Sean Covey

Every teen in America should read this book. Highly engaging. Lays it out in a way teens can understand. Humorous, conversational tone. Starts out by describing the 7 habits of highly defective teens (which is hilarious) and leaves no opening for a counter argument. Teens who really want to change their miserable circumstances will be able to if they buckle down with this book and commit to changing themselves. The book empowers them and attempts to convince them that only by changing show more themselves and their thinking can they hope to improve their lives. If they refuse to work on themselves, then no book will work. This one is their best hope. show less

Based on his father's bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Sean Covey applies the same principles to teens, using a vivacious, entertaining style. To keep it fun, Covey writes, he "stuffed it full of cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world... along with a few other surprises." Did he ever! Flip open to any page and become instantly absorbed in real-life stories of teens who have overcome obstacles to succeed, and show more step-by-step guides to shifting paradigms, building equity in "relationship bank accounts," creating action plans, and much more.
As a self-acknowledged guinea pig for many of his dad's theories, Sean Covey is a living example of someone who has taken each of the seven habits to heart: be proactive; begin with the end in mind; put first things first; think win-win; seek first to understand, then to be understood; synergize; and sharpen the saw. He includes a comical section titled "The 7 Habits of Highly Defective Teens," which includes some, shall we say, counterproductive practices: put first things last; don't cooperate; seek first to talk, then pretend to listen; wear yourself out... Covey's humorous and up-front style is just light enough to be acceptable to wary teenagers, and down-and-dirty enough to really make a difference. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter show less

I originally read this book as a college student. I think at that point I was a tad bit too old. I have a feeling this was a book I got during a window in time where I could get books cheap on eBay. I found it recently while going through some stuff. I read it again in preparation for giving it to my nephew.
For a book published in 1998 I think it has withstood time. It does not address tech or anything specific that has come and gone since then. It addressed things that effect teens in show more every era. I appreciate the format of the book, starting with private life, then public life, tied together with how to renew oneself. It is written in a voice that should resonate with any teen in almost any circumstance. It is not preaching but rather showing the experience of other young people.
I would recommend this book, or an updated version if there is one, to any teen in your life. It makes me want to go get one of the adult versions and makes me question why I have not already done so. show less

I read Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People several years back and as a teacher I always wanted to find a way to apply the seven habits to teens. Well, Sean Covey, Stephen Covey's son did just that and in a very engaging and kid-appropriate way. Sean Covey uses examples, anecdotes, and pictures to explain the seven habits of highly effective people in very easy-to-understand language that kids will immediately appreciate and comprehend.