cover image Exactly as I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today's Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself

Exactly as I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today's Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself

Shaun Robinson. Ballantine Books, $18 (127pp) ISBN 978-0-345-51195-9

With the voices of teenaged girls as well as successful women on issues ranging from body image and sex to self esteem and independent thinking, this book of motivational advice and anecdotes presents quotes and stories from role models notable for confidence, determination and generosity. A co-host of TV's Access Hollywood and a board member of advocacy non-profit Girls Inc., Robinson's concern and respect for teenage girls shine on each page, even if the advice she shepherds for them tends toward the generic. It isn't for lack of trying; a wonderful breadth of women contribute, from Alicia Keys to Nancy Pelosi, and they all have something worthwhile to say, ensuring at least one positive message will connect with girls of varied interests. An encouraging ""reality check"" with the brevity and range to keep adolescents' attention, this charming work should make a popular gift buy for moms, aunts and grandparents.