Project Inspired: Review and Interview

Nicole Weider is on a mission: to help young girls avoid the traps that culture sets. The trap that baits you into thinking you must sacrifice your self-worth in order to be beautiful and popular. Nicole launched Project Inspired in 2010 (www.projectinspired.com), a website for teen girls that analyzes pop culture and explores ways girls can live in their authentic beauty.

In Project Inspired, Nicole shares tips for you to stay true to yourself—to how you were created to be—as well as how to dress modestly yet fashionably, how to make a positive difference in the world, and how to enjoy your teen years while standing firm in your faith. With photographs, real behind-the-scenes stories from inside the fashion world, and an honest look at living a life that looks great on the outside and feels great on the inside, Project Inspired is a book you’ll turn to time and time again.


What I Like: From the very beginning of the book Nicole Weider, tells her testimony of being a young model in Hollywood and the pitfalls she faced in the "glamour" of being famous. So from the start she lets us know that she can actually relate to young girls trying to fit a mold, be liked by her peers and the desire to pursue a life she wanted.

I was a little weary about a book that focused on appearance but the book delves into feeling good about yourself within in a simple and easy for girls to understand. Nicole offers scripture, fashion tips, and everything a teen girl talks about with her friends and thinks about when she is alone, but with a faith filled heart. It reminds me of a teen magazine with depth and scripture.

I teach high school bible studies and a recent lesson was all about personal appearance, so I took Nicole's book into class. The girls went wild for the book and I was pleasantly surprised.

I had the pleasure of conductin an interview with author Nicole Weider and you can read it below!

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 12-18

Publisher Info: Zondervan; 2015; ISBN:978-0310749394; Paperback, 168 pgs., $17.99

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Nicole Weider Interview 

CCBR: Hi Nicole! Congratulations on your new book, Project Inspired! I had the pleasure of reading it and was pleasantly surprised. In the beginning of the book you give us your testimony. Could you tell the moms out there a very condensed version of who you are?

Nicole: My testimony is pretty crazy to say the least! I wasn't raised in a Christian home, and I didn't have faith in my life. My family and I lived in Salem, Oregon but I always wanted to move down to LA to pursue modeling more full time. I moved when I was 16, and my agency bluntly told me no matter how thin I got, my body type wasn't made for high fashion- but it was great for lingerie and swimsuit work. I was a lingerie model for several years, and I thought it would be a glamorous experience, however it was the opposite- it was destroying my self esteem and my self worth. After a series of coincidences and bad circumstances, I fell into depression and wanted to get out of the modeling industry. Thankfully, my best friend Christina is an on-fire Christian and she was the one who encouraged me to go to church with her. She prayed for me continually, and told me how God could use my experiences for His glory. I gave my life to Jesus when I was 23, and it was the best decision I've ever made. After I became a Christian, I knew I wanted to share my testimony with people to warn them about the dangers of Hollywood and the destruction it can be, along with the hope of Jesus Christ and how He saved my life.

CCBR: I also had the opportunity to visit your website (www.ProjectInspired.com) and really liked it. Could you tell us a little about the site and how the book and site differ?

My book is different from the site because I share my best fashion secrets and skin care advice, how I knew my husband was the one, and so much more. I also answered the top questions I get from girls on everything from depression, to bullying.

CCBR: Here at CCBR we love books that are not just "clean" books but also spiritually filled. While reading Project Inspired, you talk about turning to self help books when you were in need of comfort but never really find it that way. How important was it that you include scripture and biblical principles in your book? 

Before I became a Christian, I didn't know where to turn to find hope and inspiration. I thought turning to self help books would be what I needed, when in reality nothing I could read would satisfy my soul unless I turned to God. After I made the commitment to Jesus and I saw firsthand how he transformed my life, I knew only God could save people from their doubts of self-worth. It was incredibly important to me that the book was based on Biblical principles and scriptures, along with covering all of the issues that teen girls want to know about.

