You are currently browsing the monthly archive for July 2008.
I still have to catch up my reviews for YA class but I’m going to take a break. I’ve been taking a break for the last few weeks. It’s getting to be that time, that end of the semester time. You get ambivalent about doing work well, or at all. Push it off until “later.” Plus to be honest I haven’t been too interested in the books last few weeks. Not to say they’re bad, well some are. They’re just sort of blah. Maybe that’s just me and nonfiction.
While wondering the internet I came upon a New York Times Op-Ed by Gail Collins about everyone’s favorite summer release, Breaking Dawn. Called “A Virginal Goth Girl,” the article explores Collins thoughts on the Saga’s popularity with young women. She points to the “hunky” vampire hero Edward. Then she jumps to the contention that because of the prevalence of Internet porn young men are all looking for porn stars. What was most interesting though was this line.
“This sure sounds like trouble to me: A generation of guys who will settle for nothing less than a porn star meets a generation of women who expect their boyfriend to crawl through their bedroom window at night and just nuzzle gently until they fall asleep.”
Doesn’t everyone want a cuddle? That’s why we get dogs and cats and let them on the furniture. And shed on our black pants. Right?
Back to business though, I wonder if its that simple really. I’m conflicted because I want to agree with Collins. I think our media send a message to girls that your worth is based on your looks. And I agree maybe of these expectations are unattainable. And I’m not a guy. As much as women are supposed to be a mystery guys are like foreign lands in my book. I can’t say what guys want. I can’t imagine they all look for hair extensions and balloon breast. But it makes me wonder, are men and women’s expectation of relationships that far apart? Just some thoughts. Here’s the link.
PS – If you don’t appreciate the popularity of the Twilight books, just check out the Facebook app Flair and see how many pieces are about them. Me, I’m a Jacob girl.
I’m a bad YA poster. Almost three weeks with no YA reviews, clever insights, pithy observations. It does feel like cheating since usually I post my thoughts before I get to class and hear what others think. But we’ll roll with it.
From Romance and Relationship week
Foreverby Judy Blume
I had never read this. Apparently growing up it was the dirty book that was hidden under beds and behind desks. Still is in some places. It is one of the most challenged books in school libraries, even today. And I’m not sure why. Oh, sure I know why. The main character has sex. Uncomfortable, awkward, first time, teenage sex. And sure some may consider the handling of it explicit but I saw it more clinical. The man puts his penis in the woman’s vagina. Seriously, it felt that sterile and straightforward. So I know why, I just don’t understand why. Subtle. It is a landmark book being one of the first to tackle teen sex. But really, you can find worse stuff in alot of other YA books. Since it is a classic, I won’t rate it but I really can’t see myself handing this to a teen and saying Enjoy! Honestly, I was reading romance novels by the time I hit high school. And I wasn’t harmed, much.
Boy Meets Boyby David Levithan
A more modern love story and also more emotional. Paul goes to high school the is this wonderful world where drag queens are star quarterbacks, people are tolerant of other’s sexual preference and celebrate people’s differences. When Paul meets Noah, the perfect boy, things go well until (there is always an until) things go wrong. My description of Paul’s world might be one spot where class discussion influenced me. Many of us felt it was a great world, but not a realistic one, more an idealistic one. But the characters are interesting and moving and the story is charming and sweet without being obnoxious. Favorite of the week, its pretty Awesome.
Letting Go of Lisaby Lurlene McDaniels
I avoided these books when I was younger. Why? The same reason I don’t read dead dog stories (Red Fern, Old Yeller, Marley and Me). I mean, why put yourself through that? If I need to cry I’ll watch Extreme Home Makeover or stub my toe. Why would I want to read about terminal cancer patients or teens with rare neurological diseases? Why? But I had to pick one of Lurlene’s 50 so I went with the one with the Harley on the cover. Didn’t help the story much that the terminally ill teen girl rode a bike but it was worth a try. Flat characters, predictable storyline, blah, blah, blah. So although I had preconceived notions walking in, they were justified. I mean if you want to read about death go get the Little Prince or Looking For Alaska or Harry Potter even. Lame. Sorry, I had too. No reason to put anyone through this, ever.
I’m kinda tired so I’ll finish part 2 tomorrow. I really liked the next set of books so I want to be fresh, and so clean, clean.
