Chat Room Chatter by Justin Lookadoo

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...a highly valuable resource for teens who are looking for straightforward answers and parents who, at times, are oblivious to the internet, blog and iPod generation."

Nationally known youth speaker and prolific author, Justin Lookadoo returns with Chat Room Chatter, adding an off-the-wall subtitle: The Buzz on Prom Dates, Superheroes & the Universe at Large. "It's compiled from the key questions I get asked over and over in my speaking engagements when I have interactive lines open for kids to get real with the issues they're facing," notes Lookadoo. He has earned their trust when it comes to answering the difficult questions. His approach is unorthodox yet awesomely cutting-edge. His answers are both biblical and relevant to an audience of hungry and seeking young people.

Topics from sex and dating to tattoos and clothing fads are covered in Chat Room Chatter. As Justin sees it, identity and purpose are the two main challenges that face youth today. Some of Justin’s answers are in-depth and insightful with dead-on seriousness woven in, while there are plenty others that are sweet and succinct, even downright comical at times.

Here are some examples:

Q: “Is kissing considered cheating?
A: “You have got to be joking! Please tell me you are not serious. Think about this: would you kiss someone in front of your bf or gf? Even better, imagine it’s your wedding day, the minister dude says, ‘you may kiss the bride,’ and the groom grabs a girl in the audience and starts kissing her. Is kissing considered cheating? Go away.”

Q: “Is it okay to pre-date in 7th, 8th or 9th grade?
A: “Uh . . . I have no idea what that means, so No!”

For lack of better terms, his “chicken scratch” or creative “doodles” all over the pages provide an insider perspective into this lanky 6’7” spiked haired pied piper. Fun factoids about both Justin and his wife, Emily, are over the place in Chat Room Chatter. The format is creatively designed and easy to follow. No need to read the book “in order.”As a father to two young adults, I’d recommend Chat Room Chatter as a highly valuable resource for teens who are looking for straightforward answers and parents who, at times, are oblivious to the internet, blog and iPod generation.

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.