good mother is, she reminds us that the world in which we live has no room for the strict patriarchal parenting styles of our grandmothers' time.

While I honestly believe and support Ariel's message, I can't help but feel guilty for not practicing what I preach. I feel as though some of my words quoted in the book were used against me, but for that reminder I am surprisingly thankful.

I may be biased, since I, too, was seven in '75, but I found this collection to be quite entertaining. There are several true stories from Ms. Forney's childhood each told through a series of 1-page comics. Each one includes loads of small details from the 70s that will be familiar to most readers (from CB radios to Pop-Rocks to rainbows on everything to Judy Blume, and so on). Most of the amusement comes from the asides that the author makes while relating the stories (although they are all told from her childhood perspective) and from the pre-cynical view that most of the characters have of the world. My favorite stories are the nudist camp story and the forced book report on Judy Blume's Forever.

Ms. Forney's artwork is mostly simple and pleasing, and she does include some more detailed drawings done from photographs of her childhood.

Ellen Forney's look at her childhood will make you laugh out loud as she lets you relive her (and your own!) best and worst moments... You can't ask for a better tribute to one's family than this.