Review A

I read 5 Steps to Success for Teenagers many years ago. I remember being impressed by it, so I decided to order the Kindle version to refresh my memory so I could discuss it with my 14-year-old daughter.

I found myself wishing Leo Robertson concentrated less on sharing so many stories and more on making his point. While I personally prefer a more direct approach, I have to admit that his way may very well be a better way to reach this age group.

I think I was focused more on the fun way he tried to write than on the points he was trying to illustrate. My daughter had a hard time relating to some of the stories and found them a bit boring, although again, she is only 14. I may ask her to read the book again in a year or two (and perhaps every year after that) as hopefully she will be able to relate to it better and get more out of it as she gets older.

I would recommend getting the paperback version rather than the Kindle version as there are some ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ exercises to do. Additionally, the charts in the book do not display well in the Kindle version

Review B

My wife and I believe the general ideas and concepts in 5 Steps to Success for Teenagers are a positive addition to any teen’s life. We started reading this book as a family and then having general discussions on goals and behaviours for success as discussed in the book. I think this approach is a great way to get teens interested in identifying what they want and then developing an action plan for success based on their wants and interests.

If your teen doesn’t enjoy reading or is hesitant about self-reflection, then having them read and discuss just a chapter or two every few days is a good way to make the task easier. Be consistent with this or they will just lose interest. And remember: they will probably open up and share their thoughts more freely with you if you stay quiet and encourage them to figure out for themselves the kind of life they want to live

Review C

My son is highly intelligent but I needed something to help him understand what makes a person effective and successful in life. As he matures and heads off to high school very soon, this book should prove to be very helpful to him. I feel it is a wonderful resource for parents and teachers to share with all teens. The world is big and changing so fast. Let’s equip them in every way we can. There is also an accompanying workbook that you can purchase. I cannot recommend this book enough, and not just for teens. The principles detailed in this book would be life-changing if you applied them to your own life as well (that’s the hard part!). A lot of the problems faced by teenagers in society today could be fixed if everyone took to heart the advice given here.

Review D

I am a huge fan of Leon Robertson. I own almost every book he has ever written. When the school principal suggested we get students to read ‘5 Steps to Success for Teenagers’ I was excited. I always like to see teenagers read something that can be of practical value to them.

The first warning bells went off when the author stated that he speaks as a ‘retired teenager’. Umm, NO! Once you’re not a teenager, you should not speak as one. Teenagers and adults are of two different generations with different life views. The book seems to be written in the voice of the typical teenager who has done all the right things. Some teens are not typical, and I think it would have been better to have the advice come from an actual teenager as opposed to a ‘retired’ one. That would have made the book easier for teens to relate to.

source: Online