Book review : Essential life skills

 Name of the book: ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS FOR TEENS | 13 DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE YOUR CRITICAL THINKING, MANAGE YOUR TIME BETTER, SET YOUR SMART GOALS, AND NAVIGATE SOCIAL MEDIA SAFELY 


Author: DAVID SKIDDY


Year of publication: 2022


Book review 


The book is very simple to read and framed in a well designed way for young readers to read. It has 6 main influential topics covered that includes;


Thinking skills

Problem solving 

Goal-setting 

Money management 

Time management 

Social media etiquettes 


These topics are the need of the hour for all the growing adults of tomorrow that is the teenager's of today. 


In short, the first chapter explores the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking. Critical thinking is the way we look at a situation thoroughly and evaluate soundly to make a decision. The steps involves as follows; 


Identify➡️research ➡️recognise ➡️inference ➡️relevance➡️curiosity 


On the other hand creative thinking is thinking outside the box which entirely different from the aspects of overthinking. This chapter includes the ideas and benefits on how to think different and light ways to go ahead.



The second chapter, is about problem solving.The content by the author is very unique unlike the other self-help books. The basic technical information on the difference between simple problems, complex problems, complicated problems and chaotic problems are well explained and narrated with examples and easy understanding for younger readers. This also involves little activities for the reader to ponder upon.


The simple strategy for problem solving involves;


Identify➡️ plan➡️ action➡️ check results 



The third chapter goal setting on SMART goals and how young people lack in the this process. The essential tips on long-term, short term and daily goals are well explained and makes the reader put their thinking caps into action.


The fourth chapter is money management. Though this chapter is quite interesting but not for the global readers. Some pointers like blogging, recycling and YouTube are only applicable to global readers. In countries like India the other money making methods are not encouraged to teenagers as Indians consider preparing for Entrance examination is more crucial. Other aspects like saving money, depositing money, GISS method and 50/20/30 method is an eye opener to young people on money management skills.


The fifth chapter is time management. The ideas of managing time between important, urgent and needs and wants are clearly described to the reader. It also includes the long-term and short term to do lists to be prioritized and structured. This chapter includes unique ways of time management to the readers. Read the book to find out more.


The final chapter is all about social media awareness. The positive and the negative sides and how our mental health is essential to be taken care of. An extract from the book;


Also, the author emphasises the difference on the terms misinformation, disinformation The term misinformation is used to describe content that is false, but which has not been created with an intent to trick anyone; it's by accident–not that that makes it any less dangerous to believe or share. Disinformation, on the other hand, is false information that has been created to manipulate and deceive–usually to promote a certain agenda. 


Finally the book concludes with external resources like fact checkers links, YouTube video links and brain games links. 


Critiques of the book 


The book is designed well yet some more examples and life stories of teenagers could have been included. As the book involved the event of one young lad and the same example was carried throughout the book on analysis.


The money making methods is not applicable to global readers but probably restricted to western countries.


The book promises in the beginning that, The purchase of this book includes goal setting, time management and budget worksheets. Though it is included in scanning the QR code or visiting the website is little disappointing after the pros and cons of social media discussed.


Overall, it is a good book to be referred and read forth. A good gifting option as well.



Rating: 7 / 10

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