My So-Called Life Goes on

I'm still uncertain as to why most reviews have been negative about this book. This book doesn't hold a candle to the series, true. But it's like comparing the metaphorical apples and oranges. The show had brilliant performances,as well as lighting, sound and other visual aspects to bring its story to life. The book has only text; but I think Clark has done a commendable job of envisioning the series through just text. All of the main characters and many of the supporting characters have moments that fit in nicely with the overall summer story, particularly Brian Krakow. (And let me tell you: If you were heartbroken with the final episode of the series, read the book and see Brian finally get a bone tossed his way.) Everyone gets a piece of the pie, but what's nice is that we get to hear their own individual voice as well. The tv show took an overwhelmingly subjective viewpoint from Angela, while this books delves into all of the kids' minds. Unfortunately the one downfall of the book is that there's not much attention on Patty or Graham, so those looking to see the Chase parental units at work will be starved. But that's ok, because this is about the kids' summer. I'm also at a loss as to how anyone can compare this with the first book Catherine Clark wrote about the MSCL characters, as the first book is essentially a novelization of the series. hmmm...But anwyay, if you were angered and unsatisfied at the abrupt end of the show, then I recommend reading the book to provide a more adequate closure. (And if you really, really, REALLY want to see Brian Krakow shine!) :)

The book was a quick fix for me. Some of the actions of the characters were unusual, but if you really enjoy MSCL(as I do), then I suggest you get the book.

I believe that this book is an absolute hit! It is dealing withsome of the most common teen situations. I know when I was goingthrough a deep depression...I always thought about how Angela would handle it, and how she would always pull through. That always helped me get passed my problems. I had the book and show to thank for that. This is why I believe this book deserves a 5!

thank you Catherine Clark for bringing back that great crazy cool bunch of friends. My So Called Life was a great show and your novel based on it--the first one--was great. This is terrific too. It's different and took some getting used to. I kind of missed them not be back at school, because it was so easy to picture Jordan and Angela slinking around the hallways, in the boiler rooms. But a summer book is fun. I won't spoil the ending for other readers but when your third books comes out about my favoirte book friends I'm glad no one is out of the picture, or that nothing is settled yet. But that's too much of a hint. The writer did a great job of bring this crowd back to life in a big way. And some pretty hot things happy during that long hot summer in Pittsburgh. I loved this book