Gail B. Slap and Martha M. Jablow. 348 pages. New York: Pocket Books; 1994. $14.00.

Living with a teenager in the 1990s can be challenging; parents often feel inadequately prepared to cope. However, this new book on adolescence is not just another "how to" book. It is a contemporary guide, written to help parents and teenagers understand the biological, psychological, and social changes experienced by youth growing up in today's fast-paced world.

The scope of this book is broad. The text is divided into five sections that address major issues in adolescence, ranging from maturational and psychological changes to medical disorders, which are discussed in a somewhat abbreviated compendium. The book's major focus is on health maintenance and prevention.

The extensive clinical experience of the authors is apparent, and they have produced a well written and highly readable text. Their approach is consistently humane, sensitive, and supportive of the family. Brief clinical examples and vignettes illustrating typical teenage concerns are smoothly integrated into the text. Attempts have been made to demystify medical terminology; the authors have even included a glossary.

Problems such as sleep, chronic conditions and disabilities (including mental subnormality) in teenagers, risk-taking behaviors, and patient consent and confidentiality deserve special attention. Depression and suicide, which is the second leading cause of death in this age group, are given serious attention and will be of particular interest to parents concerned about their teenager's emotional health.

The authors have not avoided sensitive or controversial issues. A section on reproductive health offers an understanding approach to sexuality and sexual behavior tempered with concern about prevention and future reality. Guidance about the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and human immunodeficiency virus infection are accurate, sensible, realistic, and honest without being "preachy." However, the problems of divorce and single parenthood and their effect on teenage health have, disappointingly, been given little attention. Chapters on the medical disorders of adolescents are factually informative and presented with the social and mental health needs of the patient in mind.

This book is meant to stimulate parent-adolescent communication. Although written for teenagers and their parents, it should be required reading for all professionals and others who wish to improve their understanding of and their skills in dealing with this age group. The price makes it a bargain. This book is a welcome addition to adolescent medicine and is highly recommended.