Young adult fiction, ‘She Loves You, She Loves You Not,’ lacks appeal

By Maria Getto

The problem with young adult books is that they are written for young adults. You know, those squirming, awkward, self-indulgent little people you try to avoid at “all-ages” concerts? She Loves You, She Loves You Not … by acclaimed local Colorado author Julie Anne Peters, is exactly what you would expect from a novel about a 17-year-old lesbian trying to find her place within her family and the world at large.

The main character, Alyssa, is banished from her father’s Virginia Beach home after being caught “messing around” with her girlfriend Sarah. She goes to live with her mother, who is a stripper or call girl – or something equally sinister – in Colorado where she must reconcile her past with an uncertain future. What will happen with Sarah? Will Alyssa ever connect with her mom? Will she ever meet anyone new? (Who cares.)

Teen angst is boring … unless it’s about vampires with hip-hop abs. As a finalist for the National Book Award, perhaps there is something to this story beyond the cliché colloquialisms and superficial drama, but I might just be too cool for school.

She Loves You, She Loves You Not … may be a great read for a curious teenager at an average reading level, but it lacks the appeal needed to hold an adult audience. This book is one to skip unless you come upon an hour or two when there isn’t a Degrassi marathon on television