Body Drama by Angela Diaz, Nancy Amanda Redd (2007, Paperback)

It's a great book that shows girls (through pictures and text) that their bodies are normal. From what the vulva really looks like to third nipples, breast size and shape, acne, breast leakage, hair, types & causes of body odors and much more... This not only gives girls a reality check on what "real" girls look like, not touched up, airbrushed magazine models, but also helps with some wise tips from how to deep condition your hair at home, to when to see a doctor regarding certain issues (such as certain breast abnormalities, what to look for in skin abnormalities and what could possibly be skin cancer, etc.).

This book could give many girls a lot of answers to questions that they might be too embarrassed to ask.

Be warned, it is not for very young girls. But it's a great guide to the female body written by a former pageant winner who questioned her own self.

This book is very good for teenage girls. If they have questions they don't feel comfortable talking about, they can read about it in the book.

This book arrived on time and as expected. It was in excellent condition. I would recommend this seller to all. I would buy something from them again.

This book is very blunt about true body issues and has very graphic photographs of real women. It has been a great tool to share with my 13 yr old daughter who is at the horrible "mean" girl age. I was a little shocked at the graphic pictures (even though I was forewarned) but after going through it 1 chapter at a time I realize the pictures actually get the conversations that are so difficult for my daughter and I out in the open comfortably!! Thanks to the authors for stepping out with this book, I highly recommend it if you have a pre-teen in the "drama" of puberty.

Excellent book. Helpful in talking to my 12 yr. old. Some pictures are graphic but not obscene.I decided to get the book when I heard a interview with the author on The Gayle King Show.

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Since I started this job of reviewing about a year and a half ago, I've had the privilege of reading a number of self-help type books geared towards girls and women and their bodies. I have to admit that none have been as comprehensive, helpful, and realistic as BODY DRAMA. This is a book that leaves nothing to the imagination, states complete truths instead of half-truths and myths, and answers the types of questions that many females, regardless of age, are sometimes too embarrassed to ask -- even in the company of their doctors. As an adult, and a married woman with two children, I still found this book to be extremely helpful, and even discovered information that I hadn't previously known.

From your face to your skin, from your hair and nails to your reproductive organs, from skin problems to disease, from the natural shape of your body to the sometimes strange things that happen to said body, Ms. Redd covers them all -- and in detail. There's no hesitation here, and there's definitely no embarrassment. There are only real answers to real questions that everyone, at one time or another, has wondered about. And if you haven't wondered about it yet, believe me, you will!

BODY DRAMA is filled with "fast facts," drama scenarios, "how do I deal?" answers, and full-color photographs. This is a book that younger kids might giggle over, but that older teens will appreciate for its frankness. This is also a book that, once you get your copy, you won't want to part with it. Share it with your daughter, your sister, your cousin, your friend. Don't be ashamed of the body you were born with. Get the answers you need to be healthy and happy.

Kudos to Ms. Redd for such an informative read. This one is a winner!

I read about Body Drama in a Glamour Magazine article and decided it was a must buy. I read it cover to cover before giving it to the intended recipient, my 12-year-old niece. I thought it was absolutely amazing... so frank and refreshing. Granted some of the information is a little icky, but where else are you gonna get answers to the burning questions of adolescence: Am I a freak? Why does THAT happen? What the heck is THAT? I think every girl should be given Body Drama as soon as their body starts becoming an alien.

My niece had basically the same review. She loved that it answered so many questions, some she hadn't even thought of yet. She said the photos were "helpful... gross, but helpful." And she liked how it was written as if a friend was explaining stuff... casual and funny.

Kudos. I"ll look forward to Nancy's next book... hopefully how to be an adult without growing up. She's a cross between Dr Ruth and Erma Bombeck. Keep it coming!!

Thanks!
Jools

Parents are often uncomfortable talking with older (prepubescent) kids -- let alone with teens -- about sex and other personal issues. There can also be things that kids and teens worry about that parents don't even think to talk with them about.

This book has everything an older girl or teen needs to know about her body and how to care for it -- among the many topics covered are skin care, shaving, eye-brow shaping, piercings, hygiene, and what's normal and what isn't in terms of her genitals and how they function.

