Girl Stuff By Kaz Cooke

There was always a time in a young girl’s life when she has had one of those embarrassing girly talks with her mum, or even worse- the creepy P.D.H teacher. Well there will no longer be those awkward silent moments or beating around the bush when you want to ask someone who is keyed in on all the girly facts of life- whether it be questions about your menstrual cycle or tips on how to win over that hottie in class- this book has it all. Yes girlies, Girl Stuff is the bible when it comes to being a young teen girl, and it’s as easy to access as mug shots of Paris Hilton!

This fab book is a four part know-how on the extremities of teen-hood.

It includes:

• Part 1: Body- Change, Skin, Hair, Food, Move, Shape
• Part 2: Head- Brain, Feelings, Drinking, Drugs, Confidence
• Part 3: Heart- Family, Friends, Love, Sex, Caring
• Part 4: Info To Go- Schoolwork, Work, Savvy, Body Maintenance, Mind, Health, Pregancy Money Shopping Clothes and Make-up The F Word

Seriously, with a list this long and topics this specific, who the hell needs the internet! You can stash it under your pillow, under your bed, in the draw of your desk, or where ever is convenient for you. Hell, if you needed to I'm sure you could fit in on a shelf in the fridge! The best thing about this book is that you don't have to read it from cover to cover, you just skip to the sections that you need advice on or are interested in learning more about.

BB rating: 5/5

The Rest of Her Life By Laura Moria
Allen & Uwin

Imagine being in your final year of school, with your entire future excitedly in front of you, the opportunities endless and then something happens that changes your world, your future and you forever. The unthinkable happens to Kara – a popular 16 year old, who has her sights set on College and a bright future. That’s until one fateful day after school she runs over and kills a fellow student. She is not speeding, she is not drunk. She is distracted by her friend, an overly excited stray dog they have found, and her mobile. A mistake that anyone can make but a mistake that has far-reaching and everlasting consequences on so many lives.

This novel is gripping and emotive as it takes you through the roller coaster journey of a family faced with a nightmare situation. You experience Kara’s mother’s pain – pain for her daughter but also guilt and extreme pain for the mother of the girl killed. You experience Kara’s pain as she faces the fact that she has been responsible for ending a young girl’s life. This is not a light read but it is a compelling read. There is no happy ever after but more an insight into how the human spirit copes when curve balls intercept your life path. None of the character’s lives are ever the same again but their journey is insightful.

BB rating: 5/5