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How Can I Cope With Peer Pressure?

A letter from a Chicago police officer illustrates the importance of knowing the answer. He writes:

“On January 15, 1990, I was processing an 18-year-old prisoner who was brought back to Chicago from Mississippi on a fugitive warrant. Part of the processing is to take all the prisoner’s property. He had in his possession a Young People Ask book.

“‘Did you read this book?’ I asked.

“‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘while I was hiding in Mississippi, I worked on a farm, and two of Jehovah’s Witnesses gave me this book.’ Then he started to cry, almost sobbing uncontrollably. Between sobs, he said: ‘I’ve read this book many times, and the chapter I keep reading over and over is “How Can I Cope with Peer Pressure?”’ He added: ‘If I had only had this information three or four years ago, I would not be here today.’

“The prisoner was led away, and I read the police report and the confession he gave to the police. In it he said: ‘The leader of my gang told me to go down the street and shoot a rival gang member who was selling cocaine in our territory. I did what I was told. I feared the other members would think I’m not cool. I wanted to be accepted.’”

Perhaps you too have asked yourself such questions as: How can I cope with peer pressure? Should I quit school? How can I say no to premarital sex? Why say no to drugs? These are only some of the subjects discussed in Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this attractively illustrated 320-page book, please fill in and mail the coupon.

I would like to receive the hardcover book Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work. (Outside the U.S.A., write to local Watch Tower branch for information. See page 2.)