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Popular: Boys, Booze, and Jesus
Tindell Baldwin’s words best describe her passion and this book:
“My heart is for teenage girls because my story is much like so many of theirs. I was just a girl who made a lot of mistakes. I was a girl who had sex before marriage and then had a broken heart. I was a girl who did drugs and drank to fill the void that was deep in my heart. I was a girl who was desperate to be popular. A girl who, like so many others, didn’t know the dark side of sin. So my aim is to reach teenage girls, and through an honest account of my darkest sins, show them what they are up against. My heart is that teens would hear my story and flee to Christ. My greatest desire is that God would be glorified above all else.”
Through a two-part journey (“Dark” and “Light”), Tindell details how she said goodbye to her family’s God and pursued popularity at all costs while climbing the social chain in high school. During a night of partying, she even encountered the man suspected of killing Natalee Holloway in Aruba. But God did not leave Tindell. The “Light” part of her story shows how she reconnected with God, changed her ways, and discovered abundant and real life through Christ.
“My heart is for teenage girls because my story is much like so many of theirs. I was just a girl who made a lot of mistakes. I was a girl who had sex before marriage and then had a broken heart. I was a girl who did drugs and drank to fill the void that was deep in my heart. I was a girl who was desperate to be popular. A girl who, like so many others, didn’t know the dark side of sin. So my aim is to reach teenage girls, and through an honest account of my darkest sins, show them what they are up against. My heart is that teens would hear my story and flee to Christ. My greatest desire is that God would be glorified above all else.”
Through a two-part journey (“Dark” and “Light”), Tindell details how she said goodbye to her family’s God and pursued popularity at all costs while climbing the social chain in high school. During a night of partying, she even encountered the man suspected of killing Natalee Holloway in Aruba. But God did not leave Tindell. The “Light” part of her story shows how she reconnected with God, changed her ways, and discovered abundant and real life through Christ.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2013
24 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Tindell Baldwin
2 books7 followersTindell Baldwin has spent the last two years growing her audience through her speaking engagements to youth and youth leaders. She also blogs regularly. The first chapter of Popular has been available for download on her website and has received a great response. She has also spent some time speaking to teenagers through a camp called Big Stuff. Currently she works in Roswell, GA in youth ministry where she can really learn what teenagers are facing and how to better relate to them. She speaks at her church with the Youth ministry and also works on Staff at Young Life. She and her husband live in Marrietta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 7, 2015
If you spend any time with any teenage girls then read this book. If you are a Young Life leader, or work in any form of Youth ministry, if you work at a church camp, then read this book! If you are a teenage girl then read this book. If you are a college girl, read this book! I can't even tell you how powerful Tindell's story is. Praise God that he is using her story for His Glory!
July 19, 2013
Other reviews at The Book Babe's Reads.
Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.
First of all, this is not my usual genre of books here-- I just saw the cover and read the blurb, and then I knew that I needed to read this one. Popular was a very surprising read, actually. It's really hard to review, though, because in the back of my mind I'm thinking about how this is Tindell's actual life story, so...it's just kind of different, you know?
I liked the way the first part, "Dark" was told. It seemed to true and heartbreaking, and it really read like a teenager's diary. At some point, I know without a doubt that we've all felt exactly the way that Tindell did. I know that I have, so I imagine that most teen girls have. I loved that she mentioned Beth Moore-- my mother loves her!
But on to the story-- Tindell really knows how to grab you. Gotta love that-- my only problem with Tindell's writing was that it tends to bounce around from event to event, which confused me. I couldn't exactly follow it completely, which was disappointing. The "dark" hit me so much harder than the "light" did. I can't really identify with the "light", honestly. It seemed overly preachy, which made me worry about whether or not some teens would be scared away from it.
Basically, Popular reads like a really long spiritual conversation. The kind we've probably all had before. I liked how it seemed like Tindell was talking straight to the reader. I guess my relationship with this book is just hard to describe...I think that if you're a teen girl, you should probably give it a shot. It may or may not be your thing, but you'll never know unless you try it.
Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.
First of all, this is not my usual genre of books here-- I just saw the cover and read the blurb, and then I knew that I needed to read this one. Popular was a very surprising read, actually. It's really hard to review, though, because in the back of my mind I'm thinking about how this is Tindell's actual life story, so...it's just kind of different, you know?
I liked the way the first part, "Dark" was told. It seemed to true and heartbreaking, and it really read like a teenager's diary. At some point, I know without a doubt that we've all felt exactly the way that Tindell did. I know that I have, so I imagine that most teen girls have. I loved that she mentioned Beth Moore-- my mother loves her!
But on to the story-- Tindell really knows how to grab you. Gotta love that-- my only problem with Tindell's writing was that it tends to bounce around from event to event, which confused me. I couldn't exactly follow it completely, which was disappointing. The "dark" hit me so much harder than the "light" did. I can't really identify with the "light", honestly. It seemed overly preachy, which made me worry about whether or not some teens would be scared away from it.
Basically, Popular reads like a really long spiritual conversation. The kind we've probably all had before. I liked how it seemed like Tindell was talking straight to the reader. I guess my relationship with this book is just hard to describe...I think that if you're a teen girl, you should probably give it a shot. It may or may not be your thing, but you'll never know unless you try it.
August 2, 2017
Popular was written well and easy to read. The author went deep into the things that happened in her life and I really felt for her and some of the things she went through.
All in all, a good read. I think it is more for teens, but I still liked it.
All in all, a good read. I think it is more for teens, but I still liked it.