CCBR: You are also a contributor for the NIV Bible For Teen Girls (Read our review HERE). Tell us how that came about.

Nicole: It was an incredible honor and privilege that Zondervan wanted to use excerpts from my new book in the teen Bible. It was completely unexpected, and it is such a blessing! I also consider it a God-incidence (what I like to call a coincidence, but not really because God orchestrates everything) that a page from my book is across from my favorite scripture which is Matthew 7:7 "ask, seek, knock." God is so loving, and He amazes me every day.

CCBR: So I know you are busy and I am sure somewhere one of our reader's kid is yelling for Mom, so I have just one more question. Why is Project Inspired good for our teen girls?

Nicole: My book is a great resource for teen girls, because I feature almost every topic that the girls ask me. My book is unique, because it's a Christian book while still encompassing things not usually talked about in the Christian genre such as what everyday wardrobe basics, how to combat acne, finding the perfect jeans, and so much more. I also weave in my personal story, along with sharing the Biblical stories and how they relate to our modern day world.

CCBR: Thank you so much for spending some time with CCBR. 

Fashioned by Faith

Fashioned by Faith, written by international model Rachel Lee Carter, offers a wonderful resource for girls seeking to know what God says about fashion, beauty and modesty. The author fluidly combines Bible study with her personal journey of understanding God's perspective on these issues. Teens will enjoy reading stories of relationships, international travel and behind-the-scenes tales of modeling, all while being challenged toward spiritual growth and application of greater knowledge of God's Word.

Each chapter offers a common format.

• he says - a real guy's perspective on female fashion, modesty, purity, and what he looks for in a girl
• she says - the author's testimony of struggle, triumph and biblical insight related to the chapter topic
• He says - God's perspective on the topic
• what do you say? - a question and answer section providing readers the opportunity to interact with the text and note their thoughts and impressions

Some of the key discussions involve the supreme importance of inner beauty and how to develop godly character; eating disorders; dressing for your body type; how to define modesty; how to apply modesty to high fashion and swimsuit seasons and how fashion choices can influence relationships. A common theme throughout is that what you wear matters. Readers learn that it's not just about them and what they like; their fashion choices affect others and can influence their testimony and reputation for the good or the bad.

The book includes a 45-day Bible study at the back, perfect for group or individual use. A 16-page insert includes color photos of the author on and off the job. Captions provide explanations and additional tips on style dos and donts.

What I Like: Just about everything! It draws from several sources, all of which influence women, be they teens or adults. The is an attractive book with an appealing format. The personal stories and photographs from the author only add to the impact of her message. I love the solid Biblical principles taught and how the author consistently reinforces her points with Scripture references and quotations. This is no shallow Bible study! The author gets into the nitty-gritty issues and exhibits a thorough understanding of Scripture. I like how she pushes readers to internalize and interact with the lessons through journaling, independent study and prayer time.

What I Dislike: I like the "he said ... she said ... He said" format, but the order seems to place guys' opinions higher than the author's or God's. I would have preferred a look at God's Word first, then her take on it and finally reinforce those with the real guys' testimonies. This is so minor, though, that it doesn't affect my overall rating.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 13 and up

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2011; ISBN: 1400316928; Paperback; 224 pages; $14.99

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This book is also available in Kindle format for $8.99.

Special Info: The author is a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute and speaks at women's and youth conferences throughout the United States. Learn more about her and her ministry at www.ModelingChrist.com.

A Guy's Guide to Life: How to Become a Man in 224 Pages or Less

If you are looking for a last-minute gift for that hard-to-buy-for teen boy on your list, Jason Boyett's A Guy's Guide to Life: How to Become a Man in 224 Pages, may be a fun choice. Boyett uses humor, faith, research and frank language to sensitively handle a wide spectrum of issues teen boys are interested in. Boyett speaks directly to guys on issues ranging from how to knot a tie, to how sex works, to developing meaningful friendships.

