The Lo-Down

Reality TV star Bosworth debuts with a conversational and accessible girl's guide to finding and maintaining healthy romantic relationships. A cheerleader for love, the author energetically broaches numerous topics in chapters on dating mistakes, relationship pitfalls, planning dates on any budget, types of guys and girls, and more; Bosworth confesses to being a "First Sign of Trouble Girl" and a "Flirt," and her list of guys to avoid embarrassingly includes "Foreigner Fabio" ("Fabio is sexy, sexy, sexy. Maybe a little smelly, too"). Bosworth's handbook tends to be repetitive and plays in generalizations, though it is equally critical of the mistakes men and women make, and it includes less common elements, such as recipes, in addition to the requisite quizzes and exercises. Bosworth investigates some worthwhile questions, stresses the importance of self-esteem ("...believe in yourself. It will change your love life forever, and for the better"), and backs up her opinions with examples from her life and those of her friends. But when it comes to relationship guides, readers may be best served by her advice to "get out there and find a better one." Ages 14–up. (Jan.)