Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

isufreak24 · 11-25-2009, 09:03 PM

I'm a 20-year old brother of one, and I want to get her something for Christmas that has the potential to make a positive difference in her life (in a way that a gift card to American Eagle won't do).

Naturally, I thought the wisdom contained in a book would make it a great idea. Now, to find a good one...

Notes: I absolutely love Steve's book, but I don't know if she's at a high-enough maturity level yet where she would actually take something from it (or actually want to read it). Same goes for Walden and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance , some of my favorites that she probably isn't ready for quite yet.

If it was a brother of mine, I would seriously consider The Art of Manliness: While I haven't read it yet, if it's anything like the blog, it would be a GREAT coming-of age male resource.

I want something (fiction or non) that will be of interest to her (a typical 16-year old American girl), but at the same time will push her to think in a new way and develop as a person. If you have any suggestions, thank you very much in advance!

-Blake

CoolBee · 11-25-2009, 10:20 PM

What a thoughtful brother

When I was 16, I treated myself to a copy of the Cosmopolitan Handbook (A Survival Guide for Young Women) - however that was 1976, aimed at a UK audience, and the world has moved on. However, it covered the main areas - finances (how to budget, get / cope with loans, mortgages, credit cards ), relationships (where to get help if needed), health (things to be aware of, what to look out for, where to get help), diet and fitness, some careers stuff.

I do recall I loved that little book and turned to it many times over the next few years.

PS _ I remember one of the best pieces of careers advice I ever got from that book "one company's senior clerk is another's VP - don't be fooled by job titles'.

vertanno · 12-01-2009, 11:09 AM

Practising safe sex by Kerry Katona

hawkal · 12-01-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertanno

Practising safe sex by Kerry Katona

HAHA!

I did this for my sister for last Christmas, she is terrible with money so I though I would get her a book about money aimed at people of her age group. As far as I'm aware she's never read it.

People don't want what they need, it's the same with my dad. He gets stressed out very easily so I thought I would get him a book about relaxation techniques. I knew he didn't want it from the moment he opened it. Even though he had told me times before he has difficulty relaxing. Oh well.

isufreak24 · 12-01-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkal

People don't want what they need

I'm fearing this could be the case here. Thanks for the suggestions though folks!

newmark · 12-01-2009, 10:36 PM

Why don't you ask her?

isufreak24 · 12-02-2009, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmark

Why don't you ask her?

I did a while back. She wants a gift certificate to buy more clothes, which is no big surprise (though she certainly doesn't need any).

I was just hoping I could find a gift that would mean more and better help her in the long run than a gift reinforcing materialism.

isufreak24 · 12-02-2009, 12:49 AM

I've been trying to help her develop better money management skills, and I'm thinking that The Richest Man in Babylon would be a great resource to at least point her in the right direction.

Maybe I'll combine it with a gift card to Hollister or some place like that, and imply that the gift of clothes is conditional upon her actually taking the time to read the book.

iDreamCatcher · 12-02-2009, 01:50 AM

If you're all in self-help stuff - that's wonderful.

But why are you looking to make a present that would help her to "get fixed" ?
She doesn't want to get fixed - she is perfect - she is full of energy - she is a growing flower!
Give young woman something she'd feel great about - something she'd feel happy and cool about - something she'd be proud to brag to her friends about.

Leave the boring new age crap to yourself.
When she'd be 45 - re-ask this question. Or maybe she will regarding present to you

Lovingly,

Gleb

JAX · 12-02-2009, 02:07 AM

I think it's a great idea.

My suggestions:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
It's a great story that has some cool inspiration and growth mixed in, but won't hit you over the head with it.

The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
A great book of poetry on many life topics.

It's great to share inspiring ideas, sometimes you just need to be creative in how you present them.

Plays With Life · 12-02-2009, 03:15 AM

I wonder if Way of the Peaceful Warrior would be good. It's really easy reading. I found it pretty fun.

Plays With Life · 12-02-2009, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAX

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
It's a great story that has some cool inspiration and growth mixed in, but won't hit you over the head with it.

Ditto on this one. Another easy, fun read.

isufreak24 · 12-02-2009, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plays With Life

I wonder if Way of the Peaceful Warrior would be good. It's really easy reading. I found it pretty fun.

Funny you should mention that! My mom actually gave that too me last Christmas. I could suggest it to her, but I might get a stern look on Christmas morning if I were to re-gift then.

isufreak24 · 12-02-2009, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDreamCatcher

If you're all in self-help stuff - that's wonderful.

But why are you looking to make a present that would help her to "get fixed" ?
She doesn't want to get fixed - she is perfect - she is full of energy - she is a growing flower!
Give young woman something she'd feel great about - something she'd feel happy and cool about - something she'd be proud to brag to her friends about.

Leave the boring new age crap to yourself.
When she'd be 45 - re-ask this question. Or maybe she will regarding present to you

Lovingly,

Gleb

Thanks for your input Gleb. Though I do have high expectations as a big brother, I try my best to avoid the "get fixed" behavior that is likely to be received poorly (and for good reason).

In addition to wanting the best for my little sis, I'm just fed up with the materialist nature of the holiday season. For those two reasons, I want a non-conventional gift that means a lot more than the latest fashion or hottest tech item.

Any ideas on the something that a young woman something she would feel "happy and cool about"?

Plays With Life · 12-02-2009, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isufreak24

Any ideas on the something that a young woman something she would feel "happy and cool about"?

Isn't that driving age?

She'd probably appreciate a hot pink corvette.

isufreak24 · 12-02-2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plays With Life

Isn't that driving age?

She'd probably appreciate a hot pink corvette.