This book is organized into three sections. Section one explains the working of a guy's mind, and covers topics such as stereotypes and peer pressure, communication (with parents and girls), dating, and being a gentleman. He advocates listening to and respecting parents, staying away from "danger zones" on dates (empty houses, movie theaters, etc. . .) and holding doors open for anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Part two is labeled "Body," and gives detailed instructions about grooming and clothing, exercise and healthy choices. This section also contains a "Sex Chapter" where Boyett explains how sex works and discusses how Christian teenage boys should view sexuality and dating.

Boyett discusses masturbation, pornography and oral sex in this chapter. While he has no problem with hand-holding and kissing, Boyett defines any other sexual behavior as "sex," which should be reserved for marriage. He explains pornography is never positive, and can become an addiction. About masturbation, Boyett says, "God created your sex drive, but it is doubtful he intended masturbation to be a good use of it." However, he also says most teens will struggle with it, and he warns against carrying "the kind of guilt that, if it continues to fester, can drive a person away from God." Step to Manhood #52 is, "Deciding to hold off on having sex until you're married and sticking to that commitment no matter how tempting things get." He also discusses what to do if you have already gone too far.

The last chapter in this section is a refreshing and empathetic look at the emotional and physical changes teen girls are going through.

"Part Three: Soul" discusses faith, family, friends, your neighbor and the future. Boyett explains what it means to follow Jesus and live in His grace. He also recommends boys volunteer, contribute to church, and consider service or mission projects. He makes a compelling case for attending college, whether in an Ivy League setting or community college. Especially helpful are Boyett's ideas about how to pay for college, and think about your future.

What I Like: Guys will appreciate Boyett's clear explanations and conversational tone. He treats readers as intelligent, mature teens, capable of using straight-forward information to make wise choices.

Boyett is unequivocal about his faith, but he relates to teens, and never preaches, but instead, comes alongside the boys he is writing to.

I also like Boyett's humor. While we don't usually use the terms "boobs" and "butt," reading them in his book, along with his funny commentary, could lighten up awkward topics. I can imagine appreciating a good laugh here and there, if I was reading this with my son (in several years!)

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 13 and up (and parents)

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2010; ISBN: 978-1-4003-1595-6; Paperback, 209 pages, $12.99

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Special Note: Boyett explains a very strict version of "courtship" but is more in favor of dating, with hand-holding and light kissing (as opposed to "deep, open-mouthed" kissing) allowed.

Glamour: On the Runway

Written by Melody Carlson, author of more than 200 books, Glamour is the fifth "On the Runway" book. The series follows two very different sisters with one big thing in common: their TV show about fashion. Paige is older, charismatic and thrives in the spotlight, while Erin is more reserved, conservative and striving to live out her Christian faith.

This title begins shortly after Paige becomes engaged to designer Dylan Marceau and just before the girls' mom gets married. Conflict arises when Paige invites Dylan to stay at their townhouse when their mom leaves for her honeymoon and ultimately moves in with her new husband. Erin is clearly not comfortable with the situation, but Paige refuses to relent.

Beyond trying to accept her sister's life choices, Erin also needs to tip-toe around her best friends. Molly is a Christian, but pregnant, unwed, and not exactly the best confidant. Blake, also a Christian, clearly wants to progress his relationship with Erin beyond "just friends," but Erin's not so sure. While her views on premarital sex are crisply defined, Erin unwittingly waltzes a gray area of relationship boundaries with Blake.

Things at work become more difficult, too. The show has more than its share of drama when a reality star releases her new swim line, then the sisters take the crew to a week-long fashion show in the Bahamas. In the midst of all this, Erin becomes privy to serious and secret health issues with their producer, Fran. Because Fran has no family or close friends around, Erin takes it upon herself to care for her, which becomes an increasing burden.

