In an attempt to gear this book toward besieged parents, Danesi comes close to presenting a consistent philosophy on the subject of today's teens, providing valuable historical perspectives along the way.

Publishers Weekly

This book goes beyond offering information and advice. It is an invitational exploration done by a father, grandfather, and experienced researcher who knows the joys and frustrations of having raised a child through adolescence to adulthood as well as the developmental and historical explanations of adolescence. The book is full of energy-it involves the reader by utilizing the thinking and perspective of adolescents, and it engages the imagination of the reader as it explores the historical emergence of adolescence and the context of the phenomenon.

Linda Rogers, California State University, Monterey Bay

Paints a lifelike portrait of today's adolescent culture.... An enlightening look at a population that, for generations, has been seen by parents as rebellious, incorrigible or downright delinquent, which leads to the author's nature vs. nurture question.

The Plain Dealer

An entertaining, informative look at cultural differences on adolescents.

Adolescence Magazine

The anthropoligical insights supported by evidence from communication make this book unique and valuable for those who care about adolescents.

VOYA

Marcel Danesi has a well-established and well-deserved reputation for his research on teenage behavior. In his usual lucid prose, he provides an extremely compelling and informative examination of adolescent attitudes and conduct. The book's format allows the reader to understand the specific facet of adolescence under review, and the insights section of each chapter is a truly perceptive and informative analysis of each theme. Parents, educators, and teenagers themselves will learn much about the motivation and attitudes of today's youth.

Frank Nuessel, University of Louisville