Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…maybe

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
ISBN: 978-0978952-1-0
Publisher: Enchanted Self Press
Source: Pump Up Your Book

Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…maybe is the sequel to “The Truth" and is the second book in the truth series. Secrets explores the continuing diary of a girl moving into her teen-age years. This girl has plenty to fill the pages of her journal. Inside she reveals feelings and thoughts about her new school, new friends, new house, new guy and the new baby in her family. The girl has a whole new set of issues to face as she discovers the world of an almost teen. Inside she discovers a secrets she will share and secrets she will keep to herself.

I honestly don’t know which book of this series that I enjoyed more but I am leaning towards this one. Secrets simply nailed what it’s like to be a pre-teen girl, on the head. The girl shares her fears about her move and making new friends. She fears being lonely as all pre-teen girls would. She shares the anxiety of a new school and starting the eighth grade. She has anxiety about puberty and growing up. She does not wish to leave things behind but knows they can’t move on with her. Her diary reveals her lessons in responsibility, her crushes, insecurities and change in taste. The book chronicles her life as she grows up and deals with all the things young women go through during the coming-of-age part of life. The book even tackles more difficult issues as the girl deals with the loss of her uncle and a new addition to the family. It reminded me of the times in my life when I was moving, changing schools and making new friends, wondering when my period would start and worrying about it happening in front of others. It reminded me of sleepovers and secrets loves and crushes.

This novel was every bit as great as the first novel of this series. Each book tackles issues relevant to young girls as they come of age and grow up. It tackles that time in your life when you are in-between and unsure of yourself. I really enjoyed this book and would suggest it for girls ages 12 -15. The book tackles issues that girl as young as 6th grade and as old as 9th grade might be dealing with. It was a book I could easily identify with even though I am far past that stage in my life. I will keep this book for my daughters, as I am sure it will help them understand that there are others dealing with the same types of issues and help them to feel they are not alone. I really enjoyed the discussion questions that accompany this book. They are great for a girl to think about on her own or discuss with a mother or friend. They are also perfect for book groups. I recommend this novel but suggest you read book one, The Truth, first.