Back in January the whole family headed over to the Cover to Cover bookstore to listen to one of my favorite authors talk about her new book. After listening to Michelle Herman discuss her book A Girl’s Guide to Life, introducing her to my children, and getting a book autographed, we headed out to do enjoy our Saturday.
It didn’t take me long to read A Girl’s Guide, it is only 80 pages, and after finishing it (probably that evening) I promptly gave it my daughter who is more the target audience. And completely forgot to post anything here. And now it is April. Better late than never, right?
Herman’s first book for children turned out to be a simple and earnest little book of life advice for girls. Written originally for her eight-year-old daughter, this reworked book of advice aims to help girls cultivate a full and fulfilling life.
Herman keeps it simple but also offers a sincere explanation of what it means to live with empathy and compassion while growing in self-confidence and personal expression. Some of the advice may seem basic but it isn’t entirely clear to me that young people hear this sort of advice too often these days. Plus, it can’t hurt to have it expressed in a book rather than from their parents, right?
I enjoy reading Michelle’s writing because of her creativity and energy. She just seems open to the world and interested in thinking about and capturing such a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. Even if the subject isn’t one I am particularly interested in or if I am not the target audience, I enjoy reading her take on it.
A girl’s Guide to Life is a quick read with illustrations that have an old fashioned feel; it also has a great backstory. It would make a nice gift for the 7-11 year olds in your life. I am not an expert but my sense is that the book is better targeted toward the younger end of that spectrum.
Next up is reading her recently released collection of essays Like a Song. Hopefully I will be a little more prompt in writing my review this time.
