Book Review - Surviving Puberty Erecting Your Future and Making the Breast Decisions

Surviving Puberty – Erecting Your Future and Making the Breast Decisions by Chad Bishoff is a book that asks the question, “Does puberty really end?”

Chad introduces himself as a young man who grew up in Omaha, NE from a middle-class home and a Catholic upbringing.

There is something that goes on during the ages of puberty that our minds do not quite understand. Even as adults it’s hard to really grasp all these changes and explain all the “why’s” concerning our thoughts, our actions, and even our behaviors. Chad Bishoff’s book is one-of-a-kind since he actually reverts back in time by prying open his most treasured journals during his pubescent years.  A brave and bold move indeed and does not disappoint its reader.

The book goes back and forth between Chad’s perspective as a young man in his late 20’s and actual journal entries from his past. This juxtaposition allows the reader to learn more about who Chad is as an individual and also as any other man or boy in the world. Chad assured us that the names have been changed to protect the guilty.

It’s hard not to think back on your own childhood as you read through the passages of his journal. Many references to pop culture’s past will find you trying to remember where you were when “this” movie was released or when “that” song was playing on top-40 radio.

The book is certainly not intended for children but rather for adults who either share these types of experiences like other men or, for mothers who have a son or a growing young man in their lives. In fact a mother may gain a new perspective into what types of thoughts her son is experiencing and may even discover that those thoughts are not much different when compared to her own formative years.

The most obvious topic that permeates the pages of this book is sex. As one can anticipate the desire to gain a girlfriend and engage in sexual activities is a dominate theme inside the cranium of a pubescent boy. Chad reveals his sensitive side as well, expressing a yearning for a serious, committed relationship.

Another theme that came to my mind while reading this book comes from the story of  Sisyphus, from Greek mythology about the man who would push a boulder up a large hill only to find when he reached the top it would fall back down again. Chad's book reminds us to remember that we are always learning and always wanting more . There is a value in being able to look back at your life and having a greater understanding of your experiences.

PROS: The book provides insight and humor into the life of a young man who shares all the dirty details of his young-self growing up. It's interesting, not boring; it's a very quick read and keeps you entertained. There are a few parts that might make you feel embarrassed or even cringe but, this can be considered a pro rather than a con. A good book elicits emotion.

CONS: It was a quick read and I found myself wanting more.

To order your copy, click here and you can pre-order this book. It will be released in honor of National Honesty Day, April 30th.