Book Review: Women's Freedom: The Dawn of Possibilities by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

 

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein continues her novels that tackle women's issues with Women's Freedom: The Dawn of Possibilities. 

It is an exciting time for Madison and Ginger as they enter college in the fall of 1960. Both have dreams and ambitions during a time when society limited their rights and didn't consider them equal to their male counterparts. Still, it's a time for new adventures: meeting mysterious men and women, dorm life, jobs, and romance. For Boomers, this will likely be a trip down memory lane. 

In some ways, Ginger and Madison seem like any college-aged woman on the street. In others, you realize how precarious their situation was as love blossomed in an environment before contraception. How the lack of technology left them unaware of who the men in their lives were because there were no cell phones, apps, or Google. How unprepared they were to face some of the people and situations they encountered. 

Women's Freedom: The Dawn of Possibilities is filled with engaging characters whose stories you will want to know. Check it out if you enjoy stories for women filled with romance and a hint of mystery.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G255V8D7
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Russell M. Holstein, Ph.D. LLC
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 12, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 346 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8218862565

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories, 2nd Edition by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

 

Positive Psychologist, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is back with another story for women that centers around love, relationships, sexual energy, and forging ahead into the future. 

Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories finds three friends--Gloria, Mary Beth, and Evelyn--rooming together in New York City in the fall of 1960. As they navigate college life and explore physical relationships with the men in their lives, their emotions are a mix of anxiety, excitement, fear, and wonder. As the story flows between past and present, the reader travels alongside these three women coming of age in a world that offers so much while still limiting their options. 

I had the pleasure of editing Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories. What I've always appreciated about Dr. Holstein's books is the high energy that she brings to her work, exhibited through engaging characters one enjoys getting to know. Drawing on her own experiences of coming of age in the 60s, Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories explores the fun and challenging aspects of college-age women living in New York City, having the freedom to love themselves, to find love with others, to immerse themselves in a diverse, fast-paced location, and to discover that all of life has a bit of mystery to it. 

If you're looking for a fascinating, quick read, pick up Women's Freedom: Unfinished Love Stories.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FFNJZQ62
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 25, 2025
• Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 380 KB
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled 
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled 
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 93 pages 

I read this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription. This review contains my honest opinions, which I was not compensated for in any way. 

Editor's Thoughts: For Seniors Only - Nostalgic Stories of Love, Family and Relationships by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein & Debbie Storz Higgins

 

Since I worked as an editor and contributor to this collection, I didn't feel it appropriate to review this book of stories about love, family, and relationships. Instead, I'll give you some insight into how For Seniors Only - Nostalgic Stories of Love, Family and Relationships came about and how we put it together. 

During the pandemic, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein and Debbie Storz Higgins, along with some others, took to telling stories on Old Time Radio. Without censoring or format, they wandered through different aspects of their lives, from personal relationships, to memories of days gone by, to silly stories of moments they had been caught up in. 

Last year, Dr. Barbara, who I consider a dear friend, approached me about compiling the stories into a collection meant to warm the heart and make you smile. Debbie and Barbara have some wonderful stories. We all led different lives, but we were able to find a connection in all our stories. And as a special treat, readers will find a story by Barbara's mother, Bernice Becker, included. 

You can read more about Dr Barbara, her books, and her films at www.enchantedself.com

Now Available! For Seniors Only - Nostalgic Stories Of Love, Family and Relationships by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein & Debbie Storz Higgins

 Now available!

This delightful collection of stories is one that I had the opportunity to edit and also contribute to in a small way as a guest on one of the shows. I've been a fan of Dr. Holstein's for years, having featured and reviewed several of her books. Would love for you to check this one out.

During the pandemic, my friends and I took to telling stories on Old Time Radio. We let the words flow without much censorship or format, wandering through various aspects of our lives, from personal relationships, to sharing touching and funny memories of days gone by, to silly moments we've been caught up in. We hope the stories warm your heart and give you something to smile about.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CKD8WNNH
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbara Becker Holstein (October 4, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 52 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1736786296
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1736786291

PURCHASE HERE!

From tweens...to teens, right into womanhood. I have been a positive psychologist in private practice for over twenty five years. In the course of working with my clients, I originated the idea of THE ENCHANTED SELF, a positive psychology therapy where I teach people how to recognize and utilize their strengths, talents, skills and even lost potential.

