49 pages • 1 hour read
Mary PipherReviving Ophelia
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher, a psychologist, examines the cultural pressures that impact the mental health of adolescent girls through essays based on interviews and focus groups. It details how these pressures can lead to struggles like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. The 2019 edition, co-written by Sara Pipher, updates this examination to include modern challenges such as sexualized media and substance use, emphasizing the need for cultural and political change to support the wellbeing of adolescent girls. Sensitive topics such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence are discussed.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia is widely praised for its compassionate exploration of adolescent girls' struggles, offering valuable insights for parents and educators. Critics commend its accessible writing and real-life examples, though some suggest it overgeneralizes. Nonetheless, it remains a significant work in understanding teenage development.
Who Should Read Reviving Ophelia?
Readers who appreciated Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher are typically interested in psychology, adolescent development, and gender studies. They would also enjoy books like Untangled by Lisa Damour and The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, which similarly delve into female adolescence and psychological well-being.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
900L