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13 Is The New 18 - And Other Things My Children Taught Me While I Was Having a Nervous Breakdown Being Their Mother
by Beth J. Harpaz
Crown Publishers
ISBN 978-0-307-39641-9
Published January 2009 - Hardcover - 273 pages - $23.95

Although I don't have children, it doesn't mean I'm immune to the behavior or misbehavior of teenagers.  I've seen, heard, and been on the receiving end of arrogance, know-it-all jibes and looks, and teenage disdain and disbelief that there are other people around besides their royal selves.  Beth Harpaz's own experiences with her teenage son, which she eloquently conveys in her book, is a humorous (you gotta have a sense of humor about everything) look at her child's antics and his life at age thirteen.  I think she has the right approach - if you can find the funny side of adolescents, and if you can gather the incidents together, write about them and share them with the world, why not?  The kid may hate what you're doing now, but in later life he'll live off the royalties, provided your book sells well of course.  We've all seen the solitary teen walking around in the hippest garb, or the group of rowdy teens beating their chests to the world, so you're bound to recognize much of what Beth went through with her son.  She talks about her worries about him possibly smoking, hanging out with the wrong crowd, leaving clothes lying around, sex, and the Internet.  (Read and enjoy her experience with Facebook.)  Beth, like so many moms with challenging adolescents, should realize that they are NOT Terrible Mothers.  I have to say though, I'm very glad I didn't have kids.
Conclusion - A funny and amusing look at the challenges today's parents have to put up with.  It ain't easy and it ain't all bad.