Disclosure: I received these books to review; the opinions shared here are 100% mine.

It started when my daughter was in daycare, somewhere around age 4.  The discussion couldn’t really be called a conversation, because they were so painfully one-sided.  I learned not to ask yes-or-no questions but instead asked open-ended things like, “Who did you sit beside at lunch?  What did you talk about?”  Still, crickets.  It was the same way with my son, who seems to be even more short-winded when it comes to details about his day. I tried setting ultimatums (“No turning on the TV until you tell me about school.”) but that just trained my kids to think that conversing with mom equals punishment.

Now that we’re entering the pre-teen realm, it’s a whole new ballgame.  You’d think that teaching 6th graders for 16 years would have provided me with some parenting pointers in this regard, but you’d be wrong.  It’s all different when it’s my own child.  So THANK GOD for this book, Get Your Teenager Talking: Everything You Need to Spark Meaningful Conversations.  It’s such a lifesaver!  First of all, let me recommend that you get this in the ebook version rather than in print.  Not that you need to keep secrets from your teen, but they will look at you with such pity when they see this book on your nightstand.  Plus they’ll be more than a little bit suspicious about your motives.  Trust me, I’m the guinea pig.  So get it on your phone, peek at it every once in a while, then blow your spouse away with your secret weapon.  Your kid won’t know what hit him!

 What I loved most is that the strategies shared in the book can be used anywhere with just about anyone. Really!   The main thing is that people love to talk about their ideas, adults and teens alike.  When people are hesitant to talk, sometimes it’s really just self-consciousness rearing its ugly head.  If you take these conversation starters and ask with enough time to truly listen, you’re sure to get things going.  Follow the tips in this book and you’re going to learn a lot about the people in your life.  The conversation starters can also be adapted to younger audiences.  Simplify the questions as needed, or apply personal details.  You just can’t lose. Although the book has a Christian message, it’s really applicable to anyone.  No religious background needed.  I know that this resource will be something we’ll refer to in our house time and again. I just hope the kids don’t catch us.

Now, for your teenage daughter, this book by the famous Bethany Hamilton is a super hit.  Body and Soul
has a great message of physical wellness

that teens will gobble up.  Full of recipes, exercises, and advice, it’s the next best thing to having a big sister.  Bethany shared her testimony in the beginning of the book; the rest of the pages are gentle reminders that she holds God close to her heart.  I love the recipes too and plan to try some of them.

Even though I’ve been through the teen years myself, my daughter doesn’t really think I know much about it.  If you’re a mom, you probably can relate to that.  Bethany bridges that gap with this beautifully designed book. The pages are colorful and glossy, almost like a magazine.  The positive message that health and fitness is a by-product of caring for yourself can’t be missed.  Watch the movie Soul Surfer with your teen daughter, then gift her with this book. She’ll be thrilled!

 If your teen likes to read romance books but you want to keep down the heat, Carnelian is a good option.  This book has a good young adult vibe without being heavy on the romance.  The book starts with Mari’s entrance to college and meeting “the hot guy” that is so ubiquitous on college campuses.  While she thinks she’s got his number, it becomes clear that he has hers.  Seth turns out to be quite a gentleman even though the initial impressions he gives would say otherwise.  There’s a cool paranormal factor that is Twilight-esque without the vampires.  I also loved the side characters.  Actually, I might have preferred them over the main characters.  Mari’s roommate Sim was a hoot, and Seth’s brothers kept everyone grounded.   Most teens are already thinking ahead to college and Carnelian brings out the best of the college theme.  Mari is a smart girl and is very independent.  She doesn’t follow the typical fall-head-over-heels-for-the-cute-guy persona; I like that about her.  This series has definite potential.