Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Book Review
I had not previously read this book, not even as a teenager, but I think the book epitomizes a twelve year old’s experience. Written in 1970, I think this novel holds ground when discussing issues young teens face. Right in the beginning, Margaret’s new friend Nancy discussed kissing boys, breasts and “looking like one of those girls in Playboy.” (6) For a pre-teen girl, this conversation must be common, especially today with the prevalence of the media. Margaret’s conversation with her mother on the first day of school rang familiar. Margaret’s mother reminds her to stand up straight for her figure and to wash her face with soap so she will not get pimples. Not only does this conversation seem like one I may have had with my mother, it also illustrates the types of values mothers pass on to daughters. Although Margaret’s mother warned her, for pragmatic reasons, to wear socks with her loafers, never once does she encourage young Margaret to pay attention in class. (24-25) Anot...