LOVE, SEX AND THE TEENAGER

This sensible, cordial, ethically sound round-up of information has a double- barrelled value -- reassurance and help for teens and parents, and a reenforcing of socially accepted codes. Addressed primarily to the teenager, but with a section for parents, this head-on confrontation of the teens' penultimate concern reviews first, childhood ""lessons in love"" and proceeds to a discussion of male and female psychology (vive la difference! and a respectful poke at the mystique Friedan), with a forthright mention of homosexuality, masturbation, etc. shedding the mystery, pointing out the naturalness of the norm. As to what the teenager was worrying about all along, the author offers specific suggestions -- on date behavior, unrequited love, courting, shyness, withdrawal, anger -- all with a calm diagnosis preceding the prescription. There is a sober look at the parents, true love, morals (teen marriage, pre-marital sex, Freud ""unfractured"", etc.). In all these matters responsible social behavior is advised as being constructive -- deviation is destructive to the individual. If the parent has read the teen sections, sections III for adults naturally follows, in emphasis on the need for sympathy and patience. Specifics salutary, from advice on the 2:00 A.M. panic to urging community projects, are included. Sex is a sane perspective.