Every time I pick up a book (either at home, the library or a bookstore), I think about how old the usual readers of said book are. Sometimes, they are significantly younger in age than I am. This usually makes me feel guilty, like I'm wasting money and knowledge on an education I sometimes refuse to make use of. Of course, I've read ton's of books, for leisure and for school, and love them. I LOVE reading. Novels, classics, magazines, newspapers--you name it. I talk about books almost as much as I talk about music; most of my friends find this annoying (The only books of substance they can talk about with me are the ones they were forced to read in H.S. and didn't really enjoy, which makes for pretty lame conversation) But sometimes, I just like to go straight to the teen fiction section and pick out the cheesiest, corniest, most typical teen drama that is so diametrically opposed to my own teenage/high school experience it's sickening [book], get cozy on the couch, and read the entire thing in one night. Recently, I've re-discovered the awesomeness of 'Choose your own destiny' books. You know, those books where you start out reading some superficial story about some chick who moves to New Jersey from Northern California and gets to redefine her image to a bunch of suburban yuppies whose lungs are probably slightly blackened from smokestack inhalation? Oh. That's the story I'm reading! Basically, these books don't do anything for you. They don't teach you anything. In fact, they might decrease your literacy. But they're perfect companions for lazy nights on the couch. Or when you can't sleep at night and carpel tunnel/arthritis/fried eyes is preventing you from creepin' on the Internet (everybody's favorite hobby). You get to curl up, read, and decide how your character's life will turn out; laugh when it sucks, smile like a giddy twelve year old when the guy gets the girl, or put post-it notes on all the "What's the next move?" pages and go back and change your decision when the outcome isn't what you wanted it to be. That's technically cheating, right?
Right now, I'm reading What if...Everyone Knew Your Name, by Liz Ruckdeschel and Sara James. I'm not sure where I actually got the book from, but somehow I've collected a few written by the same two authors. It's superficial reading at its finest, try it out ladies (and men? If they read this?).
I also recommend the Clique series. They use Internet slang like "LOL" and "OMG" in real life. They also think life is "ah-mazing" and have drivers, movie deals and Westchester Co. mansions. Oh and the best part? They attend a "Day School". What the heck is a "Day School" ? Sounds ritzy.
Maybe we should start our own "Pick your fate" novel?
Alex
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4 comments:
Oh gawd, I couldn't physically stomach the Clique series. I bought it and read till page 12 (never forget) when the girl was talking about how her "newly sprouted A-cups were bouncing up and down while she rode her horse, Buttercup." I closed the book and returned it to Barnes and Noble the next morning.
But I did read a couple of them back in HS, I just can't remember what they're called. Now I'm totally into books about slightly successful characters with incredibly complicado love lives. One day, adult fiction, one day.
If we had a choose your destiny novel, I would want it to end with us killing all the popular girls, like in Heathers. That's the bitter unpopular high schooler in me.
Oh my God. Yes. Please.The concept of this book your reading amazes me. Where can I buy this?!?! I WANT.
My sister was recently telling me about an existential CYOA: "We're All Going to Die: A Choose Your Own Adventure Book!" Want.
BTW Alex, your lit knowledge is... undeniably impressive, I think we all know that. I've kept a list of all your book recommendations and haven't had the time to check a single one out. Someday.
If there's ever a Peach Pit book club, I nominate you as its Oprah.
Yes! Peach Pit Book Club! Alex will totally be Oprah.
When summer break starts, we should so kick this into gear.
Sarah: check pretty much any bookstore; Barnes & Noble is my store of choice. Or, sites like Amazon have a big selection.
Im taking a Greyhound back to NY for the weekend and there's a blizzard. I'm actually scared to go, because the driver took the Bay Bridge in MD last time and that bridge scares the crap out of me (2 lanes, no big pole things, just a small guardrail and then WATER everywhere). The other option is the Delaware Memorial Bridge which is equally frightening. I have to go, though. So I'm bringing a book, and when I get back on Sunday expect another review!
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