Y’all I really want to get this right. So, here’s how were going to do this. If you’re a teen or young adult reading this review, read on and then stop when you get bored or just READY TO BUY THE BOOK…which, if you’re anything like my teens, shouldn’t take too long. If you’re a caregiver or parent of a teen, CLICK HERE to jump down to a little extra information for you. Or, you can all just trust me and go ahead get this book. You won’t regret it.

Who is Ainsley Britain?

Ainsley is a young entrepreneur. Young enough that she understands you. Among many other things, she’s an Enneagram coach and focuses on helping you ebrace your confidence, make healthy relationship choices, and discover your identity in Christ. After DEVOURING The Enneagram for Teens, I jumped into some of her social media and a few podcast interviews, and her own podcast.

I pulled this quote from an interview with Ashley on the Fearless Founders Podcast, and I really think it just sums everything up: ‘I’m just trying to be the person I needed whenever I was younger and make a living doing so.‘ She does just this. So, y’all. She’s not your mom. She’s not all the grown ups running around trying to get inside your head. She’s just her.

‘I’m just trying to be the person I needed whenever I was younger and make a living doing so.‘ – Ainsley Britain

So what is an Enneagram and what is this book all about?

Well, I’ve heard this word for quite some time…and honestly you all probably know more about than I do. It’s kind of deep dive into all your pieces and parts and how your work – but it goes so much deeper into the WHY of it. So, it’s going to help you understand yourself, your family, and the people and your world. I think Ainsley describes it better when she says ‘it shows the box you’re in and how to get out of it.’

Each chapter breaks down each Enneagram type and all of it’s characteristics and why’s, how a person of that type might deal with life at their best and worst, and at their ‘norm’. Ainsley also shares strategies on how to avoid falling into patterns of negative behaviors and reactions to stress and anxiety. She also talks about how each type can also display characteristics of other types and how and when that happens in normal situations and in more stressful situations.

Ainsley also guides in what to do with the information she has so thoughtfully walked you through, even if you haven’t fully absorbed of it: What are your next steps? What do you do with this information? What do you NOT do with this information? And, throughout the book, very specific advice is given for each Enneagram type.

This book is written for a teen and young adult audience, not for the parents. Is helpful for the parents and caregivers to read? Sure it is! I would even go so far as to say I would recommend it. But, again, it’s not for us. There are other books out there for the parents.

Why THIS Enneagram Book and not another one?

Three reasons. It’s an easy read, it’s exceptionally positive and encouraging while also being very honest, it’s very thorough without being overwhelming:

If I’m being real, I’ve never read another one…but I can tell you… this one is legitimately an easy read. Not making that up. I checked the actual reading level. Also, I’m super tired and stressed out right now, and it was a really quick read for me…even when I slowed down to REALLY soak some things in.

Also, Ainsley is probably the most incredibly thoughtful and kind author of this kind of content I’ve ever read. It’s very brave, scriptural, honest, and the most important thing I’ve picked up to read in years. I literally want to hand a copy of this to every young person I know. You all have so many things to juggle…as much we try…no, we really do not always understand.

And lastly, Ainsley walks you gently and thoroughly through all the Enneagram types, and then delves into the subtypes and other aspects of this amazing journey…and it going to be an incredible journey. She also provides all the resources you will possibly need to continue your study including links to videos, books lists, courses, websites, etc. Some of these you will want to explore, and some you may not! This will be your journey. However, the tools will be there.

In short, you will not feel overwhelmed when finishing this book. You’ll feel understood, and maybe for the first time ever…heard and seen. And, maybe, have a little better understanding of the rest of the world. I assure you though, whatever your reason for considering this book, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Alright…That’s all I’ve got for the young folks…the rest is for what my daughter calls the Boomers…although I take great offense at that term, as I am a proud GenXer, and child of offical and legitimate Boomers. 🤣…

Caregivers, parents, etc… this section has a little extra for you…some technical stuff, and mom deep dive fluff…

Ok…Look, I’m gonna talk like I’m talking to the moms, because I am a mom…so forgive me if you’re not a mom and I say something wrong…

I was very excited to get this book to review, because, well. I have a teenage daughter. Need I say more? Even I should, I can’t. Because, teenage daughters. She might hurt me in my sleep. Just kidding…or am I? 😂. No, really… if you have one, you know…privacy and trust.. But being a teenage girl right now…it’s not easy. Let’s not minimize that one little bit, ok? It’s HARD. So, I did, and am still doing a deep dive into this book and to the author…and I’m sometimes a little prudish, and sometimes very ‘whatever’…if you relate…have at it…Like, as I type this, Alanis Morrissette is playing, but also Lauren Daigle was on two songs ago. Feel me? However, I’m not going to hand my baby girl a world of content that might mix her head up a little bit more than necessary. And let me TELL YOU. I CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS YOUNG WOMAN! She is just. All that and a bag of chips.

So, I’ve listened to podcasts, scrolled her tiktok, skimmed instagram, checked out her other books (haven’t read them…but y’all – the other book is called Don’t Date a Boo Boo Dude – I kinda was done researching when I saw that, you know?). Anyway…rest easy…she’s nothing but positive, and also think about what you’re doing and how your acting…what are you putting out in the world? So there’s accountability. So, you’re clear on the clean check, ok?

Now, let’s talk about readablity. I have enough of an education background to be dangerous….so here’s the deal there…some of our teens…I know, they struggle a little with reading…so I looking into that for you. Here’s the deal. on the actual Flesch-Kincaid scale, this hits about mid 3rd grade level. What does that mean? It’s a comfortable reading level for those that test at 5th grade or so. So, that’s great for middle schoolers and up. Ok? I can go on for hours, but just trust me. Now, I didn’t pull a large sample, just a random paragraph and threw it in ChatGTP. So, that may not be 100% accurate. I just want to assure you that most teens are going to going to have an easy time with this content.

On a similar note, Ainsley does an excellent job explaining (not overexplaining) the terminology. She is VERY relatable to the age group of the target audience and her real world examples are EXCELLENT!!

Listen, I could literally write a book about how great this book is. Seriously. I feel like I already have. Read the book. Even if your teen doesn’t, it’s so amazing. It might just help YOU understand your teens. And when you’re finished, please let me know how you liked it!

I’d like to send my TREMENDOUS thanks to FrontGate Media and Ainsley Britain for the opportunity to review this incredible book.

Much Love to you and yours!

Cindi

^{Self proclaimed Godmother of the Messy Bun Mafia.}

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Additional Sources:

Fearless Founders Podcast, Season 2 Episode 4. Karis Hortin & Austin Brooks | August 17, 2023 | Ainsley Britain | Author | Enneagram Coach | Podcast Host https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vRn4pvvUGpUXRxNhNpkNq?si=bXOAqRwQRumC5mpNm8nP4w

Ainsley Britainhttps://www.ainsleybritain.com