Amy R. Carpenter - Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adults Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety

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In our post #MeToo world, where discussing sexual assault is finally acceptable and information is increasingly available, Be Strong, Be Wise paves the way for a new conversation by helping the reader ask the essential question, What does sexual assault mean to me ? Interweaving real-life vignettes and sobering statistics within the context of our current social and political environment, Carpenter dives deep and helps create a personal connection to the complex layers related to all aspects of sexual assault. As a college professor, I highly recommend this book you wont just learn something new about sexual assault, youll learn something new about yourself.

Cathleen Ferrick , college professor and parent

As a college student, the fear of sexual assault is real. In a society where sexual violence seems almost normal, Carpenter offers us a place to go from being afraid, to being aware. She brings us to an understanding that these attacks are anything but normal and gives us the tools to prevent them. Be Strong, Be Wise is eye-opening, relatable and empowering.

Crystal Baughman , college student

Be Strong, Be Wise has given me a type of third eye I never knew existed. I am more aware than Ive ever been of my own being, my surroundings, and my safety. The set of tools that Amy Carpenter lays out for her readers have helped me to improve my own confidence and remind me that I can be a strong woman in a mans world. As a college student and aspiring writer, I found this book inspiring, beautifully written, and thoughtfully presented to young adults of any gender. Now that Ive read this book, I feel more equipped than ever to tackle this world without doubting my worth, power, and ability to say no. It also gives me hope for the next generation of students who will get to use these tools and, hopefully, create a new era of equality.

Mary Carlson Wanjiru , college student and blogger

As a college instructor, I interact with young people every day who are hungry to discuss the complexities of sexual assault, yet dont know where to begin. Be Strong, Be Wise opens the door to practical and inspiring conversation about sex, friendship, crossing the line, and how to advocate for yourself and your friends. Every young person should read this book before setting foot on a college campus.

Amy Amoroso , college instructor and parent

I wish that I had been fortunate enough to have a resource like Be Strong, Be Wise when I was in my teens and twenties. It is a short, easy-to-read, non-preachy, and highly informative tool kit for protecting oneself against sexual assault. I am tempted to leave a copy or two in every cafe or club that I know young women and men frequent, or stuff a copy in a family members or friends suitcase for college. Sexual assault can mark someone for a lifetime. One can be lucky or be prepared in their efforts to avoid that trauma. Be prepared with this book.

Rita Saliba , lawyer, writer and parent

As a college counselor, I found Amy Carpenters book provided helpful and essential steps for navigating our rough cultural waters. Stories and statistics demonstrate the vulnerability of college girls today. This book pictures the safe passage to stronger, healthier, beautiful selves. A skilled therapist (who has taught this subject in high school) the author draws on her own story, along with the experiences of her many clients, and careful study, to provide what most of todays media miss. Beyond the reports of sensational news, distress and complicated litigation, she offers practical help for young women, men and the LGBTQ community in facing themselves, supporting their friends, and dealing with the enticing digital world. Be Strong, Be Wise is a must read for students, parents, clergy and educators.

Gail Borgman , college counselor and parent

Be Strong, Be Wise talks to youth in stunningly obvious truths about how we all contribute to an unsafe society and how we might begin to change these patterns. Clear, concise intelligence cuts to the quick with real stories as testament to how easily people of any gender become sexually damaged goods in plain open sight. Amy Carpenters accumulated wisdom from twenty-five years as a psychotherapist clusters forthright questions for her readers to consider, reflect upon, and in answering, grow their street smarts. Well researched, its a must-have survival guide for young people of all ages!

Kate Campbell , teacher, artist, and parent

As a psychologist and mother of two teenage boys about to leave for college, Be Strong, Be Wise is an invaluable resource to help young women and men navigate the complexities of social and sexual situations in order to prevent and protect themselves from unwanted sexual assault. It is written in clear, straight-forward language that interweaves real life vignettes, statistical data, concrete strategies, thought-provoking questions, practical guidance, and vital resources that make this book a must read. It will absolutely better anyone, young or old, in knowing how to keep themselves safe.

Dr. Nina Silberman , psychologist and parent

Be Strong, Be Wise completely removes the stigma around opening a dialogue about sexual safety. The book champions personal empowerment and presents practical tools to employ safe habits when in social situations, as well as in personal and intimate relationships. Amy Carpenters writing has a friendly, candid tone and she uses relatable examples of real-life social situations coupled with thought-provoking questions. As she states: The point is to be aware not afraid. In no way does the book discourage the reader from making the most of college and having a good time. As the father of two young men, ages sixteen and eighteen, I found the information in the book invaluable as I anticipate my sons heading off on their own, not only with regard to college situations, but as they enter into a life outside their home for the first time. Be Strong, Be Wise is now required reading in my house, as it should be wherever young people reside.

Thomas Downey , actor and parent

Being a school counselor and a mother of two collegeaged women, I found this book worth its weight in gold! Amy Carpenter has eloquently presented a topic that is pervasive and complicated. By connecting directly with her audience in a relaxed and familiar manner, Carpenter has created a clear pathway to accessing personal strength and wisdom, giving the reader power to make decisive choices in messy situations.

This book is an invaluable resource for all.

Jenny Roberts, school counselor and parent

Be Strong, Be Wise is a valuable guidebook for students that addresses sexual assault in a way that makes a difference. With twenty-five years as a psychotherapist and having personal experience with trauma, Ms. Carpenter offers easy, precise, and to-the-point prevention tips that help keep young people safe. As a teacher, I recommend this book to both students and educators. It offers to meet students where they are at, helping them to become informed rather than live in fear.

Josephine Grace , teacher, author, and speaker

It is refreshing to read a book that talks honestly and directly to young adults and teenagers about how to navigate social and sexual situations. Ms. Carpenter does this without undermining their savvy and intelligence by combining personal stories with statistical data. What she reveals and offers is concrete solutions to some of the toughest situations young people face, daily. The thoughtful and inquisitive questions she asks the reader throughout the book can help young adults begin, and continue to have, thoughtful conversations about their sexual/social lives.

Carol Morrisson , artist and parent

Be Strong, Be Wise is an important book for the #MeToo era. While Carpenter has written this manual for college students, every person can benefit from the examples, tools, and strategies she lays out. This guide to sexual safety is a quick read that first focuses on knowing who you are and how you react in tense situations. It then suggests what you can do to keep yourself and your friends safe. She also tackles what to do if an assault occurs. Be Strong, Be Wise is a fabulous resource and well-worth the read.