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SOUL SEARCHING by Sarah Stillman

SOUL SEARCHING

A Girl's Guide to Finding Herself

by Sarah Stillman

Pub Date: Jan. 3rd, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-58270-303-9
Publisher: Beyond Words/Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster

Thoughtful and thought-provoking, Stillman’s guide addresses many topics pertinent to contemporary teens.

Describing "soul searching" as the endeavor to discover one’s inner voice, the author introduces various methods to achieve self-awareness, including yoga, meditation and journaling. She offers various examples of how to implement the ideas and includes quotes from fellow teens for inspiration. Readers can investigate the fundamentals of philosophy and world religions, learn about Feng Shui, discover dream interpretation and practice daily affirmations. In this updated version of the book she wrote at age 16, Stillman addresses the isolating and time-consuming aspects of modern technology. Readers are encouraged to create a quiet space and carve out time for themselves, free from the distractions of technology. While the text does not delve very deeply into any one subject, each chapter concludes with a list of resources for further exploration. The narrative voice is a blend of sage older sibling with the easy affability of a close friend. Quizzes and opportunities to record their own thoughts give readers the option to actively participate in this contemplative process.

The empowering message of acceptance of self and others permeates this text, providing inquiring readers a starting point for their journey of self-reflection.

(Nonfiction. 14 & up)