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Where are we?
This is Favorite Teenage Angstbooks -- a special place on the Web where it's okay to have
zits, daydream, feel secret stirrings within, and wonder what on earth will happen
next in your life.
Mostly, we talk about books for teenagers, but we do it a little differently here. Have you noticed that most
discussions of young adult literature are geared to the adults who serve teenagers (teachers,
parents, librarians)? I've always tried to make Favorite Teenage Angstbooks a comfortable place for teen
readers themselves, as well as to provide down-to-earth perspectives on YA literature for the
adults in their lives.
With this new, expanded version of the site, I'm thrilled to begin publishing
interviews with authors, reviews and opinions written by teens, and expanded resources.
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Who am I?
My name is Cathy Young. I'm in my late-30's, still have zits (quite a combo with
the new gray hairs, I'll tell you!), and I've spent most of my professional
life championing books for teens -- as a bookseller, a publishing professional and
consultant to authors, a reviewer, and an editor.
Why do I still care so much about teenage angst? HO! How long can you spare for a chat?
I suppose it all began when, on the second day of fourth grade, my teacher raised his
eyebrow at me when I told him that my summer highlights were swimming lessons and reading
Judy Blume's Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.
His sneering eyebrow haunted me for years. I wanted to prove him wrong in spirit.
I did think it was fine for a 9-year-old (me!) to practice kissing on a pillow, anxiously anticipate her period,
and wonder about the big things in life (religion, family, how things work).
After college (a degree in Cultural Anthopology -- studying rites of passage
and both cultural and personal transformation/meaning-making), I just couldn't let go of
the angst of my own teen years. Even though I was working and shuffling bills, I still felt
the same struggle deep inside. The writers who seemed to understand my heart were
YA writers... so I kept reading on.
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How did this begin?
This was just a crazy experiment in the beginning. I created the Grouchy Cafe one weekend
in 1994, in order to teach myself HTML. Favorite Teenage Angstbooks was part of that site, and, soon,
this section caught on like wildfire. I received email from everyone--including Judy Blume. Teenagers from 11 to 61 were
writing to me regularly, telling me about the books they liked. Such fun! This site has helped me make
some incredible friends since then, and I hope that perk never ends.
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Why did this site change?
In spirit, it's still the same... there's just MORE of it! Now there are author interviews and essays, expanded
resources for teens and angstbook lovers, and (hooray!) finally a place for you to participate. I've been wanting
to expand Favorite Teenage Angstbooks for almost forever. Please join me in the fun!
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What is Powell's?
Favorite Teenage Angstbooks has partnered with Powell's Bookstore to give you access to new and used copies of the
books featured here. Powell's is a wonderful
independent bookstore in my home town of Portland, Oregon (and now an international resource via its web site).
I like them a lot because they sell used copies of books, too. (Books can be so expensive!)
This site's partnership with Powell's is a convenience for you. I salute your omnivorous book-buying pleasures and hope you visit
many bookstores in search of great angstbooks. Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com are other easy places to shop online. Your local
independent bookseller may be able to suggest just the perfect book for you (find a bookstore near you!). Better yet: go to the library
and make friends with your local young adult/teen services librarian! He or she will help you find a mountain of fabulous books.
(Oh! My friend Steve wants me to remind you that books at the library are FREE! I sort of thought you
would know that, but it never hurts to reinforce the positive.)
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the other part of my web site:
Visit www.grouchy.com for musings on life, tofu and more.
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contact me!
I love email! Please send yours to: cathy@grouchy.com.
If you're an author or publisher, please click here.
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