September 19, 2016
Let me begin with the good:
Baldwin is a good writer, her story is engaging, and she deeply desires for young people to know Jesus. As someone who never went wild in high school, having come to know Jesus early, this book helped give me vocabulary to describe the dissatisfaction of sex and drinking. It was encouraging to hear her say exactly what I say to my students - "it's fun but not satisfying."
The first half of the book is solely dedicated to Baldwin's story of - as the title says - boys and booze in high school. While I felt like the story could have benefited from some sharper editing and lagged a little bit, it was a very honest look at the dissatisfying nature of sin.
The second half of the book is stranger; while it starts off continuing Balwin's story as she became a believer and began to walk out of the lifestyle she was living, it then devolves into her teaching on what it means to follow Jesus as a young person. The chapters in the second half are part-narrative, part-lecture, and while they aren't bad, it seems the structure disappears. It's almost like she wanted to cram in all her life advice and wisdom into the book and so she just began covering topics as best she could. Again, nothing she says is really bad, mostly just good truth about Jesus and the gospel, but the structure is confusing.
My only real negative is when she starts talking about her husband at the end of the book. She clearly loves him, adores him, thinks he's the best. She also was very, very clearly in honeymoon phase when she wrote it. He's basically described as better than her best dream come true. Now what's wrong with that? Because marriage is not the treasure, nor is it the ultimate gift of grace. She holds up marriage in a way that makes me cringe - not because marriage is not good, but because it is never ultimate. I teach hundreds of high school girls who believe that getting married and having kids and living a comfortable middle-upper class life (like she has) is the ultimate goal, and they subconsciously believe if they follow Jesus they'll get that. She does nothing, in tone or content, to dissuade them from that.
Baldwin says she wants to write to girls like her that are in high school, but the girl like her believes (as she says she did) that a relationship is going to satisfy all her deepest longings. She spoke clearly and boldly about how the unhealthy, sex-fueled relationship doesn't do that, but didn't speak clearly enough about it at the end.
In summary: I finished the book and handed it to one of my high school girls. That's an incredible recommendation, because I'm careful what I give them. I know that it will speak to the heart and story of this particular student, and I am excited for her to see and hear how Jesus is good news for her searching heart. But as I handed it off, I gave her a disclaimer: marriage is not the treasure. Jesus is. And ultimately He is the hero of Tindall's story as He is the hero of all good stories.
Baldwin is a good writer, her story is engaging, and she deeply desires for young people to know Jesus. As someone who never went wild in high school, having come to know Jesus early, this book helped give me vocabulary to describe the dissatisfaction of sex and drinking. It was encouraging to hear her say exactly what I say to my students - "it's fun but not satisfying."
The first half of the book is solely dedicated to Baldwin's story of - as the title says - boys and booze in high school. While I felt like the story could have benefited from some sharper editing and lagged a little bit, it was a very honest look at the dissatisfying nature of sin.
The second half of the book is stranger; while it starts off continuing Balwin's story as she became a believer and began to walk out of the lifestyle she was living, it then devolves into her teaching on what it means to follow Jesus as a young person. The chapters in the second half are part-narrative, part-lecture, and while they aren't bad, it seems the structure disappears. It's almost like she wanted to cram in all her life advice and wisdom into the book and so she just began covering topics as best she could. Again, nothing she says is really bad, mostly just good truth about Jesus and the gospel, but the structure is confusing.
My only real negative is when she starts talking about her husband at the end of the book. She clearly loves him, adores him, thinks he's the best. She also was very, very clearly in honeymoon phase when she wrote it. He's basically described as better than her best dream come true. Now what's wrong with that? Because marriage is not the treasure, nor is it the ultimate gift of grace. She holds up marriage in a way that makes me cringe - not because marriage is not good, but because it is never ultimate. I teach hundreds of high school girls who believe that getting married and having kids and living a comfortable middle-upper class life (like she has) is the ultimate goal, and they subconsciously believe if they follow Jesus they'll get that. She does nothing, in tone or content, to dissuade them from that.
Baldwin says she wants to write to girls like her that are in high school, but the girl like her believes (as she says she did) that a relationship is going to satisfy all her deepest longings. She spoke clearly and boldly about how the unhealthy, sex-fueled relationship doesn't do that, but didn't speak clearly enough about it at the end.
In summary: I finished the book and handed it to one of my high school girls. That's an incredible recommendation, because I'm careful what I give them. I know that it will speak to the heart and story of this particular student, and I am excited for her to see and hear how Jesus is good news for her searching heart. But as I handed it off, I gave her a disclaimer: marriage is not the treasure. Jesus is. And ultimately He is the hero of Tindall's story as He is the hero of all good stories.
June 14, 2013
I was excited to read this book because I knew it was going to be an honest experience. I like reading about real people and past experiences. Also, I figured this book would hit pretty close to home and my life story. Boys, Booze, and Jesus describe this book and the lives of many people, not just teens. I love Tindell's story, she doesn't not sugar coat anything and simply states her choices, the motivation behind them, and the outcome.
One of my favorite parts about this book is when she is talking about being in church, after becoming a Christian, and hearing a person talk about sex before marriage. This person states the many reasons why it is not a good thing, but not once talks to the people who have done that and are now in church feeling broken about it. She talks writes how while growing up everyone told her it was a bad thing, but they never said why, they just said don't do it. For some of us that answer is not good enough.
Tindell includes a ton of lyrics and verses throughout this book to parallel what the Bible says about such topics.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend to not just teens, but anyone who wants to read a great story of God's forgiveness and grace.
"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review."
