Teenagers: A Natural History

by David Bainbridge

Book Overview

Teenagers reimagines the way people think about adolescents. No longer society's scourge and scapegoat, the teenager emerges from David Bainbridge's fascinating study as an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that evokes reverence and wonder. Bainbridge, a veterinarian and anatomist, suggests that the second decade is the most important in the human lifecycle. In lively prose, he explains the science behind the changes that occur both on the surface...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1553654374
• ISBN13: 9781553654377
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Greystone Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Insightful Examination of Adolescence

David Bainbridge has written a very readable and informative text on that time period known as adolescence. As a veterinarian, scientist, and human being - he gives a clear and sensible viewpoint of why adolescents are - well - adolescents. The writing does get quite technical, but Bainbridge seems to understand when his readers are baffled and gives clear explanations so that we continue to follow his theme. He divides the book into five areas of study about teenagers - all of which focus on the whys and hows of the human condition. I have found this an excellent text for background information for teaching education grad students why adolescents should be tolerated. Bainbridge helps us to understand the motivations of the average teenager and gives an evolutionary basis for some of the things many adults consider to be just adolescent angst. What's refreshing is that he does not come down positively on the causes of teenager behavior - but offers a variety of reasons emphasizing those which are more likely to be true. He makes no assumptions or declarations without giving us specific background research and knowledge. An excellent book recommended for anyone in the field of education who deals with teenagers, and for parents who want to know how their teen works.