Fun to read, interesting to do, generating some really deep thoughts, and fine for individual study or for group work, Becoming a Young Woman Who Pleases God is truly a multi-purpose study. Author Pat Ennis has years of experience teaching young women in High School and College. In this book she uses that expertise to portray the senior high school year of one student and the spiritual growth which can ensue. The best way to introduce all that goes on in this personal notebook (soon to become the readers personal notebook), is to use that students own words: I, Sarah Joy Abramson, invite you to read my personal notebook. Its morphed into a scrapbook of my senior year, including mementos, sample assignments, lecture notes, small-group notes, doodles, notes from my parents, and more stuff. This records my triumphs, challenges, and how I made progress in becoming a young woman who pleases God. Walk with me and see how I... (p. 3).
As the reader walks with Sarah what can be found? Character growth, friendship, beauty and nutrition, getting ready for that perfect job, living with others, life skills, style and modesty, communicating successfully, standing firm and still entertaining friends, praying, useful resources, and more. All these are tied up together in sixteen interest gripping Senior High School classes, ranging from Humanities to Work-Study.
Many significant fields are discussed each with their relevant Scripture, with wide open questions about yourself, spaces to write your own ideas, and spot-on prayers. These fields include: usable, valuable rules; guides for living this modern life such as smart eating and healthy self-image; the correct way to write a consumer concern letter; wise decision making; to believe or not believe labels on clothes and other consumer goods; wardrobe planning; cleaning your tongue; family life; developing a gentle and quiet spirit; and, a Scripture-based list (reader fills it out with her own thoughts) about the ideal man.
While teachers and parents will consider this a worthy book, its trendy format and modestly contemporary wording will get the Senior High student agreeing and wanting to read it. The theme of Becoming a Young Woman Who Pleases God is growing a biblical worldview. Sarahs challenge is, I dare you to check out what I discovered? Look through my papers...and come up with your own findings for your life (p. 4). This book will make a good study for individuals and for classes in school, church, clubs, etc., as well as morphing into a good reference for ongoing growth. Much of the data, though deliberately aimed at young women, is good lesson material for any age Christian seeking to make their whole life one lived for God. Donna Eggett, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