Erin struggles to find her place in this world of TV and fashion while seeking earnestly to live out what she believes to be true, in spite of the ridicule she receives. Her pursuit leads to new friends, stretching endeavors, and even a path toward eco-fashion, a line that may have a place, even for her. Now if she could just figure out the rest of her life ...

What I Like: This is a well-written easy read, perfect for lazy summer days. I appreciate the assertion that Christians can have a place, though be it small at times, even in the most "secular" of industries. I really liked the one character, Rhiannon -- a strong character worthy of imitation, and would have liked to see more of her. She was a bright beacon in an otherwise worldly collection of characters.

What I Dislike: This is definitely not a stand-alone book. I started reading without researching the title (I don't like spoilers) and was completely lost for the first 80 pages or so. Without the back story of the first couple books, I didn't know who these characters were, their relation to each other, how old they were, or why the publisher targeted a Christian teen audience. (The material seemed very mature for teens, perhaps better suited for college-aged readers.) While I quickly grow weary of repetition in book series, a quick recap would have been helpful for new-to-this-series readers.

I felt uncomfortable with the obvious isolation of the main character, both in her relationships and her beliefs. I would have liked her to have a little more support, but instead she was made to feel like a freak and a prude, even by her own mother. This does little to encourage readers to stand up for their faith, morals or integrity.

Finally, I just struggle with the main premise of this series. Girls naturally fight against the materialism of fashion while seeking healthy body and self image. I've seen the pressures already hit my seven-year-old daughter! I don't see how books like this alleviate that pressure. In fact, it seems to serve the contrary. This book features a character who has not yet fallen victim to those traps, yet throughout her journey, she gets sucked in more and more until she actually "enjoys" it. I'm not saying we can't enjoy fashion, but why change her? She was fine being herself without an obsession for expensive clothes and brand name styles.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: Young Adult -- While the main characters are upper teens, I feel the content is better suited to college-aged readers rather than high school students.

Publisher Info: Zondervan, 2011; ISBN: 0310717906; Paperback; 224 pages; $9.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $4.99!OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.99 for paperback or $8.99 for Kindle.

Special Info: Parents should note that, while none of these topics are the main point of the book, it does include premarital sex, teen pregnancy, and under-age drinking.

See our reviews of other books by this author, including another book in this series: Rendezvous.

The Christian Girl's Guide to Style

"The Christian Girl's Guide" series offers seven books to target young teens' greatest concerns. This volume -- The Christian Girl's Guide to Style written by Sherry Kyle -- encourages readers to "create the most stylish YOU inside and out!"

While each chapter focuses on a different element of style -- clothes, hair, accessories, skin care, etc. -- every chapter maintains a consistent format.

• A Bible verse introduces a short fictional story (2-4 pages).
• "What Do You Think?" encourages readers to interact with the stories by answering specific questions in the provided space.
• Sidebars offer style tips, encouraging Bible verses and "Did You Know?" facts.
• "Ask Kelsey" features Q&A.
• "What Does the Bible Say" quotes several relevant Scripture passages for meditation.
• "Letters to God" offers a written prayer from one of the story's characters and a prompt for readers to write their own.

All chapters also include either a "Try It!" or a "Make It!" section. The "tries" feature activities to do in the book, such as a crossword, word scramble, or accessory match-up. The "makes" provides step-by-step crafts like a "decoupage painter's hat", "confetti nails", or "shirt pillow." These fun activities encourage skills of painting, cutting, even sewing.

What I Like: This book is great. It's thorough and written at an age-appropriate level. Both the content and design -- which is peppered with simple illustrations by Anita DuFalla -- appeal to the target audience. The activities are highly varied and creative. I was quite impressed. And the Scriptural emphasis pervades every chapter. I love that!

What I Dislike: The coin purse that accompanied the book broke within minutes of reaching my seven-and-a-half-year-old's hands. It's a novelty and a cute sales ploy, but the poor quality definitely disappointed me and my daughter.

