Dr. Ruth's Guide to Teens & Sex Today: From Social Networking to Friends with Benefits

Westheimer, Ruth K. with Pierre A. Lehu. Dr. Ruth's Guide to Teens and Sex Today: From Social Networking to Friends with Benefits. Teachers Coll. Pr., Columbia Univ. Sept. 2008. c.160p. pap. PSYCH~Sex expert and TV personality Westheimer (Dr. Ruth's Sex After 50) presents parents with a short, useful guide to understanding the social and sexual lives of modern teenagers. This book would make a fine companion to titles written specifically for young audiences, such as the best-selling ""What's Happening To My Body?"" books by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras. Background Recalling Sabrina Weill's somewhat flashier The Real Truth About Teens and Sex, Dr. Ruth's discussion of adolescent sexuality emphasizes the importance of their cultural lives and parents' involvement with it. Social networking and hip-hop are examined as cultural phenomena that promote peer pressure and send confusing messages about sexuality, but those topics can also foster conversations and provide valuable lessons. While the author provides extensive web resources, she neglects to mention other titles for parents to share with their teens.--Nick Franklin, Brooklyn P.L..