The Wonder of Girls: Summary and book reviews of The Wonder of Girls by Michael Gurian, plus links to an excerpt from The Wonder of Girls and a biography of Michael Gurian.
The Wonder of Girls Understanding the Hidden Nature of Our Daughters
by Michael Gurian
Hardcover: Dec 2001,
352 pages.
Paperback: Feb 2003,
352 pages.
Michael Gurian, whose national bestseller The Wonder of Boys presented a radical and enlightening view of parenting sons, now offers a groundbreaking approach to raising daughters.
In The Wonder of Girls, Gurian, himself the father of two girls, provides crucial information for fully understanding the basic nature of girls: up-to-date scientific research on female biology, hormones, and brain development and how they shape girls' interests, behavior, and relationships.
He also offers insight into a culture mired in competition between traditionalism and feminism and a new vision that provides for the equal status of girls and women yet acknowledges their nature as complex and distinct from men. He explains what is "normal" for girls each year from birth to age 20; what developmental needs girls face in each stage; how to communicate effectively with girls; and how to cope with developmental crises such as early sexuality, eating disorders, parental divorce, and more.
With personal insights, practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and accessible science, The Wonder of Girls creates a new parenting paradigm. Key elements include:
a nature-based approach to why girls are the way they are
the connection between the need for profound attachment and the physical and brain development of girls
support for a girl's inherent need for intimacy
tools to protect girls' self-esteem and emotional life
a new approach to girls' character development and rites of passage.
With this scientifically based developmental map of girlhood, Gurian equips parents with a comprehensive guide for raising daughters. Challenging our culture to examine and embrace a crucial piece of the puzzle missing thus far, The Wonder of Girls elevates the dialogue on parenthood.
Publishers Weekly
Gurian's trademark is examining how biology impacts behavior. ... Gurian urges parents to use a new model in raising girls .... Expect Gurian's arguments to stir controversy and inspire thought.
Christina Hoff Sommers, author of Who Stole Feminism?
Finally, a sensitive and scientifically knowledgeable writer has given us a book on girls. Gurian's engrossing book is important not only for parents, but for anyone who cares for, educates, or makes policy affecting the lives of girls and women.
Ann F. Caron, Ed.D. author of Don't Stop Loving Me
Michael Gurian has given us a gift, an exciting book that parents of daughters will consult over and over again. Gurian leads us in a new direction as he challenges parents to understand and value our daughters' desire for attachment. Women will recognize themselves, as well as their daughters, in this thought-provoking book. Bravo, Michael.
Recent Reader Reviews
Rated of 5
by megan
i'm just a teenager myself and when i read this book it made me realize some of these things for the first time, it's a really good book. if anyone wants to know what's going on with their daughter then this is a book that people should read.
Looks past the "scare" stories to those that enlighten parents and enable them to empower girls. Offers a comprehensive road map to the many emotional and physical challenges girls ages six to sixteen face in today's challenging world.
A poignant collection of original pieces selected from more than eight hundred contributions, Ophelia Speaks culls writings from the hearts of girls nationwide, of various races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Christina Hoff Sommers, author of Who Stole Feminism?
of 5
by megan
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