The Truth about Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends, by Chad Eastham (and a giveaway!)

I recently read Chad Eastham's new book, The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends (and how not to be miserable as a teenager because life is short, and seriously, things don't magically get better after high school and lots of other important stuff, but we'll get to that later). What a long title, huh? :)

This book is geared towards teenagers and is full of relationship advice for them. It takes a look at teen dating (starting off with some statistics about our generation and actually defining "dating"), discussing the good things that can come about from dating and also the negative results from making bad decisions. It makes it clear that dating in itself isn't a bad thing, but that it's the decisions the people in a relationship make that can turn it sour.

Chad Eastham also discusses the whole concept of "just being friends," and how that could actually be a good thing. He talks about our emotions and the differences between miserable teenagers and happy teenagers. This book humorously answers all of the questions teens have about relationships, while encouraging them to make smart decisions.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I had never read any of Chad Eastham's other books, but I have seen him speak several times at the Revolve Tour and always enjoyed his talks. This book is, of course, written from a Christian moral standpoint, but it's not preachy.

I read a lot of books like this when I was 14 or 15, because even though I wasn't dating anyone, I wanted to know everything I could about guys. :) I would have loved this book when I was that age. I feel like this book would be best for younger teenagers, or for ages 14-17 or so. And even though it's perfectly appropriate for girls and guys (some parts are even directed just to guys), I honestly can't imagine a guy picking this book off of the shelf. The cover just looks a little girly, but I wish that wouldn't keep guys from reading it!

As usual, Chad Eastham is a funny guy. His writing style is really casual and relaxed, a lot like listening to him speak at conferences. He writes directly to teenagers and is in touch with what's going on in their lives. He talks about how texting is hurting our communication (I agree with that!). And he dedicates a whole chapter to the whole Twilight-based phenomenon, with hilarious looks at what a relationship with vampires, werewolves, etc. would really be like. :)

I know that a lot of you who read my blog probably don't agree with the whole teenage dating scene. Honestly, I don't think it's such a great idea, either. But not everyone feels that way, and a lot of Christian teenagers are dating. So if they're going to, I think it's great that there are books like this out there to help them make godly decisions. Chad Eastham makes it clear in the last chapter that there's no set plan that works for everybody and that you don't have to agree with everything he says.

*Note: I received this book free from Booksneeze for review. I'm not required to give a positive review, but to give my honest opinion of the book.*

Now for the giveaway!

I'm giving away this copy of "The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends," as well as Chad Eastham's DVD "The Truth About Guys." So one reader will get to read Chad's new book and actually see one of his Revolve Tour talks from a few years ago. :)

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment! Only one entry per person, please. This giveaway is open to readers in the US and Canada. You have from now until next Friday (February 4th).

*Note: the cover of the book is slightly bent and has a tiny tear near the spine. It was like that when it arrived, so I guess the postal service was a little rough with it! The DVD has only been watched once or twice and is like brand new.*

Until next time,