Q: Hello, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, and welcome to DivineCaroline. Would you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
A: I’m a positive psychologist who has been in practice for thirty years. I started writing books about eleven years ago. Currently, The Truth Series is my focus. I’ve written two books about the same girl who keeps a diary.
Q: You’re currently on an online book tour for your series with The Girl. Would you tell us about The Truth (I’m a Girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything), and Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine … Maybe?
A: Yes, as I said, the same girl is in both books. In The Truth she is eleven, then twelve. In Secrets she is very much a young teen, at thirteen. Both books have all the ups and downs of the girl’s life,. The book also shares her innermost thoughts, as she tries to handle all the events, as well as the feelings that come her way. She deals with a first crush, parents fighting, a mother suddenly pregnant, moving, a relative dying, how to hold on to the best of herself, and lots more. Each book ends with questions for the reader to answer—either by herself, just for fun, or with her parents, grandparents, teacher, etc.
Q: What was your inspiration for these books?
A: The inspiration for these books comes from my knowledge as a psychologist. We have to help to make our girls strong, resilient, and sure of themselves. This means they have to get to know their talents, strengths, and potential—and see that they have many capacities. I decided that identifying with this girl, who pours out her heart in her diary, was a wonderful way to help our kids get in touch with the best of themselves.
Q: What would you like readers to take away from your books?
A: If they are a youngster, I hope they come away feeling more sure of themselves, proud of who they are, and who they are becoming. If they are a parent, grandparent, or teacher, I hope they come away understanding more clearly how kids think and feel. Also, I hope adults and mentors will feel stimulated to remember, and share who they are—both now, and who they were growing up.
Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
A: My site for the books is TheTruthForGirls.com
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: For those of you who want to know more about positive psychology, or my other books, you can go to my main website, EnchantedSelf.com.
Thank you for your time.
