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School Library Journal Review

Gr 9 Up Gelinas dispels the erroneous conception that shyness is virtuous and equivalent to modestybut rather is an exceedingly negative characteristic that is the very essence of deep selfishness and self-centeredness. This is not an easy ``how to'' or prescriptive book, but is instead a somewhat formal discussion of an emotional malady that deals with the more serious aspects of this handicap. Writing in second person, Gelinas discusses the types of shyness and forms of their expressions. Case histories verging on the pathological in nature are used to illustrate the frustration, anger, guilt, and self-hate that is characteristic of the truly shy. A five-step approach to rid oneself of shyness is enumerated. The book is not written in clinical terminology; nor is it a casual discussion. It is for serious readers who wish to understand and lessen the trauma of this personality problem. Crash courses in self-improvement are included in chapters on shyness in books such as Dianna Booher's Making Friends with Yourself and Other Strangers (Messner, 1982) and Alice Fleming's What To Say When You Don't Know What To Say (Macmillan, 1982), but these do not provide insight into the roots and expunction of this unwholesome condition as effectively as Gelinas. Sue Diehl, Robertsville Junior High School, Oak Ridge, Tenn. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Although the cutesy language occasionally gets in the way (``tell the doctor to cripple that and walk it by you slow''), Carter and coauthor Monnig, who is a nurse, do have some practical tips for teens facing hospital stays. Stressing patients' rights, they begin by encouraging teens to ask questions-How much pain can I expect? What can I do to help myself get better?-and go on to tackle problems such as how to deal with the ``Gloria Glooms'' and ``Little Mary Sunshines'' who may come to visit, or how to manage with a roommate, cope with boredom, keep up with school work, and handle some of the emotional turmoil that frequently affects patients. They also attempt to remove some of the stigma associated with psychiatric hospitalization. Although the text concludes with a teenage patient's hospital diary and includes other first-person testimony, it lacks the sharply personal perspective Richter provides in The Teenage Hospital Experience (Booklist 79:489 D 1 82). And while Carter and Monnig don't shy away from the possibility of death, they employ a basically cheerful tone that supports without overwhelming patients with details. No notes; index. Gr. 7-10. SZ. 362.1'1 Hospitals [CIP] 87-16634