Book Review: So Long, Insecurity {Teen Edition}

Hello, my dear readers!

I haven't reviewed any book recently, and when the opportunity to review this one came along I figured, "Why not?" I may be a little rusty, but I'll do my best!

So Long, Insecurity Teen Edition by Beth Moore is a magazine-style book filled with great tips, beautiful graphics, and ultimately the inspiring truth behind what makes a girl secure.  Each chapter contains a question with an answer by Beth based on various topics that relate to areas in which girls struggle with insecurity. Questions about fashion, guys, tough times, media, competition--Beth takes them head on, relating from her own experience and providing practical advice based on biblical principles.  Within each chapter there are statistics pertaining to how other girls feel, honest feedback from other girls about how they overcame their own struggles, a peek into a woman's life from the Bible that may have struggled in that area, and more.  There are also a couple of interviews from Kylie Bisutti (former Victoria's Secret model now sharing the truth of Jesus and encouraging girls in their inner beauty) and Tindell Baldwin (author of the book Popular: Boys, Booze, and Jesus).

I really enjoyed the strong, biblical foundation of the book in general.  Not only was the theme question of every chapter answered with scripture, but I also really liked the simple and concise practical application.  I also loved how sweet and relatable Beth's writing style was--her words felt like those of a big sister, wrapping her arm around you, whispering words of encouragement!  A great easy read with a sweet message of worth that every girl needs to hear.

I was a bit disappointed with some of the photos in the book, however--especially when discussing the topic of fashion.  At one point in the chapter, the book shows a picture of what not to wear, and what to wear instead.  These photos were not by any means pornographic or even extremely offensive, but it bothered me that there had to be photos there at all--why not just give a description?  And throughout the rest of the book there are small things like shorter skirts and some low shirts--nothing that I would worry about a young lady perusing through, but I wouldn't necessarily want my brother reading it. Another thing was there was a mild sense of coarseness in just a couple of words--nothing profane or outright offensive, but as I said, just a mild sense.  This book also mentions (in the profiles from woman of the Bible) topics that would be considered more for older young ladies (rape, etc.) when the book seems aimed more toward the younger teens (13-15), as well as topics that are more relatable for girls in the public schools.

All that to say, I still think that this was a fabulous book.  However, I do believe that it is written toward a specific audience of girls that are more out in the world by being in the public schools, or coming from non-Christian families, etc.  Girls that have been homeschooled for the majority of their lives and that have come from strong Christian families may have a harder time relating to some of the questions, stories, and topics that are discussed.

To conclude, I must say that I am so grateful for women like Beth Moore for taking on these issues that girls face on a day by day basis and reminding them of who they are in Christ--how that is where their security lies.  What a blessing to have those gone before!  I look forward to having So Long, Insecurity on my shelf to give to a young lady who can be blessed and encouraged; reminded that she is a daughter of the King!

Check out these links to find out more about So Long, Insecurity Teen Edition, or to see similar books:

•  www.tyndaleteens.com
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/securegirls
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/TyndaleTeens
• Buy the book HERE!

I received a hard copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.