Did I mention that I'm a broke college student? haha

Plays With Life · 12-02-2009, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isufreak24

Did I mention that I'm a broke college student? haha

Hot Wheels pink corvette?

quin · 12-02-2009, 08:56 AM

A friend bought me The Tao of Pooh when I was in my late teens. I loved it!

Lauxa · 12-02-2009, 03:48 PM

If she is into clothes and fashion and appearances, maybe just focus on that for now. I mean, to look good you have to take care of yourself, work out, maintain good posture, good hygiene. When you see yourself in the mirror and you look good, it give you a boost, makes you feel more happy and confident. It can flow into a lot of other areas of your life. If you focus on what she likes, it will come off as more supportive and less preachy.

I haven't read books like this, but I surfed over to Amazon and found this one -- Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better than Everyone Else

cacheborn · 12-02-2009, 04:26 PM

I thought Zen and art of.. was a good choice, maybe little too serious.
Another good one is The Little Prince. Ok, not very funny but forces you to stop and think.

Plays With Life · 12-02-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lauxa

I haven't read books like this, but I surfed over to Amazon and found this one -- Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better than Everyone Else

Haha.

At least the title would get some laughs.

I'll have to check that one out.

ssandra · 12-02-2009, 05:36 PM

If you really want to give her something meaningful and at the same time probably piss her off.... plant a tree in her name

Mogget · 12-03-2009, 12:42 AM

How about Illusions by Richard Bach?

11-25-2009, 09:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
isufreak24 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 48	Book ideas for teenage (16) girls... I'm a 20-year old brother of one, and I want to get her something for Christmas that has the potential to make a positive difference in her life (in a way that a gift card to American Eagle won't do). Naturally, I thought the wisdom contained in a book would make it a great idea. Now, to find a good one... Notes: I absolutely love Steve's book, but I don't know if she's at a high-enough maturity level yet where she would actually take something from it (or actually want to read it). Same goes for Walden and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance , some of my favorites that she probably isn't ready for quite yet. If it was a brother of mine, I would seriously consider The Art of Manliness: While I haven't read it yet, if it's anything like the blog, it would be a GREAT coming-of age male resource. I want something (fiction or non) that will be of interest to her (a typical 16-year old American girl), but at the same time will push her to think in a new way and develop as a person. If you have any suggestions, thank you very much in advance! -Blake

11-25-2009, 10:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
CoolBee Family Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,044	What a thoughtful brother When I was 16, I treated myself to a copy of the Cosmopolitan Handbook (A Survival Guide for Young Women) - however that was 1976, aimed at a UK audience, and the world has moved on. However, it covered the main areas - finances (how to budget, get / cope with loans, mortgages, credit cards ), relationships (where to get help if needed), health (things to be aware of, what to look out for, where to get help), diet and fitness, some careers stuff. I do recall I loved that little book and turned to it many times over the next few years. PS _ I remember one of the best pieces of careers advice I ever got from that book "one company's senior clerk is another's VP - don't be fooled by job titles'. Last edited by CoolBee; 11-25-2009 at 10:43 PM. Reason: add extra to the title + PS

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12-01-2009, 11:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
vertanno Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 98	Practising safe sex by Kerry Katona

12-01-2009, 10:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
newmark Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Taiwan Posts: 683	Why don't you ask her?

12-02-2009, 12:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
isufreak24 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 48	I've been trying to help her develop better money management skills, and I'm thinking that The Richest Man in Babylon would be a great resource to at least point her in the right direction. Maybe I'll combine it with a gift card to Hollister or some place like that, and imply that the gift of clothes is conditional upon her actually taking the time to read the book.

12-02-2009, 01:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
iDreamCatcher Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 421	If you're all in self-help stuff - that's wonderful. But why are you looking to make a present that would help her to "get fixed" ? She doesn't want to get fixed - she is perfect - she is full of energy - she is a growing flower! Give young woman something she'd feel great about - something she'd feel happy and cool about - something she'd be proud to brag to her friends about. Leave the boring new age crap to yourself. When she'd be 45 - re-ask this question. Or maybe she will regarding present to you Lovingly, Gleb

12-02-2009, 02:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
JAX Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 94	I think it's a great idea. My suggestions: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho It's a great story that has some cool inspiration and growth mixed in, but won't hit you over the head with it. The Prophet by Khalil Gibran A great book of poetry on many life topics. It's great to share inspiring ideas, sometimes you just need to be creative in how you present them.

12-02-2009, 03:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
Plays With Life Family Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sitting by the fire at the Inn of the Last Home Posts: 5,799	I wonder if Way of the Peaceful Warrior would be good. It's really easy reading. I found it pretty fun.

12-02-2009, 08:56 AM	#18 (permalink)
quin Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 178	A friend bought me The Tao of Pooh when I was in my late teens. I loved it!

12-02-2009, 03:48 PM	#19 (permalink)
Lauxa Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,545	If she is into clothes and fashion and appearances, maybe just focus on that for now. I mean, to look good you have to take care of yourself, work out, maintain good posture, good hygiene. When you see yourself in the mirror and you look good, it give you a boost, makes you feel more happy and confident. It can flow into a lot of other areas of your life. If you focus on what she likes, it will come off as more supportive and less preachy. I haven't read books like this, but I surfed over to Amazon and found this one -- Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better than Everyone Else

12-02-2009, 04:26 PM	#20 (permalink)
cacheborn Family Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6,439	I thought Zen and art of.. was a good choice, maybe little too serious. Another good one is The Little Prince. Ok, not very funny but forces you to stop and think.

12-02-2009, 05:36 PM	#22 (permalink)
ssandra Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mexico City Posts: 11,168	If you really want to give her something meaningful and at the same time probably piss her off.... plant a tree in her name

12-03-2009, 12:42 AM	#23 (permalink)
Mogget Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 184	How about Illusions by Richard Bach?

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

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