Supergirls Speak Out
By Liz Funk
An investigative look at a generation of over-achieving “Supergirls”—and the dangerous consequences that stem from their need to succeed—written by a nineteen-year-old journalist with a firsthand view of the widespread phenomenon.
In the tradition of bestsellers, such as Ophelia Speaks and Quarterlife Crisis, Liz Funk’s Supergirls Speak Out sheds a disturbingly bright light on a condition that is spreading quickly from Generation X to Y—and even to little girls. Funk calls this being a “Supergirl,” i.e., a girl who believes that in order to be happy, she must excel at her job or career, have the best grades, wear the coolest clothes, date the best-looking boy, and have the perfect body size.
Drawing from investigative research, candid interviews, personal anecdotes, and medical evidence, Funk discusses the dangerous effects of the phenomenon. Her book reveals ambitious, stressed-out women whose drive overwhelms every aspect of their lives: their body image, diet, exercise, school schedule, career choices, romantic relationships, and interactions with family and friends. Funk’s research reveals that Supergirls often feel the need to compete against not only everyone else, but themselves—a destructive habit that leads to depression and other emotional disorders.
By closely following five girls and surveying almost a hundred more, Funk explains the root causes of the phenomenon, illustrates how it is affecting society at large, and shows other Supergirls how they can recover from their overzealous tendencies and habits.
With both sympathetic understanding and journalistic attention to detail, Funk has started a vital dialogue about the “invisible crisis” affecting young women—one which will be informative for both daughters and parents alike.
Advance Praise for Supergirls Speak Out:
“Like Sara Shandler’s Ophelia Speaks (1999), this title, written by a 19-year-old undergraduate, offers an insider’s view of what it means to be a high-achieving young woman in today’s society. … the subjects’ frequently echoed frustrations powerfully underscore the book’s clear, cautionary message: young women, facing pressures to succeed at all costs from society, their families, and themselves, are pushing themselves to the breaking point. A few suggestions for change close the book, but it is the honest, urgent, intimate voices, including Funk’s own, that will stay with readers.” -Booklist
“Too many young women feel enormous pressure to attain unrealistic standards of perfection in every area of their lives. The emotional toll is often damaging — and can be life-threatening. With SUPERGIRLS SPEAK OUT: INSIDE THE SECRET CRISIS OF OVERACHIEVING GIRLS, Liz Funk performs an invaluable service by examining this serious problem and exploring what we can do to help young women lead healthier, happier lives. - Leslie Bennetts, author of the Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much?
“A fabulous insider’s view on teen ambition and a candid look at how young women are unable to accept success without perfection. If you’ve ever known a super-girl, you’ll know that Liz Funk gets it absolutely right! A great companion for any recovering over-achiever.” - Robyn Schneider, author of The Social Climber’s Guide To High School
“Liz Funk has written a smart, insightful and important book for every woman who thinks she has to do–and be–it all. Women of all ages will benefit from this highly readable, highly enjoyable read.” -Abby Ellin, author of Teenage Waistland: A Former Fat Kid Weighs in on Living Large, Losing Weight and How Parents Can (and Can’t) Help
“In Supergirls Speak Out, Liz Funk exposes the dark side of high-achieving young women – and what lies behind their desire to be perfect - with sympathy and candor. An overachiever herself, she is brutally honest about her life as well as the lives of the girls she writes about. Parents may freak out at first read but girls will say, ‘Ohmigod, that is so true.’ Supergirls will jump-start a conversation between generations that is long overdue.” - Laura Sessions Stepp, author of Unhooked: How Young Women Pursue Sex, Delay Love and Lose at Both
“Hey Supergirls, put down next month’s assignment and pick up this book instead! Liz Funk is like a wise, chatty, funny big sister. She offers indispensable advice about how to stay sane in the face of seemingly endless pressures. Read this to put your life in perspective.” -Leora Tanenbaum, author of Slut! Growing Up Female with a Bad Reputationand Catfight: Rivalries Among Women—From Diets to Dating, From the Boardroom to the Delivery Room.
“The first time I met Liz, she blew me away by telling me she already had a book deal at age 18. I thought, “My goodness, they’re growing overachievers these days.” Little did I know her book would be this frank, smart, and empathetic discussion of overachieving girls. Supergirls should be read by parents looking for advice on how to mentor and support their daughters as they hurtle toward womanhood, as well as girls and young women searching for ways to balance society’s demands and their own aspirations. That she devotes so much space to concrete advice rather than merely stating the problem shows that Liz is truly a Super Girl.” -Gloria Feldt, activist, author of Send Yourself Roses, former president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
“Give Liz Funk’s book to every young girl you know. Do it now. Do I have to tell you again? Give this book to every young girl you know! NOW!” - E. Jean Carroll, long-running advice columnist for ELLE magazine and author of Hunter: The Strange and Savage Life of Hunter S. Thompson and Mr. Right, Right Now.
