Rating:  Summary: please don't kill the freshman Review: This was really a wonderful book. Zoe lets us into her mind and, with refreshing honesty, relates to us all. I don't care how old you are, this book will speak to you. We have all had thoughts like hers, and contrary to what it may seem, Zoe's complicated life is more normal than not. The writing is brilliant and original and while I was reading it, I felt like she could be anyone, like she was the quiet girl who sat across from me in math class-- the girl who I had never spoken to, but was always fascinated by. It's proof that everyone has their own story to tell. It will make you want to know everything about everyone you meet. It's the kind of book that when you pass it in a book store, you'll pick it up and flip the pages just to remember the feelings you experienced while reading it. Kudos to you, Zoe Trope.
Rating:  Summary: Please Bury the Freshman Alive Review: You do know you can get this kind of content for free, by reading the online journal of any given teenage girl, right? Hell, just go read her livejournal. I don't even know how one justifies the existence of this book: Given what's inside, you can't even give it to your grandfather who doesn't know how to use the internet(s)! Maybe the homeless will use this to keep themselves warm during Winter?
Oh yeah, the writing is worthy of Abu Ghraib.
Rating:  Summary: Enough with the extremes, please!!! Review: Zoe Trope's book, Please Don't Kill The Freshmen is fairly good. As I read the reviews, I see a lot of backlash against it that I think is spawned mainly by jealousy, or lack of understanding. Is it a book about teenage angst? Yes it is. Is it a book about growing up in America? Sure. Can people relate to it because they, too, were angry young adults in a world that didn't understand them? You bet. Is it a glorified piece of trash that half the reviewers claim it is? No. This book IS well written, but not the best thing in the world. I like the imagery and at times I when I read it I wish I could write like she does. Other times, I wish she could just relax and realize that life is too short to be dissatisfied with the world. I think a lot of people are jealous that Ms. Trope is successful, but guess what guys, she is. And I think it is well deserved. But remember, she is young. This book shows that, but it doesn't take away from that either. I think that as Zoe matures, her writing will mature as well. I believe that she can hold onto her sharp ability of seeing the world and the people who live in it, while mellowing out and growing into the role of an honest observer. PDKTF is a good book about youth culture nowadays. It is the age-old story of how hard it is to be a teenager, and there's nothing wrong with that. We need the reminder because as we grow older, we forget. The only reason why we believe that high school was some of the best years of our lives is because we have forgotten all the horrible things we went through during that time. The politics, the emotions, the homework, and the fact that you're too young to do anything, but old enough to know that you could. It's artfully written, and at the nice affordable price it's at, why not buy it? It's a fast and good read. But it's not, for all it's been compared to, Catcher In The Rye. Of course, when it's our generation's turn to proclaim a book that speaks of what we lived through, we may choose PDKTF. Time will tell. Right now, just sit back and remind yourself what it was like to be misunderstood. As Thoreau said: "To be great is to be misunderstood"
Rating:  Summary: A rare glimpse of brilliance Review: Zoe truely has a unique style and a mesmorizing way with words. In a way, reading her book/journal was like reading the journals of Anais Nin, one of my favorite authors. They both let you into their inner world and make everyday life seem so much more interesting by their observations. Zoe's writing is painfully honest and moody and engrossing. I can't wait to read the longer version that is being published. Everything I love about reading was present when I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone who appriciates art, music, and really good writing. I don't know Zoe personally and I am far from being in High School, but I know talent when I see it. I don't think the author's age makes this book any more or less brilliant. It is simply the kind of writing that I love to read.
Rating:  Summary: can't wait for more!! Review: zoe's account fits our school totally perfect. many people may be offended by what she writes but please...it's the truth. i think it's an excellent memoir of high school.
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