But I needed a first post, so here we go
Coming back to Palo Alto
11 years after its first publication, I finally read James Franco’s ‘Palo Alto’ this January and I’ve already shared my initial thoughts on it in this Medium article. Here’s yet another take on it. I’m not going to spoil anything for those who haven’t read it yet, I’m simply telling you my reading experience and how this book made me feel.
‘Palo Alto’ – Expectations vs. Reality
Before reading it, I had a wild guess that this book was about the troubled teens of Palo Alto. I expected a sugarcoated Hollywood-like story structure, something about easygoing teens smoking pot and having trouble choosing between boyfriends, and universities while occasionally skinny dipping. And maybe a blooming queer romance with happy endings (not THOSE, you weirdo) for most characters.
Instead, I got a glimpse of a handful of teenagers’ agonizing thoughts about their lives, relationships, and incredibly immature, futile actions.
Teen Trauma
Everyone is insufferable, really. Not a single likable character. Almost like… real teenagers. My brain erased most of my memories from those years for good, but I do remember hating every moment of my adolescence. And honestly, I think no one with their right mind would wish to be a teenager again. Those few who do obviously forgot about the raw cruelty of the hormone boom, and all the perturbation that came with it to drench every social interaction and personal relationship they ever had.
What Will You Get From Reading ‘Palo Alto’?
If you are one of those few above mentioned, this book will open that secret portal to the place in your heart where you keep your dirty little teenage secrets. If you hated your adolescence, you’ll remember why. By the end of ‘Palo Alto’ (if you manage to suffer through it), you will want to fly back in time to slap the sh*t out of yourself and your acquaintances.
Feedbacks are Welcome
If you have a different opinion or a grim memory that awakened in your soul while reading ‘Palo Alto’, let me know in the comments.
Still here? Here’s a list of my book-related posts and stories! Enjoy!
