Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff: Stories of Tough Times and Lessons Learned (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Teens ranked stress as one of their top concerns (along with child abuse and STDs). Oftentimes, the pressure can feel overwhelming, whether they involve worrying about an upcoming test, competition sports, family responsibilities, dating, or more extreme issues such as depression, suicide and school violence.

Three topics are found in this book which are truly a sign of our modern times. The first is abuse, that thankfully is no longer a subject to be hidden in the closet. The second is teen depression and suicide, and the third deals with violence in schools. As a counsellor, I have seen first hand the havoc these problems can create. If you are a teen, you will realize that much of this "tough stuff" is univeral and you are not alone. It also helps if you are troubled by these issues, to discuss the topic(s) with a parent or trusted, responsible adult with whom you feel comfortable. Teens will be surprised that this is not a book which comes across as a voice of authority but, rather, one that speaks of compassionate understanding. It is highly recommended and, in my own opinion and based on feedback I have received from teens, the book is most deserving of a five-star rating.


Amazing stories   October 18, 2001
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I have read two of the other Chicken Soup books and enjoyed them very much. I have a teenager and when I saw this book I thought it would be good since we are all going through "tough times" right now. I sat down when I got home and decided to read a few of the stories and found mysled unable to stop. I cried for the girl who was made fun of and I cried for the students who expereinced such horror. But mostly I cried because I didn't have such a book to read when I was a teenager. I honestly beleive that if I had I would be a different person today. Each and every one of us needs this inspiration. Each one of us needs to remember our hearts and that we are all in this together.This book is a great tool for remembering.I suggest parents read it as well as their teens. I highly recommend it.


I Love the new Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul!   November 9, 2001
Alexandrea Elizabeth DeCorde (Monette, AR USA)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff was a book I feel all teenagers and for that matter adults should read. It really touched me. At times I cried, and at times I laughed. This book really touched home. It reminded me that no matter how bad my day was, there is someone that has gone through the same thing and maybe worse things that same day. I have all the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books and this is my favorite.

I hope others can recieve that same joy I recieved from it. This book like the others will serve as a devotional for me. Each story has some meaning or lesson that will touch home.


Please read this before buying!   March 7, 2005
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

I read this book when I was 11 years old.
It made me feel sad, but that was what it was supposed to do, right? Wrong.

The stories are very depressing; most deal with death. There are very few happy moments, and when there are, most are before a serious letdown.

Doctors diagnosed me with depression a few days after reading this.

Read another Chicken Soup Book. They're better.