'Boyology' offers tips for boy-crazy teenage girls

Ah, boys. If you're a teenage girl, they're likely to be in your thoughts, 24-7.

In fact, you've probably wondered recently whether a certain someone likes you, whether you should flirt with him, or how you can break up if things aren't working.

Right?

Well, this coming week, a new book about "all things boy" will be released nationwide. It's an easy-to-read guide about things such as flirting and first dates, how to have a safe E-romance and when to kiss or break up.

The title is "Boyology: A Teen Girl's Crash Course in All Things Boy" and the author, Sarah O'Leary Burningham, is a 20-something writer who grew up in Salt Lake City.

She will be in town this Friday and Saturday to sign copies of her book. From her perspective, "Boyology" is a fantastic guide for girls who have always wondered about boys and relationships.

Burningham did more than 2,000 interviews with teens prior to writing the book. She said she tried to write it in a way girls could relate to, but still give "solid" advice. It's the second book she's written and has a format similar to her debut book, "How to Raise Your Parents."

"I think ('Boyology') covers the basic elements of all those really hard dating questions, but it has fun with it, too," Burningham said in a recent interview.

"Boyology" includes several quotes and stories from the teens Burningham interviewed and advice from her husband, Grant, on what boys are thinking. There are also illustrations by Keri Smith and short quizzes girls can take about things such as their type of guy or how to develop a flirt style.

The chapters cover a wide range of topics related to boys and dating, and one section even addresses issues of safety while flirting online or via text message.

Burningham said she is hopeful girls will appreciate the advice in her book.

"I feel like teens are reading a lot these days, and I hope they will pick up the book and get ideas for what to do this weekend or how to talk with the boy they have a crush on," she said.

What: Book signing for Sarah O'Leary Burningham's book titled "Boyology: A Teen Girl's Crash Course in All Things Boy."

Where: Friday, June 5, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, at 11 a.m.

When: Friday's signing will be at the King's English Bookshop, 1519 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City. Saturday's event will be at East Millcreek Library, 2266 Evergreen Ave., Salt Lake City.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com