From Library Journal
In his earlier books, Dobson, founder of focus on the family, wrote about topics ranging from the parental discipline of children to the relationship between husbands and wives. Here Dobson addresses the problems facing young adults between the ages of 16 and 26. Believing that life's most crucial decisions are often made during this ten-year period, Dobson offers his advice about finding God's will in the choice of a marriage partner, the quest for a profesion, the control of money, and the establishment of self-esteem. Although the book records the voices of young adults through a series of questions and answers, Dobson's tone is often arrogant, his demeanor sexist, and his attitude narrow-minded. Still he has a large and dedicated following who will request this book.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Psychologist Dobson is one of the most successful--and because of his adamancy on the sinfulness of abortion and homosexuality, most controversial--Christian broadcasters via his daily program, Focus on the Family. On the strength of that success, Word is ordering a quarter-million-copy first printing of this adviser on love and life for young adults age 16 to 26. Full of personal anecdotes and great swatches of text from Dobson's previous books, presented in a congenial, colloquial manner like that of Dobson's speeches and radio commentary, it is basically sound, commonsensical, albeit stringent counsel. Dobson is foursquare for delaying sex until marriage, choosing a spouse carefully, and dismissing divorce as a way to solve problems. He admonishes his target audience to be faithful to their families of origin despite the stresses caused by the necessity of achieving adult independence, and he advocates Christian rather than state or private secular colleges for undergraduate education. Undergirding these major themes are a pretty fundamentalist Christianity, to be sure, but also a genuine counselor's understanding of human weakness and extension of sympathy. And despite the bad rap the Religious Right, of which Dobson is a prominent voice, gets, there is not a hateful word in the book. Convinced young Christians, especially those who don't fancy themselves sophisticated, well may appreciate Dobson's manner as well as his matter. Ray Olson


Book Description
Young adults will face many challenges in the "critical decade" (ages sixteen to twenty-six). In Life on the Edge, Dr. James Dobson candidly addresses their defining issues - vocation, lifelong love, money, power, emotions, and more - and helps young readers see how to make good choices, take control of their lives, and look forward to a meaningful future. Most importantly, Dr. Dobson reveals his firm belief in the need for the right foundation - a lasting faith in Jesus Christ, the only source of meaning in life.


Card catalog description
Provides scriptural foundations on which high school seniors can base crucial decisions about their future lives.

FROM THE PUBLISHER