I teach and educate about happiness and how to benefit from positive psychology in ways that let us lead lives of meaning and happiness. Thank you for stopping by. -Dr Barbara

You can find me at

www.enchantedself.com

www.thetruthforgirls.com

www.newshortfilmthetruth.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetruthforgirls

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/barbarabeckerho/

Twitter: twitter.com/truth4girls

YouTube: Barbara Becker Holstein

First Chapter Review: Next Year in Jerusalem! by Barbara Becker Holstein

This is a romance, mystery and spiritual awakening novel by positive psychologist Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein. I became familiar with Holstein's work when I read her book for girls, The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything. I read the sequel to that book, in addition to other books Holstein had written for women. She submitted the first chapter of Next Year In Jerusalem! for me to review.

BLURB:  Natalie and Maggie, best friends since college, find themselves in the romantic, mystical and intriguing city of Jerusalem when Natalie's husband, David, takes a short sabbatical there.

The appearance of Jack, a diamond dealer and Natalie's old boyfriend from college, creates tension and arousal for Natalie. Will she do things she will come to regret? Maggie meets Jack's friend: tall, dark and handsome. What about her boyfriend back home?

Meanwhile, a mysterious woman named Chaya Sarah soon captivates both women with spiritual experiences. However, her actions and secrecy about herself baffle them, and they become concerned that Chaya Sarah may be involved in more than meets the eye. The mystical energy of Jerusalem along with the reality of terrorism compounds an already intense experience for both women.

COVER: I love everything about this cover. The two women, the setting, and the color scheme. The rich burgundy color is a beautiful contrast against the warm beige of the buildings and the pale sky. The gold dome attracts the eye.

FIRST CHAPTER: Natalie has the next four weeks off to spend in Israel. She feels her freedom already. A headline from the New York Times catches her eye. The article draws Natalie into the past and the mystery that surrounds it.

KEEP READING: Definitely. There's a fair amount of mystery and intrigue in this first chapter. The chapter opens with Natalie thrilled to be free, but we don't know what that means. Free from her daily life? Free from her job? Free from her husband? Free from all three? So, the reader is enticed to continue. Though the chapter is short, it's filled with important details. The article on terrorists Natalie reads in the paper reminds her of her past: college, her friends, and former boyfriends. Her eagerness over traveling to Israel is slightly tempered by the anxiety over her safety while there, but she is determined to go.

Other than an overabundance of exclamation points, I love the style of this first chapter and want to know what happens next.

Paperback: 132 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Self Press (September 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979895235
ISBN-13: 978-0979895234

I received this first chapter from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Book Spotlight: Next Year in Jerusalem! by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

You may be wondering why I chose the title Next Year in Jerusalem! for my new novel.

Why not Forbidden Romance or Romantic Travel or Spiritual Awakenings or Lust, Memories and Old Friends on Facebook? After all Natalie and Maggie are two women, both caught up in issues that many of us face: a somewhat dull but faithful husband; a bad marriage leading finally to a divorce; a desire for adventure; unsatisfied spiritual longings. They have a great friendship with each other, something research keeps confirming, keeps us young and emotionally happy, but life is far from easy for either women.
So again, why would I focus on a strange title that comes out of a book written thousands of years ago?

Here is one of the reasons. Next Year in Jerusalem! is actually a phrase that shows up at the end of the Haggadah. Those of you who are not Jewish may wonder what that is. The Haggadah is a book that the Jews have used for thousands of years to celebrate and relive the Passover experience. Many people know that the central theme of the story is how the Jews, who were slaves in Egypt, were finally able to escape and began their long journey of 40 years to get to the promised Land, which was Israel. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that this theme is universal and can be taken metaphorically for all of us. That is why when the Haggadah ends with the fourth glass of wine being drunk, and the words, Next Year in Jerusalem! the phrase becomes so significant.

Read an excerpt!

Natalie didn’t tell David (her husband)about her other dream, the one about Jack, the Jewish fellow from Chicago who’d been around to save her from despair after she decided she wasn’t moving to Iraq. A diamond salesman, Jack now lived in London and traveled back and forth to Israel all the time.

Natalie prided herself on staying in touch with lots of people from her past. Jack was one of them. Occasionally they e-mailed and he’d friended her on Facebook two years ago. Although they hadn’t written recently, if he read her Facebook page he would know she was going to Jerusalem. What if he tried to see her? What if there was still an attraction? Would she tell David? Would he care? Would she act out?

Her life with David was so good and stable and predictable. And boring!

Did I just say boring?

No, she must have meant solid. Or did she mean solid?

Oh, I’m a wreck. I’m miserable and I can’t sleep, she continued to obsess. What about that cute secretary at the college? The one who has a sparkle in her eye whenever she talks to David? How old is she? Forty-two? Divorced and sexy. How would I know if something’s going on there?

