Teenage Wasteland: Suburbia's Dead End Kids

The book came in excellent shape, no tears or stains. It looked brand new.

I recently reread this book and was pleased, yet unsurprised to, see how well it's held up. The books easily stands on it's own merits, however I have been compelled to write a review after reading some of the bilge that others have written. Mostly along the lines of "I knew these kids or I'm from Jersey and she shouldn't have written that book", and other unintelligent nonsense and blindfolded provincial tripe. Comparing Dr. Gaines to the Taliban is about as clever as someone comparing homosexuals with the devil. If someone is that stupid as to make that comparison, they're in over their empty head just reading the word sociology, much less a book on the subject. I read this book not long after it's release. I considered myself a graduate of a similar 'teenage wasteland' on long island, and approached the subject matter with the critical eye of someone with years of experience of suburban malaise, suicidal cohorts and punk and metal soundtracks. After completing the book I was genuinely moved not only by her obvious empathetic treatment of the subject matter, but for her logical conclusions pertaining the conditions that made the events in the book not only understandable, but also unavoidable. She never judged the subjects of the book, and thus gained their confidence. Her personal connection to the events she was writing allowed her a keen insight into the situation she describes without sacrificing clinical, reasoned objectivity. Not long after reading this book for the first time, I wrote to the author, thanking her for her efforts regarding a subject that I knew well. Instead of receiving a corporate form letter reply or a brush off, I received a personal response from the author and an invitation to discuss the book in person. The author, completely without pretension or hidden agendas, spent time with myself and my friends discussing the ubiquitous dementations, absurdities, and the poignancy of suburbia. She did so without asking anything of us, and we were not exploited or maltreated, nor were the subjects of this book. The fact that she took the time to give equal time to suburban dirtbags for no other reason than we liked her book... and knew where she was from... speaks volumes of not only her character, but her integrity as well. I highly doubt that the same could be said of the books' critics.

I read this book for a class I was taking and I didn't expect much from it. But I was wrong. This is a very good book and the information is both surprising and relevant. I probably would not have read this book except for my class and I would have missed out on a lot.

I am a senior in college and have grown up in Bergenfield my whole life. I was around 10-11 when this book took place and do remember my parents talking about the events. Donna was correct in describing the atmosphere of the late eighties and it was filled with all these "white trashy" teens who drop out, have the long hair, and walk around town. Now you do not see that. You see teens who are more "put together." They wear designer clothes and seem to be more "socially acceptable." It's almost as if they are more knowing of their surroundings, which makes them smarter. Times have defiantely changed in the 10 years.

While to a seasoned scholar in the discipline of the sociology of youth this book may seem "simplistic," it drew me into the discipline. Not only did Donna Gaines become part of the suburban kids world, but she gave them a voice...The most fascinating aspect I found was the symoblism of rebellion and the profound meaning it carries. For this alone, this book is valuable.