Are there truths girls learn in childhood that evaporate as they enter adulthood? Are there nuggets of wisdom they glean from their mothers that disappear when they have children of their own? Is there a way to remember this wisdom so that mothers can improve relationships with their own daughters? Psychologist Barbara Becker Holstein thinks the answers to all of these questions is a resounding yes.




This book fits squarely into Dr. Barbara's philosophy of The Enchanted Self. She encourages using "positive states of mind, body and spirit" as a way of "recognizing the heroine within yourself." Part of this recognition is acknowleding that "your own personal memories contain not only your history of the story of your life, but there is a wealth of wisdom with which to reinvent yourself again and again." To this end, she recommends mining your past - especially truths gleaned in childhood - to "find coping skills, ability, talent and lost potential." Interesting. Check out her website for more information.


In conclusion, I have to say that tween readers can surely find better fiction on the library shelves, but The Truth is worth reading. It's definitely a story with a message, but it's not a bad story, and it could definitely open lines of communication between mothers and daughters whose relationships are often rocky. Basically, the message is listen, and that's a morale we can all use.


Grade: B -