Raegan L. Burden grew up thinking she needed to gain weight to get more "play,'' or attention, from boys.

Floree Williams learned the hard way that her negative internal voice could be far worse than that of any enemy.

And Shalena Broaster learned that sharing too much information about a lover's spat with friends and family could cause them to stand in judgment of them both even after they make up.

These powerful lessons appear in, 'Souls of My Young Sisters: Young Women Break Their Silence with Personal Stories That Will Change Your Life,' written and edited by Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy.

It is a collection of poignant stories by 60 women, ages 18 to 30, who share their personal stories to inspire other young girls at a time when surveys suggest that young women continuously struggle with self-image, skin tone and self-esteem.

Sandy told BV on Books that beginning next month, the books would be read on air as part of a partnership with local radio stations. The programs will broadcasts the stories of contributors over the air and encourages listeners to learn from the tales. In each city, callers can win a chance to attend a reception and book club meeting called a New Beginning.

"African American women are victims of domestic violence at a considerably higher rate than women in other racial and ethnic groups in the United State,'' she said. " 'Souls of My Young Sisters' includes stories that are reflective of these statistics and will encourage young women everywhere to begin the healing process.''

Burden writes that she eventually learned to accept her body after years of trying to conform to social norms by overeating and gaining only five pounds! Now, she hopes her story will help others. "You are attractive and good enough just as you are,'' she writes. "Of this I am certain!''

In Williams' case, she writes that she still struggles. "I won't like and say that I am absolutely infatuated with myself,'' she writes. "I have my on and off days. The older I get, the more on days I have. I have learned with maturity that there is nothing wrong with my personality.''

Broaster has learned to balance her relationship with family and friend. "Promise me that before you air your dirty laundry, you'll pray about the situation and seek out God's counsel. God may give you the answer, help you think your way through your problem, or lead you to someone who has been through what you're going through and can offer wise advise and impartial advice and not hold things against you or your lover.''

Indeed, 'Souls of My Young Sisters'' is filled with sage advice that should be required reading for women of all ages.