A must read for any parent, this book is an amazingly poignant, down to earth, parenting companion.

Ain't No Joke Books, Inc. (2006)
ISBN 0977834204 
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (5/06)

A must read for any parent, this book is an amazingly poignant, down to earth, parenting companion.  

Being the mother to 3 teenagers I knew that this book was going to have to not only be "real" but written by someone who truly knows teenagers in order to impress me.  Mr. Wright certainly fills the bill as he not only talks to the reader in a realistic way but uses honesty and above all real words to get his message through to them.  My son helped me review this book.  A typical 14 year old young man, I could only hope it might open his eyes.  Raising a son as a single mother in today's world is not only confusing but sometimes down right impossible.  “The Life of Teenagers” spells it out, not only for the parent reading the book but for the teen that reads it too.

My favorite part is right at the beginning when the author states, true as true can be, that there is NOBODY that will love you like your parents.  It made me want to kiss him right there because as much as you can tell the teens this yourself, they simply don't seem to realize it.  

The book takes realistic views on living life today as a teenager and the many problems you have to face.  It isn't written as a preaching book but almost as though when you pick the book up, you pick up a new found friend.  While Wright talks about things that a lot of adults avoid - sex, drugs, friendships, parents, television, and most of all God, he never makes the teen reading the book seem like he's better or smarter than the teen himself.  Wright speaks in terms that kids truly relate to and seem to truly understand. 

My son's last words as he went to bed this evening were "Thanks for letting me share that book you're reviewing mom.  That guy is pretty kewl and for once I wanted to hear what he had to say!  I really liked it mom, thanks".  Take it from a mother who knows, if ANYONE can get your teenager to say those words, they're a miracle worker on their own terms.  

Amazingly real, amazingly interesting and most of all, amazingly able to make the teenager stop and think.  Something not easily done, even by the best of professionals.  This book is a must read for any parent, no matter what age of the child because at some point you will have a teen to deal with and you may just thank God that you had someone with this ability to read.  If Keith Wright could clone himself I know he'd make a million quick because every parent around would want him there to help through those awkward teen years.  This book is the next best thing to having him there to help!  And at less than $20, well worth the price for peace of mind.  This is one book I'm going to be going back to over and over again and reminding my 3 teens to read over and over.  He just simply knows how to get through to the teenage child.  Amazing.