Girl Power: Young Women Speak Out (by Hillary Carlip)

Hillary Carlip, who has held writing classes and seminars across the country, has compiled a collection of writings from an incredibly diverse group of American teenage girls. The book is divided into four parts: "Outlaws and Outcasts," "Outskirts," "Outsiders," and "Insiders".

Within each part are writings from teen mothers, gang members, Native American girls, rappers, athletes, homemakers, sorority sisters, and others. Linked by Carlip's honest and incisive commentary, Girl Power provides an interesting glimpse into the inner world of today's American girl--her hopes and accomplishments, as well as her sorrow and pain.

Through its honest, unedited accounts, Girl Power offers readers a picture of teenage girls in all their complexity -- from the gang member with a childish vulnerability who feels she has been discarded by society to the blind and deaf beauty-pageant contestant who aspires to become a heart surgeon. In each of the chapters, the girls discuss the various ways they are finding their own place in what is still a male-dominated society. Female athletes and farm girls, homemakers and cowgirls all offer their perspectives on a woman's place in society and the ways they have found of coping with rejection. It is perhaps this aspect of the book that particularly makes Girl Power compelling reading for young women. As an unusual glimpse into the mind of teenage girls, it is also a gripping read for adults.

That said, the mature themes and language of the book limit its appeal to a wider range of readers. The harrowing accounts, especially those dealing with abuse, really are not suitable for younger teens. Parents will probably even want to offer guidance to older teens reading this book. Though it contains many disturbing stories, there are also some very inspiring accounts of girls who dare to be the best at what they do despite many obstacles. The prevailing image left after reading the book is of the ultimate power of the pen. Whether it is giving gang members a healthy outlet for their emotion or enabling riot girls to spread their message of nonconformity, writing is power and the key to self-discovery.

Author: Hillary Carlip
Publisher: Time Warner Books
Publication date: January 1, 1995
Number of pages: 353
Paperback price: $13.99