THE BOOK OF RADICAL ANSWERS

Connects with readers while conveying basic life information and providing abundant affirmations.

Utilizing a conversational Q&A format, brief chapters cover young people’s common concerns, grouped into a dozen topic areas: bodies, emotions, sexuality, gender, racism, families, school, friends, growing up, government, the environment, and religion. Shaded black-and-white spot art showing kids who present as diverse in ethnicity, body type, gender presentation, and faith may appeal to readers but doesn’t illustrate textual points. Bullet-pointed lists and text boxes provide checklists, resources, and expert opinions. Interesting comparisons (e.g., to your body and brain, sleeping is like shutting your phone down for updates) help make Taylor’s practical advice feel relevant: The material’s largely not new, but it’s packaged warmly and effectively. A central goal is countering negative and manipulative messages about our appearances and feelings that undermine true well-being. Taylor embraces the philosophy of radical self-love, helping us to “better value each other for all the different ways we bring wisdom and beauty to this world.” The text offers criticism of biased and unsustainable systems, rejects restrictive societal norms, advocates for immigrants and universal health care, and explores sensitive topics like suicide and genocide. Nevertheless, the tone overall is hip, humorous, and irrepressibly positive, and the author is clear that adults, not young people, bear responsibility for solving social problems.

Holds out a sympathetic helping hand to a cohort of young people dealing with exceptional stressors.