Tom Scott (4) (1947–)

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Before I even started reading this book, I did some research on the authors. The thing that amazes me the most is how Mr. Scott and Mr. Grice have been crucified on the Web for their beliefs, mostly by people who haven't even read THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY. Tom Scott is an award-winning journalist, cartoonist, columnist, documentary filmmaker, screenwriter, and playwright. Trevor Grice is the director of the Life Education Trust, a lecturer, drug counselor, industry advisor, and public speaker who often lectures at schools throughout Australia and the United States. And yet these men have been touted as anti-drug idiots, men who know nothing about drugs and teenagers, and two men who are out to "get" those who choose to use illegal substances. I'm guessing that the people who spew this nonsense are either users of drugs themselves, or just so uninformed that they think what they're saying is believable.

Pick up a copy of THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY, though, and you'll find that Mr. Scott and Mr. Grice have done their homework. This isn't just a book that harps on the dangers of using illegal drugs. The authors provide evidence--medical, scientific, and true-life examples--of how using these illicit substances can damage you. Can damage, especially, the growing muscle that is the brain of a teenager. In this day and age, it isn't just enough to place "Say No To Drugs" banners in schools; it's not just enough to send D.A.R.E. police officers to talk to elementary students. Today's teens are smart, and given the proper information, they can make informed decisions. For every teen who has ever wondered just what, exactly, smoking marijuana does to your body, or how drinking alcohol can effect you later in life, or for parents wondering what to do if they suspect their kids have used drugs, this is the book for you.

In Part One of the book, titled The Challenge, you get the following categories:

Puberty Blues, Is My Child On Drugs?, A Mother's Story, How The Brain Works, Vandalism In The Refinery, You Must Remember This, What Is Marijuana?, The Story Of Two Users, So Who'd Be A Parent?, What Can We Do?, Kids This Is For You, A Sister's Story, Getting Off Drugs, A Counselor's Story, and a Conclusion.

In Part Two, The Danger List, you get a reference guide to today's most popular and major drugs:

Alcohol, Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Caffeine, Cocaine, Designer Drugs, Hallucinogens, Inhalants & Volatile Substances, Legal highs, Marijuana, Nicotine, Opiates/Narcotics, and Steroids.

In Part 3, The Hard Science, the authors back up their findings with a Bibliography and Suggested Reading List, along with a Glossary.

It's not enough to just tell your kids that drugs are dangerous. Although it's true that teens often learn by experience, there's no need for them to experiment with drugs to find out that they can kill you. By reading THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY, you, and your teen, will be informed on the hidden--and obvious--dangers of partaking in illegal, and sometimes even legal, substances.

And for those who are looking for ways to avoid drugs in everyday life, perhaps at a party where they're offered something they don't want? Check out the list titled "20 Ways to Say No to Drugs at a Party Without Feeling Like a Dweeb." My personal favorites? "No way. Last time I touched that stuff I went home, tidied my room, mowed the lawns and washed the car. It was really scary, man." Or how about "Have you got anything that won't make me projectile-vomit without warning?" Or if that fails, you can try "No thanks, my I.Q. is dangerously low already." In a pinch, though, just saying "No thanks, not for me" can only prolong your life.

Pick up a copy of THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY today. It's one book that just might save your life.… (meer)