Supergirls Speak Out: Inside the Secret Crisis of Overachieving Girls - Softcover

"Liz Funk's refreshing candor, rigorous research, and dynamic, accessible tone help carry her important message to the young women who need it most." -- Janice Erlbaum, author of Girlbomb and Have You Found Her? "Too many young women feel enormous pressure to attain unrealistic standards of perfection in every area of their lives. The emotional toll is often damaging -- and can be life-threatening. With Supergirls Speak Out, Liz Funk performs an invaluable service by examining this serious problem and exploring what we can do to help young women lead healthier, happier lives." -- Leslie Bennetts, author of The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much? "Liz Funk exposes the dark side of high-achieving young women - and what lies behind their desire to be perfect - with sympathy and candor. Parents may freak out at first read but girls will say, 'Ohmigod, that is so true.' Supergirls will jump-start a conversation between generations that is long overdue." -- Laura Sessions Stepp, author of Unhooked: How Young Women Pursue Sex, Delay Love and Lose at Both "Liz Funk has written a smart, insightful and important book for every woman who thinks she has to do--and be--it all. Women of all ages will benefit from this highly readable, highly enjoyable read." -- Abby Ellin, author of Teenage Waistland: A Former Fat Kid Weighs in on Living Large, Losing Weight and How Parents Can (and Can't) Help "Hey Supergirls, put down next month's assignment and pick up this book instead! Liz Funk is like a wise, chatty, funny big sister. She offers indispensable advice about how to stay sane in the face of seemingly endless pressures. Read this book to put your life in perspective." -- Leora Tanenbaum, author of Slut! Growing Up Female with a Bad Reputation and Catfight: Rivalries Among Women -- From Diets to Dating, From the Boardroom to the Delivery Room

Some girls seem to have it all... The top grades The best clothes A great body A cute boyfriend But they may also have... Exhaustion Anxiety Eating disorders Crippling insecurity From grammar school girls to working women, the pressure to be perfect is spreading like a disease. These Supergirls feel the unrelenting need to succeed -- sometimes at the cost of their own happiness and sanity. A recovering Supergirl herself, Liz Funk exposes the dangerous consequences that can come from striving for perfection. By closely following five girls and interviewing nearly one hundred more, she takes us inside the Supergirl psyche, explaining the causes of this phenomenon and showing how Supergirls can let their (sleek and shiny) hair down and find some time to relax and enjoy life! With practical advice, biting humor, and the sensitivity of someone who's been through it all, Funk's Supergirls Speak Out is the absolutely necessary companion for any girl who thinks 100 percent just isn't enough.