I’m going crazy lying here, she began again. Where’s the Xanax? Already packed. Oh, that was dumb.

Purchase Next Year in Jerusalem at Amazon!

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known positive psychologist, inspires thousands with her ENCHANTED SELF®. Around the world people benefit from her techniques to enhance well-being, and to live up to their potential. Known for her ability to make complex psychological concepts easy to understand and to implement, she has now turned her talents to novel writing. “A great fiction read is a great escape, and yet, it is more! It is the gateway to new ways of thinking and behaving.”

Dr. Holstein received her Doctorate in Education from Boston University and her BA degree from Barnard College. Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist and taught first and second grades. She is in private practice with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein, in Long Branch, New Jersey. Find her at www.enchantedself.com and www.next-year-in-jerusalem.com.


Her previous books include:
THE ENCHANTED SELF, A Positive Therapy
Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!
The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything)
Seven Gateways to Happiness: Freeing Your Enchanted Self.

Special Holiday Feature: How to Light Up the Heart of a Three-Year-Old Boy by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

SPECIAL HOLIDAY FEATURE

"How to Light Up the Heart of a Three-Year-Old Boy" by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, author of The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything



Parents and grandparents always wonder what will most delight their kids and grandkids. What should they get them for Birthdays? For the Holidays? Should we buy what delighted us as children? Should we really cater to their Santa or Chanukah lists? Should we go with what is ‘in’ this year?

These are important questions and all I can say, is listen to the kid even if it seems strange! We did when our grandson was three. We knew he loved to help his mother vacuum. We had noticed that many times when we visited. But it still surprised us when he asked for a vacuum. A vacuum? Who ever would want one? I would love to give mine up if someone else would just magically appear and vacuum. Why would a tiny kid want one? Wouldn’t he rather have some trucks or a train set? “No.”

All he kept asking for was a vacuum. Did toy stores even have vacuum’s for kids?

We decided we had no choice. Off we went to look. And indeed we found a vacuum that looked just like his mom’s except it was half the size. We were amazed. It was a little pricey, but hey, he is our grandson!

So we bought it and wrapped the box and appeared on Chanukah. He didn’t have a clue what we were bringing.

After lighting the candles and singing, we brought out the presents. There were a few other presents first and of course some for his baby sister who was happy to just rip off the paper. Finally the big box was brought out by his parents and handed to him. I will never forget his face when he ripped off the paper and saw a picture of a stand-up vacuum on the box. There was such joy in his eyes and his grin was as wide as could be. He looked at us with love and recognition that said that even as a three-year-old, he realized that sometimes only grandparents, not parents can really get it right. Then the magical second passed and he ripped open the box.

Soon the vacuum was plugged in and he was busy. Off in a dream world of cleaning and pushing and doing what only a kid could experience. We were so happy that we had hit it right. We kept looking at him and loving every second of his eager pretend cleaning, even though he no longer had eyes for us. He was sweet though and did turn and look at us and smile every once in awhile. Even the noise didn’t bother us-because of course, no good mechanical toy, is without its sound effects!

That was a great Chanakah!


Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self(R). She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981. She is currently in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

She is the author of The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy, Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU! and There Comes A Time In Every Woman’s Life for DELIGHT.

Her newest book, The Truth, I’m Ten, I’m Smart and I Know Everything! is another first in positive psychology. Written by a ten year old girl as a diary, Dr. Barbara has been able to imbed lots of positive truths that we all need to remember and live by, regardless of our age.

The girl’s edition, titled: The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything) debuted February 2008 in bookstores nationwide. You can get your copy now at www.enchantedself.com.

Back-to-School Giveaway - Two-pack of Books for Teenage Girls

I remember being a teenaged girl, and I certainly didn't think it was very easy. The age of twenty couldn't come fast enough. Here are a couple of books that could make those teenage years a bit easier to cope with.

The first book in this two-pack is a funny, thought-provoking and inspirational book from Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein.

Dr. Barbara has been a guest at The Book Connection in the past and we've reviewed several of her books, including this one. The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything tells the story of a young girl who shares everything she thinks and feels about life at home and at school, her dreams for the future, and her knowledge of The Truth.

You can find our review of this book here.


The second book in this giveaway is by Nikki Goldstein. Goldstein has worked as a beauty editor and writer for Marie Claire, Vogue, Elle, InStyle and Cosmopolitan. She used those experiences to write GirlForce, a modernized version of India's ancient medical system, Ayurveda, which offers a complete system of living.

You can read our review of Girlforce here.

Have a teenage girl? Know a teenage girl? Enter this giveaway and get a chance to win them some great books!

Here's how to enter:

1) Comment here with your working email address so that we can contact you if you win.

