September 17, 2003 Coming of Age, Her Way — Review of Alice, | Think Barbara K. Adamski Features Editor Susan Juby’s Alice, I Think offers a refreshingly different perspective on coming of age in a small town. The opening chapter, in which Alice, through a series of journal entries, describes her first experiences in ele- mentary school, is particularly hilarious. Readers are drawn in and empathize with little Alice’s plight as she discovers some very important facts about the first grade, including: “[...] kids don’t like other kids who think they are hobbits, especially kids who break into song and dance without any warning. In fact, as it turned out, there is probably no worse thing to be in first grade than a newcomer who thinks she’s a hobbit.” And thus begins Alice’s experiences as a home-schooled child who decides one day that, after a ten-year absence, perhaps it might not be such a bad idea after all, to return to public school—maybe. The trouble is, Death Lord Bob, her therapist—the second one (the first one having left due to a breakdown attributed to Alice)—thought it was such a fantastic goal for Alice, that there was no way for her to weasel out of the situation. And so, we go through day-to-day life with Alice as she tries to reinvent herself, creating—and revising—her “Life Goals List,” which includes such aspirations as “some sort of boy-girl interaction, publishing a paper ‘comparing teenagers and chicken peer groups’ and ‘creating a new look,’ something that is difficult to accomplish in Smithers, BC. Alice’s parents—hippy mother, with a friend Alice calls “Pit”, and soft- core romance novelist father, aren't at all skilled in helping Alice deal with the realities of life. Fortunately, however, Alice’s younger brother, MacGregor the fish breeder, is there to provide some stability and support for his misguided sister. So by shopping at Thrunge (thrift plus grunge) and by bypassing Irma’s Salon with a trip to Prince George for a new do, Alice manages to change herself into something she can be relatively proud of. And life just falls into place for Alice, as it tends to do for many gawky, and misguided teenagers. Disappointing in the book, however, was the underdeveloped theme of bullying. Yes, the book is a tongue-in-cheek look at trying to fit in, but a pummelling by the school bully isn’t funny. While the description of the aftermath of the bullying offered some humour, Juby, herself, seemed undecided as to her own feelings toward school bullying. If it is portrayed realistically, it certainly isn’t a laughing matter. If it is to be made a laugh- ing matter, perhaps it shouldn't be described so vividly. Juby’s own indeci- siveness on how to deal with the matter leaves the reader in a state of ambivalence, as well. While no great literary accomplishment, Alice, J Think is a must-read for teens and their parents. In fact, anyone who remembers what it was like to be fifteen might appreciate the look back. The fast pace of the 240-page book makes for relaxing sunny-day read- ing and is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Alice, I Think by Susan Juby Harper Collins Publishers Ltd., 2000 Features e¢ the other press © Financial Aid Fall 2003 Information Sessions To be held at the New Westminster campus 700 Royal Avenue Wed September 17 5-8pm Room 2804 Wed October 1 5:30-7:30pm Room 1606 Mon October 29 3-5pm Room 2201 Wed November 19 5-8pm Room 2804 Mon December 1 3-5pm Room 1606 Free to all information session participants: A copy of Murray Baker's book The Debt Free Graduate HOW TO SURVIVE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY WITHOUT GOING BROKE We offer information and options to help college students balance their budgets. Budgeting is spending in a way that gets the things you really need and want without ruining your finances. You can learn about Financial Aid options ranging from loans to bursaries and scholarships, and all stops in between. Change to Douglas College Smoking Policy In consideration of others, smoking is only permitted outside in the following locations: New Westminster Campus Level 0 0600 (away from Systems) Level Il West Concourse (Cafeteria) Level |\V 10 metres from Theatre Foyer entrance David Lam Campus South East Ramp In accordance with Workers Compensation Board and Douglas College Standards of Conduct, A 10.02.01/02, Douglas College Restricted Smoking Policy A 05.05.01 (under revision). A message from Facilities Services. IN Douglas College http://www.otherpress.ca e Page 19