One of my favorite parts about this book is when she is talking about being in church, after becoming a Christian, and hearing a person talk about sex before marriage. This person states the many reasons why it is not a good thing, but not once talks to the people who have done that and are now in church feeling broken about it. She talks writes how while growing up everyone told her it was a bad thing, but they never said why, they just said don't do it. For some of us that answer is not good enough.
Tindell includes a ton of lyrics and verses throughout this book to parallel what the Bible says about such topics.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend to not just teens, but anyone who wants to read a great story of God's forgiveness and grace.
"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review."
June 2, 2014
It takes courage to open one's life to the world. Tindell has presented an authentic look at life as she experienced it. The unfulfilled life, filled with boys and booze (from the subtitle). But she moves beyond just lessons learned, the reasons behind the decision as made by teenage girls/young women. And she offers a path of hope with encouragement that includes forgiveness, restoration, and wholeness in Jesus Christ.
If I had a daughter in that age group (late junior high, and high school, college) I would definitely encourage her to read and talk through the entire book. Worth the effort and time.
Well done, Tindell
If I had a daughter in that age group (late junior high, and high school, college) I would definitely encourage her to read and talk through the entire book. Worth the effort and time.
Well done, Tindell
May 12, 2015
Good read about redemption and grace. It is so evident that Tindell has a heart for teenage girls and the pressure they face as they move through high school.
September 7, 2013
In her memoir, Popular: Boys, Booze, & Jesus, Tindell Balwin shares her story of her personal struggles as a young girl trying to find her place in a world that left her feeling empty. Although she was raised in a very positive Christian environment, she struggled to find her own place in her family and among her peers. Throughout a few years of her life as a teen and in her early college years, she fell victim to the moral decline made so popular by modern society, only to feel more emptier than ever. Between drinking and casual hookups, she tried to fill a void in her heart that never really became full until she decided to turn her life around. While her outward self seemed to fit right in with these groups, her inner self was struggling just to stay afloat, knowing deep down that she was destined for something much greater than the life she had found herself living. Although she shares intimate details of her life, she does so in a way that is able to convey her experience from an emotional perspective that she mentions is often neglected in today’s sexual education (both between what is taught in school, and what many parents are willing to share with their young teens). She describes the way making a series of mistakes in her life led to deep regret and changed her in a way that she couldn’t ever get back. This book is her message to young girls about why it’s a good idea to wait until marriage before having sex. It’s not the typical message that leaves teens feeling confused or left-out. It’s a very true, very real message straight from her heart that she has been willing to share in hopes of preventing other young girls from traveling down her same path of regret. It answers questions about what happens once those decisions are made, how they may feel afterword, why it is important to wait, and ultimately, how to turn your life around if you’ve already made mistakes–another subject she felt was missing in today’s messages. She’s a voice for the girls who know they messed up and want to figure out where they can turn to next. Baldwin’s a voice for the young girls who are curious or afraid but desperately seeking affection. Popular showcases the struggle between maintaining a balance between your faith and the pressures of fitting in in modern society, two very different lifestyles. Even in watching modern TV shows or movies, while they leave out much of the “realness” that often includes feeling betrayed, hurt, alone, etc., even they often showcase in some light the struggle of teens trying to figure out who they are and where they belong in the world.
I give this book 5 stars. I admire the courage it took for her to share such a personal story. Living with such regret can’t be easy. It takes a very strong person to admit their mistakes, learn from them, and find a way for others to learn so that they won’t have to live with the same regret. I know I speak for many people I know who could have used a message like this in the past. I believe this book is absolutely worth reading for young girls in high school and even their parents. I think it’s important for parents to establish an open relationship with their sons and daughters and allow them to really understand the price that they could pay from making mistakes they will someday regret in a way that they can really understand. This book is a great tool to share that message and start a discussion. Everyone knows someone who has struggled to find their place in the world as a teen or even starting out in college. It seems that these very real issues are handled in one of two ways: they are considered socially acceptable by many people and therefore, the emotional issues that accompany such a lifestyle are never exposed. We see these types of actions and relationships develop in movies and TV shoes, but they very rarely showcase the emotional components and the turmoil that occurs once those intense but brief relationships have ended. The second way these issues are addressed is often in such an extreme opposite way that they are almost ignored. Young girls are taught to wait until marriage, but never why. Very few young girls have such an open relationship with a responsible adult that they can discuss in detail everything that accompanies these kind of decisions. So they struggle with their need to seek affection and their guilt from doing the wrong thing, ultimately losing out both ways and feeling even more alone, which intensifies their need to continue down a path that will become regret. Baldwin was able to turn her life around, but only after having to deal with the very real consequences that will always haunt her despite her new lifestyle. I feel that young girls will relate very much to her story and find answers to questions they haven’t even thought to ask yet. I think this book would also be great for a young adult small group at church, most likely made up of all females, as this story is told from the female perspective. Girls also face very different issues than young boys.
