A Christmas Present for a Teenager

Gary North

Let's assume there is a book that you would like your teenage child or grandchild to read. How are you going to persuade the child? I have a one-word answer: money.

Christmas is coming. Buy the book. Wrap it as a present. Inside the cover, insert an envelope. Inside the envelope is a printed sheet that says:

This coupon is worth $100 when accompanied by a book review, written by you, of at least 500 words. Offer good until February 1, 2008.

For an extra $50, we will discuss your book review for up to 30 minutes.

Upon presentation of your review, you will receive another book and another coupon.

Whenever you don't want any more money, stop handing in reviews.

Make the amount whatever you can afford. If you can afford more, then use the money to get the additional reviews. Don't overpay on the front end.

Start with a book under 150 pages. It can be a Big Idea book. It can be Favorite Passtime book. It can be a history book. Make it something that the child may be willing to discuss with you . . . again, for a price.

There has to be a deadline. Procrastination kills.

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