Go Ask Alice
by Anonymous
Go Ask Alice is the go-to for any pre-teen girl who has just learned about the dark, scary underworld of high school and is terrified (and therefore insistent) to learn more. I remember my heart pounding as I pretended to be browsing for no book in particular in the school library, and how I hoped that the other stack of books in my arms would distract the librarian from noticing the taboo book I was also hoping to check out. All girls in school were warned, and almost forbidden, against reading this book; and yet, it remained on the library’s shelf. My sneaky operation was a success, and I hid the book at home, lest I get in trouble for breaking the rules for the very first time. Doubtless, countless other girls had the same experience.
When I finally got to high school, the reality was far less scandalous than as promised in Go Ask Alice. I didn’t know any girl who did drugs, let alone dropped out of school and exchanged favors for her next fix. However, I went to a pretty good school. The frightening, stark, gritty diary of this novel does wonders for preparing young girls for the temptations of their teen years. Even if the preparations are never tested, it’s still a memorable journey.
When I finally got to high school, the reality was far less scandalous than as promised in Go Ask Alice. I didn’t know any girl who did drugs, let alone dropped out of school and exchanged favors for her next fix. However, I went to a pretty good school. The frightening, stark, gritty diary of this novel does wonders for preparing young girls for the temptations of their teen years. Even if the preparations are never tested, it’s still a memorable journey.