This book is a collection of letters from famous and successful women to themselves in their teens and early 20s. Featuring women like Magali Amadei (an actress/model who struggled with bulimia as a teen), Vida Khadem (a film-maker/artist) and artist Tara McPherson, If I'd Known Then is a great collection of advice for a huge range of problems - from following one's dreams to stories of escaping physical abuse, to dealing with the traumatizing death of a friend. I found the book inspiring, yet occasionally cliche. Several women I knew by name interested me greatly, but some of the letters were repetitive and dispensed only "run-of-the-mill advice": "Don't let anyone tell you your dreams are wrong", "Follow your dreams at all costs", etc. Some of the advice, however, felt touching and close to the truth, from women who had gone through adolescence and college.
I would definitely recommend it - it's a great idea and a great book.
Details:
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press (April 21, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0738211206
ASIN: B001L5T2DY
