Garden writer, speaker, and empowerment coach, Cynthia Brian, was thrilled when the book she co-authored with Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, hit the New York Times best seller list. But she’s more excited to be extolling the qualities of the thirty-eight contributors to her newest book, Be the Star You Are! for TEENS: Simple Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning, and Leading because the majority of the stories were written by teens, about teens, and for teens. Olesya Rulin, actress and star of High School Musical 1, 2, and 3 said about the new book, ” I wish I would have read this when I was a teen. It would have encouraged me to let go and be me. Individuality is crucial in life. This book helps explain why it is so important to stay true to yourself.”
It’s tough being a teen in the 21st century. With so many restrictions, requirements, and reality television obsessed with cultural messages focused on fame, fortune, beauty, and sex, it’s no wonder teens feel helpless, hopeless, and stressed out. Cynthia has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to encourage young people to reach for the stars through her coaching for acting, media, speaking, writing, and life challenges. In September of 1999, she founded Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity to empower women, families, and youth through improved literacy, life skills, and positive media. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its’ founding, Be the Star You Are! for TEENS will be released with all proceeds benefitting the charity.
Be the Star You Are! for TEENS is a refreshing escape from sermons and rules. Instead you’ll read real life stories with real issue tools. Each easy to read short chapter is jam packed with simple strategies that you can implement immediately to survive and thrive. The book encourages you to embrace your individuality, find your passion, and ignite the flame that burns brightly within. “Teen peer pressure is undeniably stressful. In this book, Cynthia Brian provides stories and tools that will help teens honor their individuality and uniqueness while learning to deal with peer pressure in a positive way,” stated Patty Hansen, author of Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul and many other books.
Teens from around the country make their writing debut in this book. In addition, renowned best selling authors such as Dr. Bernie Siegel, M. J. Ryan, Libby Gill, and C. Hope Clark have also contributed stories. The chapters called Gifts of Appreciation, Daring, Dating, Financial Literacy, Love, Leadership, Faith, Thanksgiving, Adapting, Choice, Support, Differences, Forgiveness, Happiness, and Healing were all penned by San Francisco Bay Area teenagers and writers, many of them volunteers with the charity, Be the Star You Are!®. “My goal has always been to be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage when it comes to helping others be the stars they were born to be, “ states Cynthia Brian. “I urge you to live your dreams and never settle for less. The techniques and principles in our book may not eliminate all of your pressures or frustration, but you’ll learn how to cope with courage and face challenges with humor and self-confidence, “ she continues.
The book has garnered rave endorsements from educators, authors, celebrities, and CEO’s. One of the favorite reviews came from the pro-surfer and teen inspiration, Bethany Hamilton, who suffered the loss of her arm from a shark attack. Bethany wrote, “When I read a book it has to be like talking to a friend…this is it! Made me smile and surf a bigger wave!”
Whether you are a teen looking for answers, a parent, teacher, grandparent, or advisor searching for communication guidance, Be the Star You Are! for TEENS is a teen survival guide with pro-active positive steps in learning to major in success. Cassidy Freeman, Star of CW’s SMALLVILLE feels this book has an important message for all. “I think being a teenager has always had its challenges, now maybe more than ever. It may seem hard sometimes to follow our intuition over the crowd, but it’s when we feel our best…which is why I’m glad there’s a book to help people of all ages realize that joy is more important than status and absolutely no one is better at being you.”
Cynthia shared, “I’ve always strove to help young people uncover their inner genius. And as a woman who loves to garden, my real goal was to grow people.”
Be the Star You Are! for TEENS is in full bloom. Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 charity. (www.bethestaryouare.org)
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Be the Star You Are! for TEENS by Cynthia Brian with 38 contributors
304 pages, Morgan James Publishers
Teen/Young Adult $17.95 ISBN: 9781600376320
Starstyle® Productions, LLC
PO Box 422
Moraga, Ca. 94556
www.bethestaryouare.com
Cynthia@bethestaryouare.org
To book interviews with Cynthia Brian or any of the thirty-eight contributors, please contact Cynthia Brian at 925-377-STAR or Cynthia@bethestaryouare.org.
A 10th Anniversary celebration and book launch is planned for Sunday, September 13, 2009 with the BOOKS AND BANDS BASH. For information, visit www.bethestaryouare.org or contact Event Director, Emily Weber, email: emilyweber2@comcast.net
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