Project Inspired - Book Review

I'm all about empowering girls to be true to themselves and not conform to whatever standards society sets forth, especially when it comes to the oversexualization of girls in magazines, books, TV shows, and movies. It's hard to tell young girls that they don't have to be "sexy" to have worth when that seems to be the only message conveyed to them through all forms of media.

So that's why I chose to review Nicole Weider's book Project Inspired: Tips and Tricks for Staying True to Who You Are. The book is based on Nicole's website, Project Inspired, which gives inspiration and life advice to Christian girls.

But after reading it, I was really torn. The first four chapters are all about fashion, beauty, and looking your best. I agree that you feel better about yourself when you look good, but "looking good" is subjective. Girly-girls might like the beginning of this book, but I really can't see "tomboys" taking a shine to it. And because this is a book based on Christian principles, it's a little awkward to be spending so much time on appearance and then quote 1 Samuel 16:7 a few chapters later: "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

I also wasn't fond of using the story of Esther in these chapters without really going into what Esther's story was. If you just read this book and not the Bible, it basically seems like Esther dressed nice and got the guy!! Oh, and she also used clothing to save the Jewish people. But the King picked her, you guys! OMG!

I also cringed when the author wrote that TV shows such as 19 Kids and Counting and Duck Dynasty were models of moral television, but how dare Danny Tanner from Full House not commit to his girlfriend Vicky. And don't watch horror movies or shows and movies that promote witchcraft. Come on. Can't we all agree that witches aren't real? No one can really perform magic. Not even David Copperfield. And if you have a problem with Harry Potter simply because he wields a magic wand, then I think you need to lighten up.

I just don't feel like boycotting Harry Potter or Full House (quite possibly THE most wholesome show of the '90s) is really promoting the message of Jesus. If you don't want to watch these things, that's fine. But don't make it the pillar of your Christian message. Too often Christians get hung up on "This is bad" and "You can't do that" but fail to show what is GOOD and what you CAN do.

While there were a few good points about friendships and relationships, I was a little disappointed that this book seemed to barely scratch the surface. It was a little too "Rah-rah God! Everything will be sugar and candy when you believe in God! Just look at my life! It's great!" But that isn't the reality of being a follower of Jesus at all. There's a lot more to it than that.

Also, are there books like this for teen boys? Why are girls being told how to act and what kind of guy they should wait for, but boys aren't being told how to act like those "good guys"?

I don't think I would give this book to my daughter (if I have one).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”