Go Ask Alice

Go Ask Alice

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous, ISBN 0-13-357111-4, Prentice Hall 1971

Plot Summary:

The story is structured as the diary of a 15 year old girl who remains nameless throughout the novel. The Diarist’s father, a college professor, gets another job and while she’s initially excited about the move to a big city, The Diarist soon finds herself friendless at her new school. When The Diarist is back in her hometown visiting her grandparents, she unknowingly takes LSD at a party as enjoys the trip. Over her vacation, she continues to take LSD and loses her virginity while high. The Diarist meets Chris, a cool girl, when she returns to her new town. The girls date older boys who convince the girls to deal drugs for them. Eventually, the girls realize they’re just being used. The girls run away from home and move around quite a bit after getting involved with drugs at each place and having disastrous consequences. The Diarist misses her family and must make a choice between living the life she thought she wanted and the one she left behind.

Critical Evaluation:

The novel was initially released as a nonfiction, true diary account of a teenager girl. In the years since, psychologist Beatrice Sparks began promoting herself as the book’s editor and it’s now widely believed that she authored the book. The book is not terribly well written, which can lead some to believe that it’s a work of nonfiction, but the description of drug use becomes very specific. Whenever The Diarist is discussing drugs, the tone changes and description seems based off of studies and medical warning rather than experience. Because the novel is from the perspective of a teenage girl, the language is mostly easily readable. This book will not be difficult for anyone to read, regardless of skill. The book’s anti drug message is pretty heavy handed; The Diarist initially has a good time while on LSD, but she deals with rape, prostitution, homelessness, and a pregnancy scare, all results of being high. The book certainly conveys the dangers of even casual drug use, but the consequences The Diarist must face seem excessive and only serve to bang the reader over the head that drugs are bad and if you use them, you will be setting yourself up for ALL of these consequences as well. Any English teacher could recognize this as fiction, and it's inclusion in the reading list has faded since it's publication.

Reader’s Annotation:

She wants to live life in the fast lane, but is she really prepared for what could happen?

Information about the Author:

Even though the authorship is still debated, here is a small Wikipedia entry for Beatrice Sparks:

Beatrice Sparks (January 15, 1917 – May 25, 2012) was an American therapist and Mormon youth counselor who was known for producing books purporting to be the "real diaries" of troubled teenagers. The books deal with topical issues such as drug abuse, Satanism, teenage pregnancy or AIDS, and are presented as cautionary tales. Although Sparks presented herself as merely the discoverer and editor of the diaries, records at the U.S. Copyright Office show that in fact she is listed as the sole author for all but two of them.

Genre:

Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties;
Anti-Drug use

Challenge Issues:

This book has been challenged because it deals with drug use, rape, and teen sex.

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Reading Level:

Grades 8+

Booktalking Ideas:

Do you think The Diarist’s actions and consequences are realistic?

Why is the material included?:

This is a very famous young adult novel and has been on reading lists for years. 

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