Parents and educators take note: Dr. John Perito's book should be required reading for anyone associated in any way with teenagers. His wide-ranging discussion of the still-prickly topic of adolescent sexuality is refreshing, informative, and uncannily accurate; his consideration of the topic within the context of faith is both needed and unprecedented.
All people of faith will welcome Dr. Perito's sensitive yet eminently practical approach. This book serves not only as an effective manual for parents and educators, but as point of departure for candid dialogue between adults and teens. As such, it should prove a valuable educational resource that can literally save lives and prevent heartache.

Frank J. Masci, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University
Retired secondary school principal

 

There is much talk about sex, except between parents and adolescents. There is not much talk at all about sexuality and spirituality. John Perito, however, insists that sexual development and spiritual development must go together for healthy human persons. Based on his expertise as a psycho-therapist, a husband, a parent, and a committed Christian, Perito proposes a masterful, realistic, and appealing approach of how parents should communicate with their children about sex.

Charles E. Curran
Professor of Human Values, SMU

In his book, Adolescent Sexuality: Too Much Too Soon, John Perito does something unusual: examines sex and spirituality in a respectful way that treats both as equally vital facets of human life, linked by a wise, loving God. Perito's belief in God seems complete; his feeling that God wants his children to responsibly enjoy their sexuality appears just as total. He offers parents suggestions on how they can help their children to be both celebratory and careful about these powerful forces.

Donna Britt
Staff writer for Washington Post

Parents, Teachers, and all who are concerned with education are indebted to Dr. Perito for the insight and clarity this book provides on complex interactions between sexuality and spirituality facing young people today. As someone who has followed Perito's work from the perspective of a grandparent serving on a Board of Education, I have dual appreciation for the great value his work brings to both personal concerns and the public debates enkindled by human sexuality issues. Presiding over many hours of public testimony on health curriculum issues convinced me that there is enormous need for the insight and broad vision that are the foundation of this work.

Dr. Perito's dual perspective - his medical and scientific knowledge as a psychiatrist and his spiritual insight as a person of faith - provide a sturdy foundation for personal contemplation and for public discussion of the core issues impacting health and sexuality instruction in the home and in the school.

Charles Haughey, Ph.D..
Former President, the Maryland Montgomery County School Board

Once again, John Perito has addressed a very timely and important topic in the area of adolescent sexuality and religion. His work will go a long way in helping to open up the dialogue between parents and adolescents regarding sexuality from a faith perspective. It addresses healthy sexual development, feelings and responses to sexual desires, and is a 'must read' for parents and other adults who interact with adolescents.

Rev. Dr. Paul Rimasa
Former Executive Director for the Center of Sexuality and Religion, Wayne, PA.

Dr. John Perito has done it again. His book, Adolescent Sexuality, Too Much Too Soon, contains the most clear, concise and un-opinionated discussion of the trials and tribulations of preadolescent, adolescent, and young adult sexuality that I have ever seen.

James A. Ryan, M.D. J.D.
Author of The Healing Power of Our Inner Warmth

Towards the end of this year 2008 John Perito has published a long awaited second book entitled ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY - TOO MUCH TOO SOON - SPIRITUAL AND SEXUAL GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS. When it comes to topics such as this most of us need what we might describe as permission to discuss and a language to capture and deal with the matters that are involved. One need only reflect on the difficulty parents still face is speaking amongst themselves or with their children about something as basic as masturbation, fantasies, sexual diseases, sin and conscience. John Perito goes a long way in these directions as he writes for both parents and adolescents and he covers most, if not all questions they might have. For both his aim is to help them become in turn both committed lovers and effective parents. His clear purpose is to educate, not simply to indoctrinate or train; and for him education is an ongoing process leading to lively development and freedom. Link to the Complete Review.

Rev. John E. Ryan - Retired, of Australia.
Author of A Spirituality of Relationships, The Power of Both
Also: Seven Steps Forward, Six Steps Back
Father Ryan is well known through out Australia for his work in spirituality, sexuality and clergy renewal.

Adolescent Sexuality Expert Says Communication is Key
by Brooke Kenny - Staff Writer - Montgomery County Gazette Dec 3, 2008

Dr. John Perito pulls up the rug on a topic all too often swept under it in "Adolescent Sexuality: Too Much Too Soon, Spiritual and Sexual Guidance for Parents." His book aspires to help parents, teachers and clergy members guide young people into becoming committed lovers and good parents.

Link to the Complete Review

Sexual Ethics as Lived by People of God
by Anne M. Strorz - The American Catholic - November 2009

This is an unusual book. There are a raft of books out today on sexuality (just check your library or local bookstore) but I doubt there's one that approaches this subject from Dr. Perito's perspective and that explores so many sides of the issue with such clarity - and in such a slim volume. A psychiatrist, a person of inspiring and practical faith, a husband, father, grandfather, Dr. Perito speaks with practical wisdom. He both challenges and reassures.

Link to the Complete Review