2) Get one additional entry for blogging about this contest. Leave a comment here telling us where you blogged about it.

3) Get two additional entries for tweeting about this contest. Don't forget to let us know here that you tweeted!

This Back-to-School giveaway will run from today until midnight (Eastern) on September 30th. A winner will be announced in early October.

This contest is open to all residents of the United States and Canada.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Author of The Truth

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein returns to The Book Connection today as our guest blogger. I'm sure you'll enjoy what she has to say.

It's The Truth! The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) Encourages Better Relationships Between Mothers and Daughters! By Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

Feeling safe to communicate feelings and thoughts, no matter how personal and/or negative, rather than acting them out, is very important in child and adolescent development. It is so important, that as a positive psychologist, ways of stimulating better communication is always on my mind. The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything) has imbedded in it many themes that are specifically designed to augment the success of mom and daughter sharing meaningfully their thoughts and feelings. Let's look at several:


* The Truth helps move girls, tweens, teens and their moms closer to honest communicating. Every page brings to light feelings and thoughts so universal in nature that almost any page can be used to stimulate mother and daughter via discussion, moving toward a more honest and open place with each other. For example, the universal issue of a first crush. The girl says on page 81, "I'm heartsick because I don't think Paul loves me. I send him signals all day long. I look at him as much as possible....But I have to admit I'm getting discouraged." This entry can be used in so many ways to better communicate. Mom could share her own memories of a first crush. Her daughter could share her feelings about crushes. The topic could then turn to questions and thoughts around developing physically, emotionally and sexually. The door can be left open for more sharing around this topic. And of course, the sense of shared girlhood combined with the generational sharing of being female can help to bond mom and daughter for years to come.

* The Truth gives a platform for kids to work through negative feelings about conflict and gives parents a new way of seeing conflict from the vantage point of how it affects their kids. For example, on page 22, the girl writes in her diary, "I could teach my mom and dad so much, if only they would listen....They waste so much time fighting, and before you know it, everyone's mood is sad or angry and the day is ruined." Now this is a great opener for discussion between mom and her daughter around conflict in the family. Very often moms forget, and dads also, how much a kid feels upset by squabbles in the home. Sharing when we feel upset at home and when we feel good at home, can help to make more meaningful real efforts to upgrade our behaviors by all the members of the family.

* The Truth helps girls see that they are not alone, by being able to so easily identify with the 'girl' who is sharing her most personal feelings and thoughts with them directly, via diary form. If Mom also reads The Truth and shares more of her thoughts and feelings while also listening to her daughter's 'real' voice, then as mom and daughter move through the girl, tween and teen stages together, the daughter will feel understood and will be at less risk for feeling alone. This is a critical issue in development, as it is very important for kids to feel connected and understood by family members, even as they move away from the family in so many ways as they grow. For example, a girl who feels understood by her mom, will come and talk to her if she is being bullied by another kid. This is important, as in today's world a girl living alone with her hurts and pain and fear around being bullied can be putting herself at risk. Bullying can be dangerous psychologically and physically and needs the input and help of a mother.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing how The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) can be used to encourage a better relationship between mom and daughter, augment positive family life and help in problem solving serious social issues.


THE TRUTH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR NOV '08 will officially begin on November 3 and end on November 26. You can visit Dr. Barbara's blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in November to find out more about their latest book!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner will be announced on November 30 at http://pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com/!

Recipes for Enchantment: The Secret Ingredient is YOU! by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein--Book Review

A series of entertaining and thought-provoking stories awaits you in Recipes for Enchantment: The Secret Ingredient is YOU! by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein.

This book of short stories reminds me once again why I enjoy Dr. Barbara's books. All of these stories focus on the positive aspects of life, inspiring you to do the same. You'll meet Joey, a young cancer patient whose attitude and perception of events help him to believe he'll be well again. Then there's Mr. Diamond who completed his circle of life by returning to the city he once had to flee. Read how Bernadette Hoyer's memory of a childhood pet reminded her of a great act of love from the father she had lost. And meet The Mysterious Rabbi who shows the meaning of serving others. With contributions from Bernice Becker, Leslie Brittman, Emily Doherty, Bernadette Hoyer, Doreen Laperdon-Addison, Sherri Rosen, Ellen Saposnik, Sylvia Schultz Margolin, Tzvia Singer, and Claire Wintram this story collection will find you feeling better about your life and motivated to keep finding the positive side of things.

Dr. Barbara also provides commentary after each story, exercises, and discussion questions to help you make the change toward a more positive way of life.