As for the book itself, there's not much to dislike! A few of the verses don't quite match the stories and seem a bit out of context, but overall I think this is a great resource, albeit far from timeless. Styles change so very quickly, I wonder if and when updated editions will be planned.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Legacy Press, 2010; ISBN: 1584110902; Paperback; 192 pages; $9.99

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Danika's Totally Terrible Toss

Part of The Secret Keeper Girl series, Danika's Totally Terrible Toss: The Legend of the Purple Flurp, written by Dannah Gresh, introduces readers to twelve-year-old Danika. Though adopted from China (along with her foster mom-now-grandma) when she was four, Danika now lives in Ohio. She really wants to be popular, but she also wants to be a good friend -- two desires that don't always mesh well. Something else she wants: to be crowned Miss Teeny Pop. Unfortunately, on the day of the pageant, all three of these desires collide.

While sitting at the "popular" table she intentionally snubs her best friend and then accidentally tosses her mom's famous "Purple Flurp" (Danika's favorite dessert) all over the lunch aid. This lands her in three days of detention and possibly out of the pageant.

In detention, Danika revives an old friendship and builds some new ones. The four girls start a "Secret Keeper Girls Club" and set off on a journey of discovering what true friendship is all about. Following the advice of Proverbs 13:20, the girls, led by Danika and a favorite teacher, take walks with some wise people to learn what their club rules should be. These set the stage for some learning experiences and the foundation of healthy, lasting relationships.

Bonus features include sidebar "bubbles" throughout the text that invite readers online for extras (like the recipe for Mrs. McAllister's famous Purple Flurp or a craft to make "sweet pens") and discussion questions with space for journaling at the back.

What I Like: The pages are all printed in purple! While this is not my favorite color, it definitely sparked my daughter's interest. The book is an easy read; it's fun and entertaining. This book wisely handles trials common to all middle school girls without sounding preachy. It opens avenues of conversation by showing kids that adults do understand, that we've been there and gone through the same things.

I really like the bonus material -- especially the additional resources available on the web. The website (www.secretkeepergirls.com) is packed with fun stuff, including SKG (Secret Keeper Girl) events and tips for starting your own friendship club. It also offers excellent resources for moms who want to protect purity, promote modesty and help girls to not grow up too fast.

What I Dislike: No one gives credit to the Bible for the Proverb upon which the club is based. It isn't until readers reach the questions at the back of the book that they realize this is more than just good advice -- It's actually God's Word. The dialog was trite in some places and dated in others. The overuse of exclamation points annoyed me. Also, I found Danika's wealth off-putting. Maybe many 12-year-olds can relate to someone whose parents have housekeepers, personal assistants, private dress designers, BMWs, and marble-columned mansions, but I wouldn't have been one of those. I struggled to believe that someone that materially rich would have difficulty being popular.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Moody Publishers, 2008; ISBN: 0802487025; Paperback; 110 pages; $7.99

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You can also get this title as an e-book for $4.79.

Special Info: See our review of another book in this series: Just Call Me Kate. The author of both books is a forerunner in the fight to protect girls' purity in our less-than-modest society. Learn more about her, her other books (which include novels, devotionals, and nonfiction books), events and what she's doing toward this effort at www.purefreedom.org.

Beauty and the Pig

In today's world, young ladies are bombarded with messages about outer beauty. Beauty and the Pig, by Pam Forster, is a collection of Bible studies about the difference between outward beauty and true inner beauty. Not only will young ladies learn about beauty, they will also learn how to do an in depth study of God's Word. Mothers can do this book together with their daughters as well.

