Review
"Startling and original."--"The Economist"
Review
"[Franco] ends up perfectly mirroring the undulations of a teenage mind."--"The New York Times Book Review"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Lexx
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
In James Franco's defence, the various scenes in this book ARE well-observed. My first feeling was that the material felt like the back-stories an actor might invent, to flesh out a character on-screen. But despite the apparent authenticity, anyone who has spent time in suburban America, or in the company of the well-off-but-tedious, will find this a slightly numbing, and empty experience. It's like Bret Easton Ellis but without the philosophical stance, or the blood-and-guts. Franco may be a great actor, but the notion that he is also a 'Renaissance Man' on the strength of this thin work, is trying a bit too hard. That's not to say he DOESN'T have a great novel in him...but I think perhaps it's a bit early in his career to tell.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Dumbleberry
Format:Paperback
James Franco potrays the adolescent life of kids in palo alto so simply, none of the short stories particularly jump out and amaze you with fantastic narrative or structure but the stories as a whole seem to wrap up nice together.
The book isn't particularly long and doesn't take very long to read. Probably just take this on holiday or a journey cause you don't have to think too hard
The book isn't particularly long and doesn't take very long to read. Probably just take this on holiday or a journey cause you don't have to think too hard
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Zknight
Format:Paperback
Although orignally critical of this book after reading reviews in various magazines, i was unbelivably surprised at how amazing and talented Mr Franco is. I mainly brought the book because i'm a huge fan of Franco, and after finding out how intelegent he is, i thought i might as well read the book.
The short stories each completely different but capturing teenage life amazingly are beautifully written, Franco even manages to really grasp how life is for teenage girls. This book is simply amazing and i've already lent it to two of my friends, i wouldn't hesitate to buy this, because you'll be pleasantly suprised and glad that you brought it in the end.
The short stories each completely different but capturing teenage life amazingly are beautifully written, Franco even manages to really grasp how life is for teenage girls. This book is simply amazing and i've already lent it to two of my friends, i wouldn't hesitate to buy this, because you'll be pleasantly suprised and glad that you brought it in the end.
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2.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Hit and mostly miss
There are some good moments in this book an Franco can write with some real an interesting voices. However, I felt the variety and subject in the stories were lacking.
Published 4 months ago by dan murphy
2.0 out of 5 stars
Honest but dull, and uncreative.
The characters in this book seem real and there is alot of action, but the story is flat and lazy. Telling us a story from each of the characters point of view is pretty uncreative... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr. Scott Main-reade
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty decent first book from J Franco!
Really good, controversial, edgy read for young adults. Doesn't leave out the real tragedies/misery/gore of teenager years. Read more
Published 8 months ago by AElb
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nihilistic teen life - nailed
Vaguely interwoven tales of small, unfulfilled, California teen lives. Deftly told, effortlessly convincing, moody and evocative, if somewhat depressing in its depiction of... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mr. Othniel Smith
2.0 out of 5 stars
Repetitive and self indulgent
This novel is broken up into small chapters, narrated by teenagers,giving a little insight into their actions. They drink, drive, experience and perpetuate abuse and violence. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Miss A. M. Miller
2.0 out of 5 stars
palo alto right outa my window
I brought this becuase i am a fan of james franco, i love his films, i think his a deep guy so i expected alot from this book. Read more
Published 16 months ago by shangrilah
3.0 out of 5 stars
Palo Alto Book Review
this book isn't what i expected, it's very blunt and graphic, and can be upsetting/disturbing with a lot of violence and sexual abuse. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Tilly
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not my taste at all.
I bought this book on request as a present for my nephew but decided to have a sneaky read before giving it to him as the blurb was enticing. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Safiya Warburton
2.0 out of 5 stars
Oh Dear...
As a fan of this style and genre, and of many of the writers that this book was quoted as drawing inspiration from, I was quite excited to see how this book would work. Read more
Published 21 months ago by page_turner
1.0 out of 5 stars
Retire from everything-Please Franco
I must admit that I admire James Franco alot, he's the American Jedward embodied in one person- a talentless hack who thinks hes amazing. Read more
Published 21 months ago by ekb
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Farmers, Italians, and sociopaths kill cats. Sociopaths piss in their beds. French people use piss as perfume.
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