Review: Stargirl

Author: Jerry Spinelli   
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Summary: Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.
 

This book reminded me a quote by Quentin Crisp  

"The young always have the same problem - how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another." 

After I read this book, I began questioning the unspoken rules we all follow at our high school. 

Why do I wear what is acceptable to wear? 
Why do I make 'acceptable' jokes? 
Why do I watch 'acceptable' TV shows? 

Why do I choose to conform? 

Simple. Its better to be in than out. 

Then I read about Stargirl, who is her own person and does things her own way and she was simply... 

Breathtaking. 
Wonderful. 
Inspirational. 

She filled me with a great passion to be my own person, and to go around and do things that feel right by me. 

This book is truly a classic, because the author was able to pinpoint our need to fit in and do the 'okay thing. '
It explores a lot of issues centered around social conventions and how they play in our lives for good or bad. Spinelli's insights are thought-provoking and engaging. It was never 'preachy' and I didn't ever feel like I was being talked down to. In the end, the book makes you want to be a better person, perhaps in ways that aren't quite "normal." .  

 Yes, I put this book down and thought: Its time I decided to choose what is okay for me and what isn't. Don't you love when a book affects you?

1 comments:

Nomes said...

awesomenes. I love that Quentin quote and all the themes in here.

I was a bit of a star girl @ school :) But I pulled it off in a way that I was well liked.

And... I won this book and the sequel "love, stargirl' last week (from publishers, who were offering a bunch to people who wrote cool things). Cant wait for it.

I also just ordered 'How not to be popular' which looks crazy cool and maybe has similar themes? Looking forward to it.

And I love your reviews. I trust your taste :)

xx