There are ten studies:

Beauty and the Word – Proverbs 11:22, studying the origins and meanings of the words in this verse

Beauty and the Pig – Further study of Proverbs 11:22 using a concordance such as Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Beauty and the Pit – Proverbs 22:14, comparing the "strange" woman to the virtuous woman

Beauty and the Drip – Proverbs 19:13, learning to use a concordance while studying the contentious woman

Beauty in the Heart – I Peter 3: 3-4, learning to study a passage of Scripture and marginal references

Beauty and the Feast – Esther 2:20b, studying the book of Esther chapter by chapter

Beauty on the Move – I Peter 3:6, studying Sarah's life and character

Beauty in the Works – I Timothy 2:9-10, modesty and adornment

Beauty and the Fool – Chapter study of 1 Samuel 25:3a and 33, Abigail had beauty with discretion, Nabal was a fool

Beauty in the Gates – Proverbs 31:10, 30; Ruth 3:11, studying the life of Ruth

What I Like: I LOVE this study. It is so biblical and comprehensive. I like the charts that can be filled out. There are also little activities to do throughout that make the truths clearer. At the end of each study, there are detailed suggestions for further study. At end of the book, there is a review, and a short section of questions for young men. The author notes that "young men, as well as young ladies, need to learn about godly beauty from the Bible."

What I Dislike: Nothing!

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 9- Adult

Publisher Info: Doorposts, 2003; ISBN:1891206192 ; Spiral bound, $17.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $17.99.

Special Info: This study is done in the King James Version, but the author urges readers to use their translation of choice. You can also purchase this book directly from Doorposts.

The Beauty Book

The Beauty Book, by Nancy Rue, is the nonfiction companion to the author's novel Here's Lily! Both are part of the Young Women of Faith series.

This book reiterates the emphasis of the novel: that God created all of us beautiful and our beauty shines brightest when we have confidence in Him. With a contemporary, conversational style, this book tackles hot-button issues of low self-esteem, beauty and personal hygiene. A God-focus permeates the text. The author answers questions like: Why is this important? Why does God care? What does God have to say about this particular issue?

The first chapter encourages girls to stop putting themselves down, stop comparing themselves to others and stop idolizing models and celebrities. Rather, girls should adopt God's perspective of themselves: as something beautiful He created. The subsequent chapters possess a common format and are logically divided by topic.

• Hair: Washing, brushing, styles to compliment face shapes and activity levels, dealing with chlorine, gum, dandruff, etc.
  
• Skin: washing, moisturizing, protecting (sun lotion), dealing with blemishes and make-up
• Shaving: when to start, how to do it properly, what to do if your parents say "no" or "not yet"
  
• Hands and Feet: how to do at-home manicures and pedicures properly
  
• Clothes: finding a personal style and promoting modesty
• Extremes: piercings, tattoos, radical hair choices and remembering that our bodies are the temples of God
  
• "Problem" Areas: dealing with "big uglies" like braces, glasses or unwanted birthmarks

The text includes fun quizzes, question and answer sections (featuring characters from the novel), tips for care and reasons why, as well as Biblical references and details on how this is a "God-thing." An area for prayer and journaling concludes each chapter.

Steven Mach provided the interior illustrations which add much to the overall appeal of the book. Girlie doodles and monochromatic drawings of the characters sprinkle and compliment the text.

What I Like: I really like the concept. Girls love talking beauty, but I don't know how many receive this information from parents or other Christian-based sources. This book does a great job answering questions with grace and honesty. The author places great emphasis on honoring parents. No makeup, shaving or piercings (or whatever else may be in fashion) without getting permission from Mom and Dad first. Also, no whining, nagging or going behind Mom and Dad's back. I love the constant God-focus of the book and the frequent Scripture quotations.

What I Dislike: A few of the Scripture passages are taken out of context. This occurs rarely in the 104-page book, but I believe the point could have been made without manipulating God's Word for emphasis. Also, the book is dated. This should be expected with something as dynamic as fashion and beauty. The problem isn't limited to clothing and hair styles; it also extends to the language. Phrases like "yeah, baby" and "spastic" are used much more in this book than is common today.

Overall Rating: Very good. (An updated version would be even better!)

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Zondervan, 2000; ISBN: 0310700140; Paperback; $7.99

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