Note: I received a complimentary review of this book by the publisher, Tyndale House, in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 5 stars. I admire the courage it took for her to share such a personal story. Living with such regret can’t be easy. It takes a very strong person to admit their mistakes, learn from them, and find a way for others to learn so that they won’t have to live with the same regret. I know I speak for many people I know who could have used a message like this in the past. I believe this book is absolutely worth reading for young girls in high school and even their parents. I think it’s important for parents to establish an open relationship with their sons and daughters and allow them to really understand the price that they could pay from making mistakes they will someday regret in a way that they can really understand. This book is a great tool to share that message and start a discussion. Everyone knows someone who has struggled to find their place in the world as a teen or even starting out in college. It seems that these very real issues are handled in one of two ways: they are considered socially acceptable by many people and therefore, the emotional issues that accompany such a lifestyle are never exposed. We see these types of actions and relationships develop in movies and TV shoes, but they very rarely showcase the emotional components and the turmoil that occurs once those intense but brief relationships have ended. The second way these issues are addressed is often in such an extreme opposite way that they are almost ignored. Young girls are taught to wait until marriage, but never why. Very few young girls have such an open relationship with a responsible adult that they can discuss in detail everything that accompanies these kind of decisions. So they struggle with their need to seek affection and their guilt from doing the wrong thing, ultimately losing out both ways and feeling even more alone, which intensifies their need to continue down a path that will become regret. Baldwin was able to turn her life around, but only after having to deal with the very real consequences that will always haunt her despite her new lifestyle. I feel that young girls will relate very much to her story and find answers to questions they haven’t even thought to ask yet. I think this book would also be great for a young adult small group at church, most likely made up of all females, as this story is told from the female perspective. Girls also face very different issues than young boys.
Note: I received a complimentary review of this book by the publisher, Tyndale House, in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2013
Como foi sua experiência no Ensino Médio? Você gostou, tem saudades? Ou não gosta nem de lembrar?
Independente das diferenças que possam ter existido entre sua experiência e a minha, acredito que, de certa forma, nós passamos por coisas parecidas.
Afinal, o colegial (sou do tempo do Segundo Grau) é a última travessia que fazemos antes de sermos considerados "adultos de verdade". Só considerados mesmo porque na prática...
E você provavelmente já assistiu pelo menos um filme ou série americana que retrata o high school, e deu graças a Deus que no Brasil não é tão ruim assim e tudo deve ser só um clichê mesmo.
Líderes de torcida, patricinhas, atletas, nerds, estranhos, etc... Esses adolescentes não são vistos como indivíduos, mas como estigmas.
O título Popular me levou ao passado e... na minha escola existia a seguinte divisão: os riquinhos ou patricinhas/mauricinhos (hum, sempre me perguntei o que eles estavam fazendo em escola pública), os CDFs (quem inventou essa sigla?), os babões (podia ser dos professores, coordenadores ou diretores), a galera do fundão (a maioria dos bagunceiros eram eles), os gazeadores (só apareciam em tempo de prova e olhe lá), etc. MAS no fim das contas, quase todo mundo falava com todo mundo (a não ser os arquiinimigos), os "grupinhos" interagiam entre si.
O que é raro de ver no Ensino Médio americano. É como se fosse uma "mini-sociedade" hierárquica que perdura enquanto você estiver por lá. Existem regras e "leis" de conduta que todos devem seguir, quer gostem ou não.
Lógico que anos mais tarde, esse povo vai perceber que isso é a maior perda de tempo.
Para sobreviver o high school é preciso coragem e uma boa dose de autoconhecimento, o que infelizmente é raro para adolescentes.
A autora do livro nos conta como ela escolheu o caminho mais "fácil" para encarar esse período. Tudo que ela queria era ser cool e popular, mas para isso ela teve que comprometer seus princípios para disfarçar suas inseguranças e fazer o que todos os "populares" faziam.
Minha adolescência não foi um mar de rosas, muito pelo contrário, mas toda vez que eu me sentia pressionada a fazer algo que eu sabia ser errado, "todo mundo" estava fazendo e era "legal" eu lembrava do que meus pais costumavam falar: "Só porque todo mundo tá comendo 'b*sta', você vai comer também?"
Como toda garota eu queria me enquadrar, fazer parte, ser aceita, pertencer, mas com uma baixa autoestima que deveria ter sido chamada de "baixa baixa-estima" e um complexo de inferioridade horrível, eu nunca senti que poderia ser como as outras meninas que pareciam ter tudo que eu não tinha, de beleza física a namorados. Sim, esses dois foram os grandes problemas da minha adolescência (e que me fizeram perder muito tempo): eu queria ser bonita e queria ter um namorado!
Levou muito tempo e terapia para eu conseguir superar isso. Estou brincando sobre a terapia, mas o tempo foi essencial. Lógico que tive que aprender a me amar e me aceitar antes que os outros pudessem me amar e me aceitar.
Aprendi que ser "diferente" nem sempre significa uma coisa ruim, mas que você pode fazer a diferença não apenas em sua própria vida, mas nas vidas das pessoas ao seu redor.
No caso do livro, além de ter tido os mesmos problemas que eu, Tindell quis mais, ela queria chegar ao topo da pirâmide. O problema foi que ela descobriu tarde demais que o "topo", na verdade, é um precipício e que muitos jovens continuam caindo nele o tempo todo.
Ela descobriu que as festas não conseguiam preencher o vazio que ela sentia. Que as bebidas alcóolicas e as drogas não conseguiam preencher o vazio dentro dela. Que a atenção temporária que os garotos ofereciam através de sexo também não conseguiam preencher o vazio. Na verdade, ela descobriu que tudo isso fez com que o vazio e toda a necessidade que ela sentia aumentassem muito mais.
O resto da história a gente consegue deduzir. Ela precisou ir ao fundo do poço para entender que ser popular não podia dar a ela o que ela mais queria: alegria genuína.
O livro é escrito para adolescentes (dividido em duas partes: "Escuridão" e "Luz"), mas os pais devem ler (fiquei imaginando o quanto os pais precisam sim se envolver na vida dos filhos adolescentes).
A linguagem é super direta, sem rodeios ou floreios, e ela relata não apenas sua redenção, mas também as consequências que carrega até hoje.
Todos nós cometemos erros. O que muda é nossa resposta a esses erros. Nos arrependemos de verdade? Aprendemos com eles? Lembrando que muitas vezes as consequências ficam conosco para sempre. O ideal é aprender com nossos erros e ensinar aos outros aquilo que aprendemos. Nem sempre todo mundo vai querer ouvir, mas uma pessoa que seja vale a pena.
No caso da autora, além de escrever um livro, ela trabalha com meninas dessa faixa etária em escolas.
Independente das diferenças que possam ter existido entre sua experiência e a minha, acredito que, de certa forma, nós passamos por coisas parecidas.
Afinal, o colegial (sou do tempo do Segundo Grau) é a última travessia que fazemos antes de sermos considerados "adultos de verdade". Só considerados mesmo porque na prática...
E você provavelmente já assistiu pelo menos um filme ou série americana que retrata o high school, e deu graças a Deus que no Brasil não é tão ruim assim e tudo deve ser só um clichê mesmo.
Líderes de torcida, patricinhas, atletas, nerds, estranhos, etc... Esses adolescentes não são vistos como indivíduos, mas como estigmas.
O título Popular me levou ao passado e... na minha escola existia a seguinte divisão: os riquinhos ou patricinhas/mauricinhos (hum, sempre me perguntei o que eles estavam fazendo em escola pública), os CDFs (quem inventou essa sigla?), os babões (podia ser dos professores, coordenadores ou diretores), a galera do fundão (a maioria dos bagunceiros eram eles), os gazeadores (só apareciam em tempo de prova e olhe lá), etc. MAS no fim das contas, quase todo mundo falava com todo mundo (a não ser os arquiinimigos), os "grupinhos" interagiam entre si.
O que é raro de ver no Ensino Médio americano. É como se fosse uma "mini-sociedade" hierárquica que perdura enquanto você estiver por lá. Existem regras e "leis" de conduta que todos devem seguir, quer gostem ou não.
Lógico que anos mais tarde, esse povo vai perceber que isso é a maior perda de tempo.
Para sobreviver o high school é preciso coragem e uma boa dose de autoconhecimento, o que infelizmente é raro para adolescentes.
A autora do livro nos conta como ela escolheu o caminho mais "fácil" para encarar esse período. Tudo que ela queria era ser cool e popular, mas para isso ela teve que comprometer seus princípios para disfarçar suas inseguranças e fazer o que todos os "populares" faziam.
Minha adolescência não foi um mar de rosas, muito pelo contrário, mas toda vez que eu me sentia pressionada a fazer algo que eu sabia ser errado, "todo mundo" estava fazendo e era "legal" eu lembrava do que meus pais costumavam falar: "Só porque todo mundo tá comendo 'b*sta', você vai comer também?"
Como toda garota eu queria me enquadrar, fazer parte, ser aceita, pertencer, mas com uma baixa autoestima que deveria ter sido chamada de "baixa baixa-estima" e um complexo de inferioridade horrível, eu nunca senti que poderia ser como as outras meninas que pareciam ter tudo que eu não tinha, de beleza física a namorados. Sim, esses dois foram os grandes problemas da minha adolescência (e que me fizeram perder muito tempo): eu queria ser bonita e queria ter um namorado!
Levou muito tempo e terapia para eu conseguir superar isso. Estou brincando sobre a terapia, mas o tempo foi essencial. Lógico que tive que aprender a me amar e me aceitar antes que os outros pudessem me amar e me aceitar.
Aprendi que ser "diferente" nem sempre significa uma coisa ruim, mas que você pode fazer a diferença não apenas em sua própria vida, mas nas vidas das pessoas ao seu redor.
No caso do livro, além de ter tido os mesmos problemas que eu, Tindell quis mais, ela queria chegar ao topo da pirâmide. O problema foi que ela descobriu tarde demais que o "topo", na verdade, é um precipício e que muitos jovens continuam caindo nele o tempo todo.
Ela descobriu que as festas não conseguiam preencher o vazio que ela sentia. Que as bebidas alcóolicas e as drogas não conseguiam preencher o vazio dentro dela. Que a atenção temporária que os garotos ofereciam através de sexo também não conseguiam preencher o vazio. Na verdade, ela descobriu que tudo isso fez com que o vazio e toda a necessidade que ela sentia aumentassem muito mais.
O resto da história a gente consegue deduzir. Ela precisou ir ao fundo do poço para entender que ser popular não podia dar a ela o que ela mais queria: alegria genuína.
O livro é escrito para adolescentes (dividido em duas partes: "Escuridão" e "Luz"), mas os pais devem ler (fiquei imaginando o quanto os pais precisam sim se envolver na vida dos filhos adolescentes).
A linguagem é super direta, sem rodeios ou floreios, e ela relata não apenas sua redenção, mas também as consequências que carrega até hoje.
Todos nós cometemos erros. O que muda é nossa resposta a esses erros. Nos arrependemos de verdade? Aprendemos com eles? Lembrando que muitas vezes as consequências ficam conosco para sempre. O ideal é aprender com nossos erros e ensinar aos outros aquilo que aprendemos. Nem sempre todo mundo vai querer ouvir, mas uma pessoa que seja vale a pena.
No caso da autora, além de escrever um livro, ela trabalha com meninas dessa faixa etária em escolas.
May 1, 2024
Definitely a book for high schoolers, but this was certainly something I wish all girls could hear!! The writing was slightly repetitive, but very honest and raw.
July 20, 2013
Popular
By: Tindell Baldwin
I decided to read this book by Tindell Baldwin due to the subject matter. The first sentence on the back of the book captured my attention and I had to read it. “All I was asking for at fifteen was to belong, to be loved, and to be a part of something.” My big question when I started reading this book was how do you explain to your daughter why they shouldn’t act a certain way or why they shouldn’t do certain things? As Baldwin explains in her book, sometimes answers aren’t so simple.
Popular is Baldwin’s memoir. She lived through this. I can only imagine the courage it took to write it. From addictions to alcohol, drugs, and sex to giving her life to God, this book will touch your heart and encourage you as you read what she struggled with and how she overcame. Her explanation of why sex outside of marriage doesn’t work: there’s no commitment to back up the gift of intimacy. Without the commitment, there’s emptiness. With open honesty, painful truthfulness, and a little bit of irony, Baldwin tells her life story to be an inspiration to others—to keep others from following in her path, to help them understand that God asks us to be different not because He wants us to suffer, but to keep us from the alternative.
Teenagers are too often left behind. Nobody wants to find out why they act like they do. Each one has a story and each one just wants to know they are loved. Their crowd believes that parents shouldn’t have any control; they should be able to do as they please without any restrictions. Thanks for this book and the healing I know it will bring to teenager girls and adults as well.
I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review.
By: Tindell Baldwin
I decided to read this book by Tindell Baldwin due to the subject matter. The first sentence on the back of the book captured my attention and I had to read it. “All I was asking for at fifteen was to belong, to be loved, and to be a part of something.” My big question when I started reading this book was how do you explain to your daughter why they shouldn’t act a certain way or why they shouldn’t do certain things? As Baldwin explains in her book, sometimes answers aren’t so simple.
Popular is Baldwin’s memoir. She lived through this. I can only imagine the courage it took to write it. From addictions to alcohol, drugs, and sex to giving her life to God, this book will touch your heart and encourage you as you read what she struggled with and how she overcame. Her explanation of why sex outside of marriage doesn’t work: there’s no commitment to back up the gift of intimacy. Without the commitment, there’s emptiness. With open honesty, painful truthfulness, and a little bit of irony, Baldwin tells her life story to be an inspiration to others—to keep others from following in her path, to help them understand that God asks us to be different not because He wants us to suffer, but to keep us from the alternative.
Teenagers are too often left behind. Nobody wants to find out why they act like they do. Each one has a story and each one just wants to know they are loved. Their crowd believes that parents shouldn’t have any control; they should be able to do as they please without any restrictions. Thanks for this book and the healing I know it will bring to teenager girls and adults as well.
I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review.
June 29, 2013
This summer for me is all about reading. It is one of my favorite things to do during the summer. There is a new book by an author name Tindell Baldwin. It is a non fiction book about her life. It's is about her struggles as a team all the worldly things she got into and how she went from a crazy, spiraling out of control life to accepting her Christian life and ultimately living for God. This book is excellent for moms to get a glimpse of why teen daughters May do some of the things they do and how easily it can be do do the wrong thing for all the right reasons. She starts at fifteen doing things like drinking smoking, sex at an early age all while she did know Christ but did not know how to really know him. Moms should read this. My oldest is only 11 years old but I am reading this and boy is this great to have a glimpse. Also great for teens that May be doing these very exact things that she did. Hey can now know they don't have to do these things. This is a must read forChristian moms and teens Our children have a relationship with God because of us but there is their own time when they must experience him for themselves, through real tough mistakes, and life lessons. Praise to Tindell Baldwin for sharing her story. Please pick this book up.You will love the two parts Dark which talks about the worse time in her life and light. About redemption. Our teens can make it! This book is great for teen girl youth groups.
October 30, 2013
This one was a real blessing. It took me a while to finish (it seemed repetitious and kind of all over the place), but improved as I went on. There is much wisdom to be found in "Popular."
Some of my favorite parts:
“God’s love is never faulty, and ours is. God’s love is never selfish, and ours is. God doesn’t rely on a feeling to know He loves us, but rather a painful choice He made to win our hearts. If we count on this type of love to fill us, understanding that no human will ever be able to offer what God can, then we can rest in His love and love others with His power. What if we changed our dating lens to find the man who loves God the most, instead of the one who makes us feel the best? What if we always had in mind that God loves us completely? If we were already full, I daresay we might not be nearly as needy. We might be able to rest instead of constantly searching for someone to love us. No matter how great Mr. Right is, he will never love you like Jesus does. He can’t.” (pg 165)
“Part of me wanted to blame God, but then I remembered God only desires good for our lives. He doesn’t cause bad. He tearfully allows it so that we may have our free will. If news seems to grow worse, it’s because each day Satan gets a little closer to his death.” (pg 200)
“So don’t hold God to human standards. Just follow Him, love Him, let Him teach you, and let Him be your one and only God. That is as close to perfection as you or any of us will ever get.” (pg 238)
Some of my favorite parts:
“God’s love is never faulty, and ours is. God’s love is never selfish, and ours is. God doesn’t rely on a feeling to know He loves us, but rather a painful choice He made to win our hearts. If we count on this type of love to fill us, understanding that no human will ever be able to offer what God can, then we can rest in His love and love others with His power. What if we changed our dating lens to find the man who loves God the most, instead of the one who makes us feel the best? What if we always had in mind that God loves us completely? If we were already full, I daresay we might not be nearly as needy. We might be able to rest instead of constantly searching for someone to love us. No matter how great Mr. Right is, he will never love you like Jesus does. He can’t.” (pg 165)
“Part of me wanted to blame God, but then I remembered God only desires good for our lives. He doesn’t cause bad. He tearfully allows it so that we may have our free will. If news seems to grow worse, it’s because each day Satan gets a little closer to his death.” (pg 200)
“So don’t hold God to human standards. Just follow Him, love Him, let Him teach you, and let Him be your one and only God. That is as close to perfection as you or any of us will ever get.” (pg 238)
August 13, 2014
I really enjoyed reading Popular because the author’s story is one that is not uncommon. The author was raised in a loving Christian home, but she never felt like she belonged. By the time she was in high school, she was living a life that went against everything she had been taught. She was drinking, going to parties, smoking pot, and was sleeping around. The author became one of the popular girls at school, but she still felt an emptiness inside and no matter what she tried, it would not go away. During her wild years, her parents tried everything they could to help her: they prayed for her, grounded her, tried talking things out with her using logic but nothing they did would change her. It wasn’t until she was 19 when the author begun to change but that only happened when she realized that she was throwing her life away. Once she realized this, she started listening to her parents and she gave her life to Christ. And, that is when things started to get better for her. She no longer felt empty inside and she found what she had longed for all along: true love in the arms of Someone Who would never leave her and would always love her no matter what bad choices she made. This book is a great read for any teenager and college student because it is a message of hope: no matter how messed up you are, no matter what bad choices you make: Jesus loves you and is waiting to not only forgive you, but to also give you a better life.
June 17, 2013
This book is a bit out of the norm for me but I was drawn to it from the beginning. Maybe it was the ease of reading or the blatant honesty or the deep rooted pain, I’m not certain even still, but Tindell’s story is one you should read.
Let my start by saying that I do not have a story like Tindell. I saved sex for marriage, I didn’t drink, I didn’t do drugs, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t desperate to fit in. And that is why this book works. It’s not just a story for teenage girls on the wrong path – I was on the right path, doing the rights things, saying the right words – but that didn’t mean that deep down my heart wasn’t crying out for the very same thing every young girl’s does. Acceptance. Belonging. Love.
Popular hits some heavy topics straight on – sex, drugs, alcohol, eating disorders – but it doesn’t dwell on these matters. The heart of the book and, Tindell’s heart as well I think, is sharing the truth. Proclaiming Christ. Tindell tells a story of healing and restoration and the need of a savior. And that is a story we can all relate to.
*** With thanks to Tyndale House publishers for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Find this review and others like it at www.westofnewburystreet.blogspot.com
Let my start by saying that I do not have a story like Tindell. I saved sex for marriage, I didn’t drink, I didn’t do drugs, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t desperate to fit in. And that is why this book works. It’s not just a story for teenage girls on the wrong path – I was on the right path, doing the rights things, saying the right words – but that didn’t mean that deep down my heart wasn’t crying out for the very same thing every young girl’s does. Acceptance. Belonging. Love.
Popular hits some heavy topics straight on – sex, drugs, alcohol, eating disorders – but it doesn’t dwell on these matters. The heart of the book and, Tindell’s heart as well I think, is sharing the truth. Proclaiming Christ. Tindell tells a story of healing and restoration and the need of a savior. And that is a story we can all relate to.
*** With thanks to Tyndale House publishers for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Find this review and others like it at www.westofnewburystreet.blogspot.com
April 11, 2014
An autobiography of what happens when a teen tries to find herself in boys, booze, and popularity. As the author explains, all of her attempts led her to become a promiscuous alcoholic. Despite her rebellion, her family remained loving and Christ-like.
While in college, she finally cleaned up her life and began to live in God's grace. She's pretty honest about the consequences following her, like taking a test for HIV just before her wedding. This is what I appreciated the most about the book, more so than her honesty about the choices she made.
Here is a good quote from her book: Beauty is a gift just like any other quality, but it is not what defines you, just like your ability to play a sport doesn't make you who you are. Your beauty is an asset that will bring God glory, but so is your kindness, your intelligence, your willingness to work, your fairness, your courage, and your humility.
While in college, she finally cleaned up her life and began to live in God's grace. She's pretty honest about the consequences following her, like taking a test for HIV just before her wedding. This is what I appreciated the most about the book, more so than her honesty about the choices she made.
Here is a good quote from her book: Beauty is a gift just like any other quality, but it is not what defines you, just like your ability to play a sport doesn't make you who you are. Your beauty is an asset that will bring God glory, but so is your kindness, your intelligence, your willingness to work, your fairness, your courage, and your humility.
November 13, 2014
I highly recommend Popular for all high school girls because it is an honest look at the struggles girls face on a daily basis. I especially love that it is not a self-help book but a memoir. Tindell shares her story about the untold emotional pain that comes from the decisions many girls make to be a part of the popular crowd. She breaks the book into two parts: "Darkness" and "Light." In the "Darkness" section, Tindell is very open and honest about her goal to chase popularity, beauty and boys at all costs. Then, the book ends in "Light," when Tindell shares about the peace she found when she finally accepted the grace of our Heavenly Father that was waiting for her all along. It's an amazing story of grace and redemption, showing us that God can use us no matter what our past may look like.
June 6, 2014
Positive Message but a Bit Too Long. This author has a valuable message, and does a fairly good job of expressing it. She could have said it in fewer pages, though. I agree with her that a story relays the lesson better than plain advice. She had good stories. It took strength to admit to her failings. The lesson was hard learned, but worth telling teens about. I agree with another reviewer who felt that parents should read this book before deciding whether it's one they should give to their daughters. Teenagers react differently, and respond to different approaches, and you know yours best. Baldwin talked about her own experiences, but it seemed to be rambling. That could be simply her style, but I thought it was repetitive. All in all, it was a positive message, and I believe all teens need a positive message.
July 11, 2013
In this beautiful memoir, Tindell Baldwin shares her journey from searching and heartbroken to redeemed and loved. Really, she was loved all along, and that's what Tindell wants you, the reader, to know. The Healer of cracked hearts, broken homes, and unreachable dreams loves you no matter what. Tindell's story proves it.