One of the messages that comes through loud and clear is that women come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and that real everyday women don't look like the airbrushed porn models or anorexic fashion models in magazines.

The writing style is informal but very very informative. Each section includes information on how to handle various problems or concerns. The author also includes examples of how she dealt with various things -- like the time she got a bad eyebrow waxing -- and this also adds to the effectiveness of the message.

Extremely prudish people should note that the book contains some some nude photos. Most are extremely clinical (i.e., totally non-sexual) and the few that aren't serve to remind the reader that there are other girls/women out there who look just like she does.

This book will be especially valuable for single fathers of daughters who are approaching or past puberty and who don't have a trusted female relative or female friend who can answer their daughter's questions or address her concerns. Some single dads may be able to handle this on their own, but I can't imagine a guy who wouldn't want his daughter to also have this book available.

And, as some of the other reviewers have mentioned, older women (let's define "older" as age 19 and older) may also find much valuable information here.

Teenage guys have their own set of problems involving puberty and the many challenges involved in learning how to be responsible gentlemen. A "Body Drama for Men" book for them would be a wonderful thing to have.

This is one of the best comprehensive books I have read in my 30+ years as a mother. Leaves plenty of room for interaction between parents and children as they read this book together.
The author certainly knows material and presents it in such a way to leave little or no blinders on any young ladies who are reading this book. May be okay for young men to read.
A must have book for any family library, well worth your money and your time to read. Parents read before you give it to your child so that you will understand what your child is reading and where the questions may come from.

I'm a dad who bought this book because I read a review about it and thought it would contain some great information for my 13yr old daughter. I read it cover to cover and felt the information was fantastic. As a man, it was sure helpful to read and understand some things about the female body, etc. The sections on piercings and tatoos was super. It was very informative and easy reading. I'm hoping it answers some questions my daughter may have. My wife read the book also and actually learned some things about her own body. Overall, it was a fantastic, easy read.

I am 31. I learned ALOT from this book. I bought it for my teen sister, but decided to take a look at it myself. WOW. I have been married, and gone threw my own personal stuff, but this book is sooooooooooooooooooo educational. Every girl in the world could learn from this book. It is a bit scary at times, to see the pictures and read descriptions, but it is reality. And nothing is scarier than reality.
I would reccomend that all parents of teen girls read this book, and pass it alone to loved ones. It is imformative, educational, and down-right true to life.
Congrats to the writers of this book. You opened my eyes, and I'm sure you will opens the eyes of many more to come.

I bought the book for my daughter with the intention of spending special time with her learning about real womens' bodies. I realized though after looking at it that it's more appropriate for 12 years and up. My daughter's too young now but we will enjoy it in future years.

I very much enjoyed reading this book because it is aimed at teaching young women that regardless of how their body looks in comparison with the models in magazine and celebrities on TV, they are normal. Young women these days are exposed to so many seemingly "perfect" bodies and faces that their perception of normal is very unrealistic. Many of these photographs have been airbrushed to hide and minimize the imperfections, thereby leaving the young women viewing these photos feeling inadequate and even downright ugly.

In an effort to convince her readers of the beauty in different looking bodies, Nancy Redd has included many comparative photographs of various body parts. None of the photographs in her book are airbrushed and they all feature normal, average, everyday young women who were willing to help Nancy in her efforts.

This is a great read for all young women, regardless of their perception of their body!

I read about this book in People Magazine and thought it might be something good for my daughter. She is 13 and looks much older and different than the other girls in her grade, which causes some drama for her every day. She has been reading the book a lot. I see it open on her bed. It covers everything you can imagine; just the other day she had it in the bathroom trying to get her eyebrows done just right, "according to what the book says." I highly recommend this book to anyone with a budding teenager. It is simply the best book I have gotten her in a while. Full of information, pictures, and answers.

My 13 year old daughter loved this book, has alot of info usually not covered..i would recommend to anyone..

The best investment I have made in a long time. Gives far more information to my daughter than I ever thought to discuss with her, and has opened the flood-gates on our communiction about these difficult issues. This book would have changed my life if I would have had it when I was a teenager!