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YOU: The Owner's Manual for Teens: A Guide to a Healthy Body and Happy Life
From America’s most trusted doctors and #1 New York Times bestselling authors—an indispensable guide to help teens better understand their bodies and navigate the adolescent years.
A few years ago, we wrote The Owner’s Manual, which taught people about the inner workings of their bodies—and how to keep them running strong. But you know what? There’s a big difference between an adult’s body and your body, between adults’ health mysteries and your health mysteries, between their questions and your questions. So, teens, this book is for YOU. We’ll talk to you about the biological changes that are happening in your brain and your body. We’ll show you how to get more energy, improve your grades, protect your skin, salvage more sleep, get fit, eat well, maximize your relationships, make decisions about sex, and so much more. In fact, in these pages, we answer hundreds of your most pressing health-related questions. And you know what else? We are going to treat you like adults in one very important We’re not going to preach. We’re going to give you straight-up information that you can use to make smart choices about how to live the good life—and enjoy every second of it. Starting right now.
A few years ago, we wrote The Owner’s Manual, which taught people about the inner workings of their bodies—and how to keep them running strong. But you know what? There’s a big difference between an adult’s body and your body, between adults’ health mysteries and your health mysteries, between their questions and your questions. So, teens, this book is for YOU. We’ll talk to you about the biological changes that are happening in your brain and your body. We’ll show you how to get more energy, improve your grades, protect your skin, salvage more sleep, get fit, eat well, maximize your relationships, make decisions about sex, and so much more. In fact, in these pages, we answer hundreds of your most pressing health-related questions. And you know what else? We are going to treat you like adults in one very important We’re not going to preach. We’re going to give you straight-up information that you can use to make smart choices about how to live the good life—and enjoy every second of it. Starting right now.
464 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2011
5 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 11, 2011
If you are a parent of a teenager, I think you will find it worth your while to get up right now and get yourself a copy of this book for your child. If you know a teenager, buy him/her this book because honestly? This manual rocks. Like seriously rocks.
You’ve been a teenager (assuming you are no longer one) and you know that there are many times you have questions, awkward, embarrassing questions about your body, about your health, about stuff that you’d much rather suffer a painful death than ask. Even if you really need to know. This book answers all those questions and so many more that you haven’t even thought to ask. They approach problems in such a personable manner that makes it easy for a child to relate and read. The writing is friendly and there is not a single moment in the book where the adults seem condescending, patronizing and all those unfriendly terms that drive a person away.
Also, and perhaps most importantly, the book contains information worth its weight in gold. It answers concerns and queries in a kind manner that gives importance to the question being asked without being dramatic about it. There are cartoons to add humour and diagrams that make understanding easy. There’s also a section in the back (my favourite) full of recipes to try out. Recipes for healthy snacks that will get your teenager interested in cooking. Or at least puttering around in the kitchen.
But honestly, this is a great book. I wish I had had it when I was facing teenagedom. If you do know a teenager or are one yourself, you should definitely get this book or gift it. The kids you know may not say it out loud or even whisper it but they will love you for it.
You’ve been a teenager (assuming you are no longer one) and you know that there are many times you have questions, awkward, embarrassing questions about your body, about your health, about stuff that you’d much rather suffer a painful death than ask. Even if you really need to know. This book answers all those questions and so many more that you haven’t even thought to ask. They approach problems in such a personable manner that makes it easy for a child to relate and read. The writing is friendly and there is not a single moment in the book where the adults seem condescending, patronizing and all those unfriendly terms that drive a person away.
Also, and perhaps most importantly, the book contains information worth its weight in gold. It answers concerns and queries in a kind manner that gives importance to the question being asked without being dramatic about it. There are cartoons to add humour and diagrams that make understanding easy. There’s also a section in the back (my favourite) full of recipes to try out. Recipes for healthy snacks that will get your teenager interested in cooking. Or at least puttering around in the kitchen.
But honestly, this is a great book. I wish I had had it when I was facing teenagedom. If you do know a teenager or are one yourself, you should definitely get this book or gift it. The kids you know may not say it out loud or even whisper it but they will love you for it.
May 5, 2020
I could get a lot of insight from this book, particularly how to maintain my body in order to keep healthy. Also, the book is really easy to be understood by me. The way Mehmet and Roizen explain is enjoyable and fun.
January 1, 2021
Eh. Too preachy.
July 20, 2011
The Good Stuff
Medical information is simply explained
Non Judgmental or condescending in any way
Artwork will appeal to teens
honest and straight to the point - no beating around the bush
Answers and information about all those things you never want to be caught dead asking (trust me I could have used some of this info when I was a teen cuz I sure as hell wasn't going to ask my Mom or Dad and they were totally cool)
Practical advice
Question and answer sections in each chapter are well done
Talks about both physical and mental issues again with no judgements
the section on pee and poop is hilarious and extremely well done
The you tools are practical and useful, especially the exercises and recipe sections
The Not so Good Stuff
Some of the jokes/humour are seriously hokey and will make teens totally roll their eyes or sigh in disgust
Was a wee bit put off on teens behalf by the list of things that they thought were of most importance to the teen. It was very stereotypical and somewhat selfish. There are plenty of teens that are interested in changing the world and making it a better place and it is just as important to them as staying zit free and having cool clothes - it actually almost made me put the book down
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"If you smell funkier that a Black Eyed Peas track, there's probably a good explanation."
"Laser bubble tattoo paints, which can be totally busted and removed with one laser treatment, are just coming out on the market, so ask for them if you're not sure that you'll want to live with that Glee tattoo forever,"
"There's no doubt that today's teens face tough choices and find themselves in tough situations, many of which, unfortunately, come with a fair amount of risk-real risk. But we also believe that a "don't do this" and "don't do that" approach is about as effective as a cell phone with no service."
Who should/shouldn't read
A must have for middle school and high school libraries
A must have for every house with kids who are or are going to be teens in the very near future
good for both boys and girls
4 Dewey's
I received this from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2012
I loved this book; it was probably what led me into the "nonfiction" genre. In this teen health book, Riozen divides the chapters into two sections: the "science" of it, and the "application" of it. Basically, he briefly explains the processes of stuff like hair, skin, sleep, sex (watch out!), etc. Following these descriptions, he set out with tips, Q&As, and a brief summary of what YOU can do to improve your health in that area.
Using easy pedestrian language and the occasional cheesy humor, Roizen created a Health segment much more informative and enjoyable than that "Health" class you took Freshman year.
P.S. I even own it. Which is a big deal for me. I am strictly a library-person. So that's how much I enjoy this book.
Using easy pedestrian language and the occasional cheesy humor, Roizen created a Health segment much more informative and enjoyable than that "Health" class you took Freshman year.
P.S. I even own it. Which is a big deal for me. I am strictly a library-person. So that's how much I enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews