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Dear Daughter: what I wish I'd known at your age

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For All 15 to 25 year old women. Features 1,500 years of wisdom and insight from a group of amazing women. Topics include; what it takes to be a woman, what you need to know about looking after yourself, the relationship you have with yourself, understanding your emotions, how to develop confident relationships with others, how to deal with mean-girl frenemies, how to gain a better understanding of men, how to spot the dangerous ones, marriage and divorce, what they don’t teach you about sex at school, the world of work, what rich people know about money that poor people don’t, understanding risk, responsibility, how to build a solid personal and professional reputation, understanding the dynamics of personal power, making better decisions, negotiating and other crucial life skills.

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2013

48 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Roy Sheppard

19 books9 followers
An early career as a BBC reporter and presenter on network radio and TV in the UK. Claim to fame: I read the letters on BBC1's "Points of View".

Had a book published by one of the world's largest publishers in the mid-1990's. They made such a mess of it, I decided I could do better myself. So I created Centre Publishing.

My first self-published book (now out of print) was "Your Personal Survival Guide to the 21st Century" The average sales for such a genre is about 5,000 copies. It sold 13,000. My next book Rapid Result Referrals sold about 22,000 copies. Meet Greet & Prosper about 35,000. (This is now available as a free eBook on Smashwords).

In 2007 I co-wrote a controversial book with Mary T Cleary, the founder of Amen.ie, an Irish charity set up to help innocent men who become the victims of horrendous domestic abuse. A taboo topic. This book has helped thousands of innocent men and women. The media refused point blank to have anything to do with a book called "That Bitch: Protect Yourself Against Women with Malicious Intent". For America we changed the title to the more politically correct "Venus: The Dark Side". Still no publicity. That Bitch outsells Venus by a factor of about seven copies to one. They are EXACTLY the same book. Both books receive 4 and 5 star ratings on Amazon in the UK and US. Bitter women tend to give it 1 star ratings. It is absolutely not anti-women.

Genuine, nice women have no problem with it because they know its not about them. We have both been verbally attacked quite viciously by the very women the book is about.

Our "dangerous women" channel on YouTube has attracted about 330,000 visits (without any proactive publicity). We are both asked repeatedly why the book focuses on 'women' not 'people' generally. Countless books exist about 'bad' men. That seems socially acceptable. Yet, there is very little written about the atrocious behavior of these women. They have sold about 8,000 copies all together.

After a few years, I really needed to write about a more uplifting topic though and turned my attention to kind, loving relationships. I wrote "How to be The One" - its premise is; rather than being obsessed about finding 'the one', it asked the question "If you met 'the one' how confident would you be that they would regard you as 'the one' for them?" The book looks at how to be a far more appealing person, first to yourself, then to others. Getting yourself 'ready' for the time you meet that special person. It's about being a better girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or wife. Sort of personal development for relationships. It's different approach to the subject led to a double page spread in the UK's largest circulation women's magazine YOU - part of The Mail on Sunday. CNN.com also featured it and it picked up many detailed articles in a lot of national magazines.

People who read it, loved it. But interestingly, it didn't sell a lot of copies (3,500 or so). It is the least successful of all my books. A real shame but I've been told that its fatal flaw as a book is that it requires the reader to put some effort into their relationships! It's so much easier, to keep looking for someone who is 'perfect' who is prepared to accept them just as they are!

More recently I have written two books. They are a pair. And will be published together mid-2013, although they are available to buy today from the book's website.

One is for all 15-25 year guys, the other is for all 15-25 year women. Called Dear Son: what I wish I'd known at your age and Dear Daughter: what I wish I'd known at your age (which includes interviews about life by a group of amazing women).

These books are designed to provide all young people with practical, no-nonsense advice on a variety of topics. And provide a platform for more meaningful conversations with parents.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Em.
119 reviews18 followers
March 4, 2013
I won a copy of "Dear Daughter: what I wish I'd known at your age" I recieved this book in the post the day after I had won a copy and I was super excited.

I read the book yesterday and finished it last night feeling completely in love with myself and my body.

This book is a must have for every teenage girl/woman. Its factual and insightful and I love how in-depth the author researched the subject. The plot was very structured but allows the ability to close to book for personal thinking.

Personally I would like to thank the author for creating such a wonderful guide to all things feminine. I would also like to add that I no longer have sugar in my tea (the author wrote in-depth about the damage that excessive sugar can cause) which is something I always found challenging - here's hoping I can stick to it.

It also got me thinking about my mother; how we never were that close and for the first time I realise that it was my teenage angst that cause the rift. I spoke to her today and apologised. It shocked me how much of the book I could relate to - and little by little I will overcome all of my insecurities. I realise now that its all about self belief.

It is strange how much words can have an impact of a girls life and though the book wasn't written for me; it's about me and every other girl/woman in the world who has doubts, insecurities and feels disconnected.

The author is a wonderful writer and his book demonstrates a clear knowledge and understanding. I give him the upmost respect.

Regards,
Emma

p.s The cover art was adorable

p.p.s I don't have a child but i'm saving this copy for if I ever have a daughter. It's a treasured momento x
1 review
March 27, 2013
I would like to start by saying I'm not a very good reviewer so don't expect this will be a very long and detailed one.

This book arrived when I needed it more: in the middle of a very big identity crisis. When I saw I won the book I couldn't have been more thrilled. I started reading the book straight away and it is very captivating. All of the chapters are well delimited and it's all one parent could teach his/her child. Well probably there was space for more because one should learn much more from the parents than could fit in 170 pages of a book but I like the writing style of Roy Sheppard. I will surely have a look at the other books authored by him as well.

Thank you for the opportunity I was given! :)
Profile Image for NormaCenva.
1,157 reviews86 followers
March 7, 2013
What can I say? Bring in my late 20s I was a bit sceptical about the book in the beginning. But after starting the reading of the pages I wasn't able to stop, I even needed to take some breaks not to overload myself. Very nicely written accessible and smart, the language is understandable and draws you in. Am already planning to buy several copies as presents for my friends. Furthermore I even was able to learn some very interesting skills while reading, a rarity for a person who normal thinks that there is nothing new to learn anywhere at all)))))
So if you are looking for a book to have a nice time with, pick this one up! And don't prejudge it because it has an age limit stated - believe me you will be surprised!
Profile Image for Jayde Griffiths.
2 reviews
March 4, 2013
Dear Daughter, a book for any mother or daughter, (or just a feminist) Loved the emotional aspects the book goes into its like a guide into life and how to control your own life.

It's nice to see someone of the older generation writing for and to younger generations.

A Must read for Girls becoming women.
Profile Image for Katy Kelly.
2,578 reviews106 followers
May 14, 2013
Thorough, caring, non-patronising.
The love for a daughter shines through and there is real advice in here.
Would definitely want the Dear Son for my own boy.
1 review
March 12, 2020
it is a book pragmatic with practical experiences and it is very helpful to young adults
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
357 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2013
Won this book via Goodreads in a giveaway! First impressions of the book were very good, it was even signed as an added bonus, and using my first name too which just gives it that personal touch which is just very lovely to find. Puts you in a good frame of book for reading.

There was plenty of good advice in there, and a wide range of ages were included. I also liked the fact that it was inclusive--for example, in the section on men, same sex couples were acknowledged which was very good. There were parts I disagreed with, however, where Mr. Sheppard talks of girls ignoring 'nice' guys and instead being more interested in some men who may be bad for them. Some girls do perhaps do this, but I don't think that girls have types; there may be some traits which a girl usually is drawn to in all of her choices, however this is different for every girl. I personally am drawn to a good sense of humour before all else. I know that other girls have different preferences. Not all girls want a 'nice' guy, not all girls want a 'dangerous' guy. And people will mesh as they mesh.

However, the fact that this book provokes discussion is important. It is very easy to engage with this book, and that is one of the best qualities it possesses.
Profile Image for Sarah.
36 reviews14 followers
March 21, 2013
I got this book free through Goodreads First Reads.

This is a great book for young women. It covers so many different subjects, all of which are important for leading a healthy and happy lifestyle. Don't let the stated age range fool you. There's plenty in here that every woman would do well to remind herself of.

The book is well organised with clear subsections, bullet points, and quotations from the women interviewed. It covers a broad range of subjects including health, friendship, relationships, work, and finances. The only downside is that this book covers so many topics that it can only scratch the surface of each one. It would have been nice to have a bibliography for anyone who wants to read further.

I recommend this book to any young woman who wants to avoid some of life's pitfalls.
Profile Image for Ali.
5 reviews
March 27, 2013
I was lucky enough to win this as a Goodreads Giveaway. Not something I'd usually read but as a teenager thought I'd give it a go. Also being a teenager who's convinced she knows everything (don't we all), I was pleasantly surprised when I read this. Its the kind of book you have by your bed and pick it up when you have a spare five minutes.

All the advice and information was really useful especially the things on money and jobs- two things that I'm sure most 16 year olds know little about, I certainly didn't!

Although some of the areas covered where perhaps a little basic, namely the section on sex. I felt it only really repeated things learnt in PSE lessons and talking with friends.

However, overall it was an informative read and a book I will be passing around to my friends.
64 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2013
I won this book with goodreads giveaways - thank you

I have never read a self-help book before but as a mother with a daughter in the target range I was intrigued.
I thought the book in general was factual, insightful and covered relevant topics although the chapter on emotions was a little hard going.
It's the type of book best read a chapter at a time so you can digest and reflect on the information.
Would I buy it normally for my daughter....probably not as prefer to talk 1-1 but will give this copy to her and see what she thinks (good tool to open discussion)
Profile Image for Annie Witt.
50 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2015
I wished someone had given me this book when I was younger. This book is a must have for every teenage girl or woman. It is very in-depth, insightful and factual. The book is very structured and allows the reader the ability to close to book for personal thinking.

The writer has my utmost respect. He did a wonderful job and this book demonstrates a clear knowledge and understanding about girls and women in the world who have doubts, insecurities and feelings of being disconnected.

Profile Image for Emma Lang.
87 reviews
March 22, 2013
I won this book through Goodreads First reads.

As being 17 at the time I read this book, I am in the target age for the book. I found that it was very helpful for young women and I would say for even older woman, there isn't really an age limit on this book.
It's very informative, covering are far range of topics.

I would give a 4.5/5 star rating!

Profile Image for susan murray.
282 reviews11 followers
March 22, 2013
Excellent for young girls very sound advice could actually help women of all ages very interesting reading.As you start to read the book you can remember things that happened to yourself at that age and the helpful advice in this book would have been more than welcome on this journey of life
49 reviews
March 18, 2013
I have read this book as a mother and will definitely pass it on to my daughter although she is slightly out of the age range. Read a chapter at a time as it gives you time to digest it. Many valid points and confirms thoughts I had as I grew older. Wish I had known them when I was younger.
Profile Image for Yumi.
2 reviews
July 25, 2013
I have already read the free version of this book for more than 10 times. This book is highly recommended for young people just like me, you will definitely learn a real life lesson from it that you can tale with you forever.

I hope I can get a copy of this book so i can read it completely.
Profile Image for Farida El Kafrawy.
28 reviews16 followers
February 17, 2015
Really really great book :) I just wish I had read it when I was a little younger. There are lots if things in there that would've helped but I do think I've learnt from this book a good many lessons and would thoroughly recommend it
Profile Image for Lulu.
7 reviews
March 8, 2013
I won this book from the GoodReads giveaway
Im suprised i atually quite enjoyed helpful and most of it rang true to me i would recomend it so yea read it its enjoyable and light
Profile Image for sarah foster.
49 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2013
great book, everything that was written i was either nodding my head and agreeing and laughing as it was so true! enjoyed reading it as certain subjects in the book you can relate to.
1 review
March 14, 2013
I won this book as a first reads giveaway. Didn't agree with all of it but overall some very sensible and helpful points made.
Profile Image for Julie.
579 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2013
Goodreads giveaway... a great book which I intend to safely keep for my daughter (currently 8 years old). Thank you so much.
Profile Image for Rachel.
9 reviews
October 3, 2013
this book ha made me see life in a different light. I shall be saving this for my daughter when she hits the dreaded teens lol x
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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