If you long to change your point of view, if you want to find more joy in everyday living, if you seek a life filled with ENCHANTED MOMENTS, you'll want to read Recipes for Enchantment!


Title: Recipes for Enchantment: The Secret Ingredient is YOU!
Author: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
Publisher: The Enchanted Self
ISBN: 1-58820-362-X
U.S. Price: $14.95

Look for my reviews of other titles by Dr. Barbara: The Truth, the Girl's and Mom's edition of The Truth, and Delight. You'll also find my 2007 interview with Dr. Barbara here.

The Truth: (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein--Book Review

Funny, thought-provoking, and inspiring, The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is sure to be a hit with young girls ages 8 to 14.

Based upon Dr. Holstein's women's self-help book, The Truth (I'm 10, I'm smart and I know everything), the girl's version has a hip new cover, new introduction, and new discussion questions.

The format remains the same: a series of diary entries from a young girl who shares everything she thinks and feels about life at home and at school, her dreams for the future, and her knowledge of The Truth. Young girls will follow along as this girl talks about how her parents' fighting makes her feel. They'll witness her fall in love. They'll even get to be with her as her body begins to change. And as young girls move along through two years in this young journalist's life, they will be reminded of their inner strength, their talents, and their future potential.

The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) is a book that girls and their mothers can read together. It will also make a meaningful gift for any young girl age 8 to 14.

Once again, Positive Psychologist and Happiness Coach Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein teaches her readers how to learn about themselves in positive ways.


Read my 2007 interview with Dr. Holstein here


Title: The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything)
Author: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
Publisher: Enchanted Self Press
ISBN: 978-0-9798952-0-3
U.S. Price: $6.95

Delight by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein--Book Review

More than just a collection of stories celebrating Jewish traditions. More than the personal reflections of a woman seeking to fill a void. Delight is a journey to enlightenment that you'll never forget.

In this book by Positive Psychologist Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, women can find a way to celebrate life in a meaningful way. Holstein takes readers along on a journey from her lack of involvement in the Jewish faith to her complete commitment as a member of the Judaic tribe, sharing with readers the delight she discovered in the revelation that we are all connected. And at the end of a story, Holstein draws readers into her discovery by providing them musings, ponderings, and reflections on how they, too, can discover delight.

When I read the back cover of this book I immediately grew concerned. What did a book about Jewish traditions have to do with me? Could a woman with little knowledge of Judaism and its traditions relate to any experience within its pages?

Delight had everything to do with me. And yes, I could relate--totally.

Dr. Holstein speaks with candor about what set her upon this journey, her fears, her insecurities, and how these experiences helped her to understand about the connection we have to each other. The ponderings, musings, and reflections after these stories allow the reader to fully grasp the message being relayed and provide an opportunity for her to practice learning how to find delight.

If you are seeking a way to find joy like you've never known, you must read Delight. It will help nourish your mind, body, and spirit in ways you might not expect.


Title: Delight
Author: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1-4208-2554-2 (sc)
U.S. Price: $11.95

If you liked reading about this title, you might enjoy my review of another book by Dr. Barbara, The Truth, My Secret Diary, I'm Ten, I'm Smart, And I Know Everything, which can be found at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2007/08/truth-by-dr-barbara-becker-holstein.html

THE TRUTH by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein - Book Review

THE TRUTH, My Secret Diary, I'm Ten, I'm Smart and I Know Everything by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the charming tale of one girl's view of life starting from age ten until right before her twelfth birthday. Told as a series of diary entries, the reader follows this young girl as she falls in love for the first time, deals with troubles at home, attempts to fit in with her peers, and watches her body begin to change.

Woven into these humorous and sometimes angst-filled snippets of life is a powerful message Dr. Holstein calls, THE TRUTH. As young girls we once knew all about our strengths, our talents, and our future potential. But along life's journey women have forgetten this TRUTH and replaced it with self-doubt, concentrating on where we don't measure up and putting aside the dreams we once held so dear.

Dr. Holstein helps women rediscover what they've lost in less than 100 pages of delightful diary entries from a girl who has yet to be tainted by an adult world. Immature, but wise beyond her years, this girl will wiggle her way into your heart and remind you of what it was like to be so sure of yourself.

The book also includes a set of 18 questions for discussion, making it the perfect read for any book club discussion.

Every woman needs to read THE TRUTH. It will remind you of who you once were, who you always wanted to be, and who you can be once again! And it is such a short an easy read you will want to pick it up over and over to reaffirm what you already know is THE TRUTH!

Note: Check out my August 6th interview with Dr. Holstein to find out more about THE TRUTH. Click here: http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2007/08/meet-positive-psychologist-and-author.html