Tindell writes honestly about her path away from her Christian life and family toward the popular crowd at her high school. Her experiences, from drinking herself silly to sitting in a Planned Parenthood office requesting Plan B, are unfortunately not incredibly unique. Her feelings aren't, either.
Continue reading >>>
Tindell writes honestly about her path away from her Christian life and family toward the popular crowd at her high school. Her experiences, from drinking herself silly to sitting in a Planned Parenthood office requesting Plan B, are unfortunately not incredibly unique. Her feelings aren't, either.
Continue reading >>>
November 20, 2013
I love reading books that change me a little bit. I love books that touch me. I love being able to relate to the narrator in this case the author. I love books that make me feel closer to God.
At first, when I bought it I was not really sure I was gonna like it because the author said she wrote it for teenage girls and I'm nineteen. I was able to see me through the author. Of course, I did not do half the things she did but I could get her. Like her and a lot of people, it's hard to fit in and be loved or even noticed by people. Now, I don't really care what people think of me because I'm here for God and God only. I liked the fact that the author was saying nobody's perfect and it's okay.
Great book. Really loved it!
At first, when I bought it I was not really sure I was gonna like it because the author said she wrote it for teenage girls and I'm nineteen. I was able to see me through the author. Of course, I did not do half the things she did but I could get her. Like her and a lot of people, it's hard to fit in and be loved or even noticed by people. Now, I don't really care what people think of me because I'm here for God and God only. I liked the fact that the author was saying nobody's perfect and it's okay.
Great book. Really loved it!
September 22, 2015
I read this book with my small discipleship group of middle school girls. I think the message in this book was very timely and appropriate for them, as they were hearing it before many of these vices became significant temptations for them. It sparked good conversation and led to some significant depth of our group. I pray that this will be a foundation for them to hold each other accountable about these issues in the years to come. I felt like the second half of the book got really preachy. It was all great info and strong, important messages, but it was a bit much. The way the girls described it was that all of that should have been spread out throughout the book instead of just bunched up at the end of it - we all felt like it went on and on, even though the message was good.
June 3, 2014
Wow, Tindell Baldwin did not pull any punches! She was very open to what happened during her teenage years. I am so glad I got the chance to read it. Being a leader of a small group of girls, I now have a better way of conveying the truths that need to be spoken. Not just the "rules" but the emotional and physical consequences that can follow an action. By showing what Jesus did for us and how forgiveness is offered in His blood even for the things we think are unforgivable, we need to point teens to Jesus with love. This book deals with a lot of issues that I know, as an adult I have forgotten. I highly recommend this book to all that work with teens/youth.
July 20, 2013
Although I'm not a teenage girl and not necessarily the target audience for this book, I knew I wanted to read Tindell's story. She grew up in a family with parents who loved each other, loved Jesus and raised their kids to glorify Him. I was actually familiar with her brother's name because he is a well-known worship leader at a church here in Georgia. So, I was intrigued and wanted to hear her story.
Read my full review at So Obsessed With
Read my full review at So Obsessed With
August 12, 2013
This book was absolutely amazing. I'm a teenager & I felt like she knew exactly where I was coming from. It's like she took every word that is hard for me to say, & wrote it all down for me. She really shows that the partying life isn't what it's cracked up to be. Even if you don't face the partying life of drinking, boys, & smoking weed, you can still get something from this book. Her story has something for everybody & show's the beautiful love of God & how He really does pursue His children, even when they keep turning from Him. (:
August 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and its stories. As a 15 year old girl I used to often search for satisfaction in material things or the way I dressed. I never felt good enough. But After reading this book and Gods word I realized I'm enough because I am. Gods love is unconditional and forever. My biggest takeaway is that you can always come back to God no matter what you've done or where you are in life. I recommend to everyone!!!
August 5, 2015
This book is an insightful story about a Christian girl who becomes a prodigal and is rescued by Grace. I didn't give it many stars because though it is truth, I just couldn't see how this would be helpful for a daughter who isn't seeking the path of rebellion. Do you show how life can be the pig pit or do you not encourage by showing it? Not sure I can explain in this short review. I still let my daughter read it, see what she thinks.
July 25, 2013
Tindell, my second cousin, writes a candid experience of her teenage years, laced with her newly found Christian perspective, once she overcame her adolescent "demons." Her story is full of hope for young girls/ladies who need direction from a God who forgives. Two thumbs up!! A must read for all parents and teens!
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July 22, 2014Great Book! I just saw Tindell in May with her Mom and daughter. I had last known of her the day she came into this world, as her Mom was in labor at our pool. What guts it takes to open up your life story in order to help others. I read her book as fast as I could. Her message is so true for all of us. She is wise beyond her years
September 14, 2014
This is a good book. Definitely gave me a lot to think about in regards to my daughter and how I'm going to teach her about boys, sex, and drugs/alcohol. I like how Mrs. Baldwin gave instances of, "I wish my parents had said...". It made me think about my youth and what my parents didn't teach me. I want to do things differently for my kid.
September 8, 2014
Must read for all moms and teen girls
As a daughter, I wish someone would have given me this book when I was 15. As a mother, I an going to have my daughter read this book so prayerfully she will not make the same mistakes as the author. Tindell bravely shared her heartache and poor decisions with the sole intent of keeping other young girls from doing the same.
As a daughter, I wish someone would have given me this book when I was 15. As a mother, I an going to have my daughter read this book so prayerfully she will not make the same mistakes as the author. Tindell bravely shared her heartache and poor decisions with the sole intent of keeping other young girls from doing the same.
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