Nick Pollard is a specialist in sixth form moral and religious education and this book is based on his experience of working with teenagers in schools and colleges. It examines issues associated with today's youth culture. Chapters cover the use of drugs, the soaring rate of self harm, eating disorders, sexual activity, etc. Many books have been written on this topic but I found Nick's approach to be stimulating and challenging. The reader is encouraged to look beyond some of the superficial explanations for adolescent behaviour such as peer pressure, self image, boredom. His personal knowledge of so many young people's dilemmas and problems is combined with an under-standing of the development of Western thinking. In this way he sets these issues in the context of a post-Christian society in which belief in absolutes has been rejected, and scientific determinism has eliminated the belief in free will and hence responsibility for one's actions. He demonstrates how self image is now derived from the temporary icons created by society rather than from a belief in the absolutes associated with faith in God.

The final chapter is a challenge to the reader to respond to the needs of today's teenagers and those of the generations to follow. The task is twofold. The first part is to get alongside teenagers, to listen, and to begin to question the basis of their beliefs and choices. Secondly, Christians need to engage with our society so that belief in a Creator and Father God can replace the nihilism of post-modernism.

This is a book which will set you thinking, whether you are a parent, someone who works with young people, or are just wanting to understand the issues which face teenagers today. The analysis is lucid and pertinent. The only criticism would be that the final chapter is too brief to do justice to the challenge he outlines in it. When will you be writing the sequel, Nick?

Reviewed by
Elaine Crutchley
(Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Guildford)