BE INSPIRED

A work that aspires to motivate teens by highlighting the power of grit and perseverance in overcoming adversity.

Each of the five chapters tackles different categories of challenges, showcasing stories of triumph in the face of learning and physical disabilities, homelessness, the struggles of being an immigrant, and mental illness. A recurring theme is encapsulated early on in a quote from a teen who survived an abusive family: “I tried to take a negative and turn it into a positive.” The persistent and repetitive optimism edges into toxic positivity, however, such as with a queer teen who, thrown out by her homophobic parents, is praised for the unerring focus that led her to graduate as co-valedictorian, win acceptance to Georgetown University, raise funds for college through GoFundMe donations, and appear on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show. Excepting the chapters on learning disabilities and mental illness, the narrative largely and frustratingly lacks concrete details on how to manage setbacks and gain critical confidence and skills, context that would make the stories more useful and relatable. The selection of often incongruous stock photos and the somewhat dry, detached language also detract from the narrative. Ultimately, this work could leave ordinary teens feeling disheartened, as the approach it espouses seems unrealistic.

A lack of nuance and overemphasis on positivity undermine this work’s potential positive impact.