Author- Lauren Myracle
Realistic Fiction
TTYL is part of a series titled Internet Girls. The book catches your attention because it is written entirely through instant message between three friends, Angela Silver (SnowAngel), Zoe Barrett (zoegirl), and Madigan "Maddie" Kinnick (mad maddie). It is is an easy read for the younger generations. The threesome is just starting their tenth grade of high school. At the beginning of the book, the trio believe that they will stick together forever. Zoe wants something meaningful and big to happen in her life, Angela knows it is going to be a fabulous year and that she is going to meet the boy of her dreams, and Maddie can't help but feel low and down on herself. While they are instant messaging the go through the ups and downs of high school. Angela is in several different relationships throughout the book. Zoe has a relationship that teeters on the edge of going to far with a young teacher. Maddie is experimenting with new friends and discovering who she is through trial and error. The main question is will the threesome make it through the year?
I enjoyed the way it was written in the IM & texted language, it made it more interesting. However personally I did not care for this book as a whole. Back when I was in maybe 6th or 7th grade I think that I would have loved this book. However as an adult I just could not get into it. A lot of the issues I was like "Oh this is a problem?" Don't get me wrong it had its "cute" moments but it's not of any real substance. Its definitely just a fun book.
I would recommend it to a younger crowd. I think that 5th-8th graders would really enjoy this book so they can day dream about what they think high school may be like. I also think some older kids would get a kick out of this book because it is written in the language they speak ( text & IM.)
I would try and get their attention by reading page one from the story. It gives them a gist of the book and either they want to read more or they don't.
I read this book when I was in 9th or 10th grade and I enjoyed it then, but I agree that it isn't something I would really get into now. I agree that younger students would enjoy it, though I think some instances in the novel are a little mature for a ten year old. I would suggest this novel on an individual basis to younger students and just keep it on the shelf for older students.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely individual based. Agreed.
DeleteI have wondered what this book would be like to read. Thank you for being so honest about the book. When I have looked through it, it seemed liked it would be unappealing to older students. I had often wondered if the text-like writing style would be difficult to read in book form. It is probably more difficult for us older individuals than it would be for today's students.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. On the honesty. I actually thought it was an easy read. Just no substance. Definitely just fun.
DeleteAs I think I mentioned in class, this book has sat on my shelf for years but I can never bring myself to read it (it would feel like work - most YA reading is pure pleasure for me).
ReplyDeleteThis book has been challenged repeatedly. What is it that you think some people feel needs to be censored? You have stated that it is best for younger teens. What grades do the reviews give? Would you feel comfortable defending this book?
I did enjoy the instant message style. It made it more personal. I would defend this book as there is no substance, strictly a fun book. I guess I would say the controversy could be the language that is used and some of the events that happen in the story but this is some teenagers reality. Secret Life of the American Teenager.
DeleteThat's why I've never picked it up, I wouldn't like the IMing and texting throughout the whole book.
ReplyDeleteThat's the ONLY thing I did like about it.
DeleteHey can you email to my wright state account the link to your blog when you get a chance. I can only access your personal one. THANKS!