Books They Didn’t Tell Me About In Ninth Grade English

Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp
by C.D. Payne


Wow I thought I was a whirlpool of teenage angst and confusion. Nick has me majorly beat. Nick’s journey overflows with the joys and tragedies of teen chaos, and does so with a sense of humor. Is it worth reading? It’s good but not great. I’d save my cash and go see the movie first. If you like the movie read the book.

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Those who know me know that I really hate guns. The gun in the image below is an AK-47--possibly responsible for more deaths than any other firearm in history. To me it looks a lot better with flowers in it than it does shooting at people.

BY MICHAEL VENTURA
From: WHOLE EARTH REVIEW Winter 1989, page 44
(no longer being published)

PART I: THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF DATA WE HAVE

"ADOLESCENCE" is a cruel word — all the more because it hides its cruelty behind its vaguely official, diagnostic air. The word sounds as if it was invented by somebody part professor, part cop. It condescends, puts "adolescents" in their place. To say someone is an "adolescent," "going through adolescence," "being an adolescent," is usually to dismiss their feelings, minimize their troubles, and (especially if you're trying to be their parent) protect yourself from their uncompromising rage. The words "teenager" and "teen" are worse. They reek of cuteness — and hypocrisy. For we all know that, whatever else is true of being a "teen," it doesn't feel cute.

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