10/20/2026
October Book Club pick is from Liz Wang, PNP. Being a parent of teenagers herself, Liz recommends: “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents” by psychologist Lisa Damour.
Teenagers emotions are not necessarily signs that something is wrong — they are a normal part of adolescence. The goal of parenting is not to eliminate emotional distress, but to help teenagers understand their feelings, manage them effectively, and develop skills to navigate life’s challenges.
A great takeaway from the book is that “Mental health is not about feeling good; instead, it’s about having the right feelings at the right time and being able to manage those feelings effectively.”
This book is ideal for parents of teenagers who experience anxiety,
mood swings, friendship struggles, academic pressure, or frequent conflict at home—and
parents who want to support their teens without becoming overly protective or dismissive. The book gives
honest, practical, research-informed advice aimed at helping parents understand, support, and connect with their teens during the transition they’re experiencing. Lake Forest Book Store About Time Bookstore