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The Lo-Down: Life and Love in the Hollywood Hills
- By Lo Bosworth
- Genre: Advice
Common Sense Media says
Friendly, positive relationship advice for teens.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this chatty book offers a self-confidence boost to girls wading into the dating scene. Sexual behavior is barely touched on as focus is on nurturing confidence and maturity, with respecting yourself before trying to develop a serious relationship. It doesn't offer much in the way of deep insights, but it's a harmless, fun choice for the genre. Teens will recognize the name Lo Bosworth: The author is a reality television star who appeared on Laguna Beach and The Hills -- and she launched a relationship website along with her book.
What's the story?
Lo Bosworth, made famous on MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills, shares her advice for finding – and landing – the perfect boyfriend. Geared toward teens and very young adults, she describes warning signs of bad relationships, encouraging signs of good ones, and discusses how both men and women can nurture or sabotage a relationship. Her essential message to be true to yourself, and true love will follow.
Is it any good?
Bosworth’s casual, intimate style comes across as a girlfriend trying to help a younger friend. Her advice is fairly conventional, but her strength is her understanding of how teen girls think and act (she published this at the ripe old age of 24). There are quizzes, recipes, and plenty of anecdotes to draw readers in. Bosworth even offers practical advice for dating in the age of social media, addressing texting and Facebook etiquette.
Even so, her values are more of the old-fashioned variety -- and she puts a lot of emphasis on being true to yourself. Bosworth uses puzzle pieces as a metaphor, arguing that only two pieces are an exact fit, and there's no point trying to force a match. Relationships require flexibility and work, she says, but girls shouldn't reinvent themselves or it won't work. Readers won't respond to everything in this book, but they will be encouraged by the overall message: Believe in yourself, and don't settle for a relationship that makes you doubt your worth.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the usefulness of an advice book such as this. Do you learn anything new, or does it reinforce what you already believed?
Families also can talk about what qualifies someone to give advice. Lo Bosworth became famous as a teen on a reality show. Do you think her advice, rooted in her experiences and those of her friends, is any more valid than that offered by your friends, your parents, or other people close to you?
Bosworth comes from a privileged background, but her advice is intended to apply to girls who don't share her upper-class Los Angeles background. Why do you think the book is subtitled Life and Love in the Hollywood Hills?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 10 years old
March 17, 2011
AGE
Great
It is a pretty good book!
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| Author: | Lo Bosworth |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Advice |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | January 11, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 256 |
| Paperback price: | $9.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
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