From the time they start to notice boys, girls have hundreds of questions about their bodies, relationships, and everything else. As they start to reach puberty, the questions increase. If moms are lucky, their daughters will turn to them for answers to their questions. But daughters are often embarrassed and reluctant to approach their moms for advice. Likewise, moms are often just as reluctant to talk to their daughters about their developing bodies or attraction to others. And those mothers who may actually look forward to talking with their daughters, may not know how to start the conversation. As a result, girls turn to their friends and the mass media, or avoid the issues all together, creating greater problems for themselves in the future.

To help girls-and their moms, psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini and OBGYN nurse practitioner Janine J. Sherman have assembled more than 113 questions girls (and their moms) routinely ask-or should be asking-about topics ranging from periods and sex to self esteem and dating.

Rapini and Sherman share succinct yet lively answers, sample conversations, and real life stories that will help open the door to better mother/ daughter communication.

"Teens today, more than ever, face a myriad of issues involving sex, sexuality, and body image," Rapini and Sherman stress. "They need education; they need guidance; they need support to make the right decisions at the right time."

In addition to being women's health care providers, Rapini and Sherman are mothers with two daughters each. They know how difficult it can be to talk to daughters about personal changes, but they also know how critical it is to have an open and ongoing dialogue, saying, "Our goal is to inspire open communication between mothers and daughters-to generate memorable conversations and unforgettable table talks." Start Talking is lighthearted but definitely not lightweight, effectively engaging both mothers and daughters alike and providing helpful settings for beginning such "table talks"-ways to invite your mother or daughter into personal, meaningful conversations.