Review Detail

This anthology first started off as a blog where YA authors shared letters they wrote to their teen selves.I really loved the whole idea behind this premise. Some are hilarious, others poignant, and still others very touching. I was excited when I heard that an anthology would be published. There's something for everyone in this collection.

Some teasers:

Ilsa J. Bick's 'The Knife' recollects the time when the author found a knife hidden that gave her a hint behind the secrets her father hid from her. From this experience she grows stronger.

Ellen Hopkins' 'Finding Your Voice' shares how growing up she felt different as she was adopted. As a teen she was finding her own voice. A voice that would make her unique. **I for one am so thankful she did find her voice as it has touched me and given me the courage to face my own issues.

Mike Jung's 'Regarding Your Commendable Decision To Live' was one I could relate with as I also was the bunt of bullies taunts.

Eating disorders is another thing I struggled with personally as a teen and YA. Two essays share their own tales of this with P.J. Hoover's 'Seeping Through The Cracks' and Janet Gurtler's 'The Skinny Girl'.

Nancy Holder's 'When Dance Was Your World' shows the power of a song that moves you not just then but now.

Tara Kelly's 'Bad Girl' gives a glimpse of wishing you were someone else when inside you are great.

Each letter is sure to resonate with readers. Some are hilarious while others make you want to give the author a hug. Each author's courage to share with readers their own teen years might make you want to write your own letters or even reach out to those that did help you on your path.

A must read!