Just Friends

I've been reading Klein's books since the age of 12 and her writing has inspired me to write. "Just Friends" was a nice conclusion to her life. She proved that she has a firm grasp on the minds of teenagers, that they're not all about clothes and popularity. She treats people my age like we're people with minds and personalities, which is refreshing to see.

Norma Klein is able to convince the reader by this brilliant novel of her great ability to write realistic novels about teens.In this novel Norma Klein presents the story of two teens (Iz and Stu). Iz is keen to have a relationship with Stu. She knows Stu from Kindergarten and they are neighbours and are considered as being brother and sister by their friends. Throughout the plot a tragedy takes place. But I am not going to tell you, because you ought to read it yourself.Anyway, one has to credit Mrs Klein for her fabulous work. I am still a teen myself. I think that she succeeds in presenting everyday problems in her novels. Yes, the problems are not very likely to happen. But still, Mrs Klein knows how teens think about certain issues. This book is a must read.

Just Friends marks the final book published by Norma Klein. Sadly, the novel is indicative of the promise that Klein had in tapping into a whole new genre of Young Adult fiction -- the final year of high school and the beginning of college. The novel contains many of the similar themes in Klein's work, namely intelligent, urban teenagers who are not mere replicas of the Sweet Valley High set. Rather, Iz, Stu, et al are bright, sensitive teens who are preoccupied with both their intellectual development juxtaposed with their burgeoning sexuality. The novel is concerned with the undercurrents of desire between best friends Iz and Stu, and through the progression of their final year of high school, both characters come to terms with the thought of leaving home for college, where they wish to go with their careers, and the ambguity of high school friendships. The novel ends with Stu and Iz daring to admit their feelings for each other and embarking on a sexual relationship, but this ending is neither sappy nor sentimental. The novel marks a satisfying, albeit untimely and sad end to Klein's career.

The first time I read this book I fell in love with it and read it again and again. Since then I have checked it out from the library at least ten times. The relationship between Iz and Stu is truly enviable. Each time I read it, I long for a buddy like Stu. I definately recommend this book for anyone looking for a way to spend a quiet Saturday night.

All Iz has every wanted is Stu, but he does'nt know that. Now she has accidently sicced her friend Ketti on him and may never get to tell him that in her opinon they have been engaged since preschool