DEE SNIDER'S TEENAGE SURVIVAL GUIDE

by Dee & Philip Bashe Snider ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1987

Who would think that a teen guide acknowledging Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne would be terrific? This one is refreshing, insightful, right on the mark. Snider, the outlandish Twisted Sister musician, and Bashe, a heavy-metal writer, have woven together Snider's memories of overcoming a ""nerd"" youth and use the wisdom gained through observing three generations--his father, himself, and now his son--to ""tell it like it is."" Whether discussing school problems or child abuse, AIDS or early marriage, the duo have done their homework in seeking up-to-date information; Snider's stories are deeply personal and hence respectful of the reader. As a bonus, they're humorous without strain, touching without violins (e.g., his father's disappointment in not having a pro baseball player in Dee). They do remember being embarrassed at being seen with parents in public, and they do know about the dramatically specific detail, such as different meals having to be prepared in a joined stepfamily household. Only very occasionally is the wit offensive, e.g., an ill-paced allusion to sexual intercourse in the midst of talking about death's grief. But this unfortunate lapse in an otherwise delightful book shouldn't keep its many potential readers away. A bibliography and list of community agencies for seeking help with problems are appended. Snider and Bashe get to the heart of the matter as few self-help writers do. It's a wonderful balancing act between the hip and sensible, with a surprisingly conservative viewpoint about premarital sex, drug use, and other concerns adult buyers might have. Very special.

Pub Date: May 15, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 242

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S