When everything sucks, change everything…
And that’s exactly what Hannah Friedman set out to do in an ambitious attempt to bust out of a life of obscurity and absurdity and into an alternate world of glamour, wealth, and popularity.Being dubbed ‘That Monkey Girl’ by middle school bullies and being pulled out of sixth grade to live on a tour bus with her agoraphobic mother, her smelly little brother, and her father’s hippie band mates convinces Hannah that she is destined for a life of freakdom.
But when she enters one of the country’s most prestigious boarding schools on scholarship, Hannah transforms herself into everything she is not: cool. By senior year, she has a perfect millionaire boyfriend, a perfect GPA, a perfect designer wardrobe, and is part of the most popular clique in school, but somehow everything begins to suck far worse than when she first started. Her newfound costly drug habit, eating disorder, identity crisis, and Queen-Bee attitude lead to the unraveling of Hannah’s very unusual life.
Putting her life back together will take more than a few clicks of her heels, or the perfect fit of a glass slipper, in this not-so-fairy tale of going from rock bottom to head of the class and back again.
Everything Sucks: Losing My Mind and Finding Myself in a High School Quest for Cool
Each chapter describes a new thing that sucks: family, periods, popularity, diets, love and sex are just a few of the subjects. Ms. Friedman is brutally honest in sharing her experiences and she is honest when telling of her decisions (good or bad) that she has made in response to peer pressure and the need to fit in. Her observations are cleverly written and with such humor that I found myself giggling out loud. Yet, there are terrifying moments as well (drug use, dieting) where I held my breath.
Ms. Friedman is a very young, very talented and very open writer. I worried that her age may be a factor in my relating to this memoir. Let me just say…nope, nada!! The subjects that are covered are universal for any age. I found myself thinking back to junior and senior high school (um, punk rocker here, not the definition of a popular chick) and recalling some of the same situations Ms. Friedman experienced. I certainly hope this is just the first of many linguistic journeys. I for one cannot wait.
Hanna Friedman is certainly not afraid to expose herself and her life. She has a blog, My Mess of Motley Musings – “A community of writers, creators, and iconoclastic complainers. Feel free to read write and rant ” which includes pictures of her “sister” and rants about Yale, education and drugs. She has original webisodes appearing on My Lifetime.com. She is extremely popular on You Tube (the-naked-girl-singing-behind-the-guitar). I would strongly encourage you to check out her You Tube channel. I have spent some late nights keeping my dogs awake with laughter. This girl is extremely funny, talented and addictive. Thanks to Ms. Friedman and her publisher for providing a copy of this book for my review.
And finally. I leave you with one of the best book trailers I have seen – it will definitely give you the vibe of the book.
Twitter: bardgirl
22. Sep, 2009 at 4:37 pm #
Sounds like a fun book.
I adored this book! I agree, Christine- at first I was nervous it would be targeted for teens exclusively, but I found it hugely enjoyable, often times poignant and generally hilarious. And I had no idea about all of the music and youtube stuff… thanks for the tips (there goes my promise to myself to clean the house by tonight.) Great review!!
OMG. I must go out and get this book now. I’m such a sucker for these types of books and Friedman sounds hilarious, witty, smart and COOL. That trailer is genius.
Sounds like fun! I know that my thirteen year-old stepdaughter would like the title!
Sounds like a good one. I didn’t have an easy time in junior high/high school either. I was a cheerleader throughout high school, but I worked my ASS off to get there. Although I finally proved that I had the right to be there, I NEVER conformed to the “popular” click. I had friends in all groups and of all ages. I could probably relate to this book in some ways. Thanks for posting such a great review. I’ll be adding it to my list!
Also, stop by my blog. I have an award for you!
http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2009/09/awards-backlog.html
Twitter: nataliew2
23. Sep, 2009 at 10:58 am #
I really want to read this one! Sounds like a great book. Going on my list.
I also have a award for you !!
http://thebookinn.blogspot.com/2009/09/lovely-new-awards.html
The trailer really is fabulous! I’m glad you enjoyed the book so much