The Teenager's Guide to the Real World: How to Become a Successful Adult

by Marshall Brain

'The Teenager's Guide to the Real World' starts from the central reality that teenagers get to design their own lives. Many of the choices that teenagers make as teenagers will affect them for the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965743039
• ISBN13: 9780965743037
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: BYG Publishing
• Length: 347 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

This is a solid book that every teenager should read

I first bought this book about 4 years ago with my daughter in mind (she is now 19). I read it first and was very impressed with the down-to-earth way the writer laid out the realities of adulthood. I grew up with four older brothers and have three kids of my own. I know from that experience that a lot of teenagers reach a point where they become obsessed by "getting out on their own" or "getting their own place". They don't think about what is realistically necessary in order to succeed on their own. This book is written in a way that grabs your attention and serves as a wake-up call. For the previous reviewers who complained that the author did not advocate sex among teenagers, what adult in his/her right mind would do so? However, he DID NOT say it isn't an option....obviously it is. What he said was in the context of keeping yourself from making a mistake that could actually ruin....yes, ruin....the rest of your life.His main theme seems to be that the choices you make today WILL affect you down the road, and he points out ways to make the right kind of choices.After I read it, I shared it with my daughter. She read it cover to cover, and has referred to parts of it ever since. I then passed it on to my (then) 17-year-old stepson -- whom I don't think even cracked it open, but hey, I tried. Now I am buying it for my (now) 17-year-old stepson, who I will strongly encourage to read it.Great book for parents and teenagers to share -- TOGETHER !

Invaluable Book

I find it amusing that some of the reviewers giving poor reviews of the book make clearly erroneous statements. For example, one reviewer mentioned the emphasis on 'material things' in the book, saying how Brain focuses exclusively on making money. But if they would have actually read the book, it would make sense that they would have noticed the chapter entitled "Material Things Will Not Bring You Happiness" (duh). Also to the person saying that he doesn't even consider teenage sex as an option, did you miss the chapter "Teenage Sex Is An Option" ? How careless can you be? Obviously these people did not read the book. It offers many common sense things (common sense to people who have gone through them) for teenagers. I am 20 and I consider myself pretty well-versed in the world, having held many types of jobs in addition to attending college. I've been involved in taking care of the family finances, so I know many of the unknowns out there, and this book still offered me such good advice that I'd recommend it to not just teenagers, but any young adult who is just getting started in the real world.

Should be required reading!

I bought this book three years ago for my (then) 12 year old daughter, and we read it together. She still pulls it out periodically to review certain chapters. I highly recommend this book for any teenager and their parents. The book is written in such a way that it keeps teens' interest; serious ideas, but written in a down-to-earth manner. This book truly will help teens to become confident, responsible adults!

The one essential read for teenagers

I found this book while strolling through Barnes & Noble one day. I was 16 at the time and starting to discover that sometimes the adult world does not coincide with my wants or my needs. My parents were making me pay this dreaded thing called insurance on my car and their were expenses associated with my car I hadn't even thought about like registration, tags, inspections, and property tax. This book makes it very clear in its section on money that as a teenager, you probably cannot make it in the real world on your own. This book is straight forward and simple, telling the honest truth about the adult world. I am 18 now and am still finding real life examples of situations described in the book. I was somewhat prepared for them after reading the book, even though I didn't like them, but these experiences were in no way traumatic or heart-breaking as they would have been if I had not read the book. It is the only book teenagers must read for themselves, especially my sister, for who this book came out five years too late.

AMAZING!

This is the ULTIMATE guide for being a teenager!EVERY teenager should have this book, the world would be a better place if that was so. This book has changed my life, my goals, and the way i look at things. Forget EVERY other book out there(most of which are preachy and boring), this is a hands-on practical guide for living!Let me restate: If you are a teenager you _MUST_ have this book, i have nothing more to say, except i will personally give you a refund if you don't like it!Thank you Marshall Brain!!