Remember those crazy, awkward, awful, wonderful teenage years?
So does Rainbow Rowell, author of Eleanor and Park. I wrote a review of this gem over at The Rhinestone Bookmark.
The book threw me back into the trenches of high school. Argh. Blech.
I lived on Sassy Magazine. It seemed like the antidote to "high school is the best time of your life" culture. I couldn't wait to get out. Just out. Out of my tiny town, out of my oppressive (to me) school, out of my house, and out into the big, beautiful world of grown-up-ness.
Here's a great feature on the Cult of Sassy over at NPR. I wrote the editor, Jane Pratt, and actually received a hand written letter in response. I was beyond thrilled. That was such a relevant magazine to a whole generation of young women. They treated their readers as an intelligent, indie audience that had more on their minds than lipstick and boys. (Although that was there, too.) If you were stuck in high school land, Sassy gave you some insight into the broader world. It gave me hope for my future.
The Cure was my favorite. This rarely left my stereo. Robert Smith's raw voice and that jangly guitar jolt me back to high school in a heartbeat.
Ah, The Smiths and Morrissey. How Soon Is Now is featured in Eleanor & Park. Thanks again, Ms. Rowell.
This rarely left my stereo.
My teen years centered around music. Dozens and dozens of cassettes, beloved mix tapes from friends and beaus, and my trusty Walkman that was always on the verge of battery death. Remember that wonky, slowed down version of your favorite songs because your double AAs were running down? Me too.
I LOVE...How Soon is Now, by the Smiths. I first heard it in a movie called Closer. I always liked The Cure too.
Posted by: Laura Tieri | July 16, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Oooh....I remember that, Laura T.! Naughty movie, with that gorgeous Clive Owen.
Posted by: Laura Irrgang | July 16, 2013 at 10:27 PM
I don't even want to tell you how old I was and what I was doing in the early 90s. :)
Posted by: Maria | July 17, 2013 at 06:32 AM
Love your memories Laura! I wasn't wise to Sassy, never heard of it. The rest of it rings true though. Funny now, on the other side how apparent it is that nearly EVERYONE felt the same way while we were there, don't you think? I wanted out SO BAD. And now I am. And it ain't too shabby, especially in comparison.
Posted by: Dusti | July 17, 2013 at 08:26 AM
I totally agree with your opinion of high school! I hated it, and couldn't wait to get OUT. And you know what? I was right. 48 years later and I still don't miss it or the people. Like I imagine getting out of prison must feel like.
Posted by: Grump | July 17, 2013 at 08:56 AM
I'm glad I wasn't the only one who hated high school. Then I went and TAUGHT there for a year. What was I thinking?
Posted by: Laura Irrgang | July 17, 2013 at 09:37 AM
I know, Dusti! If anyone ever says, "I miss high school so much! Those were the best years of my life."....I back away slowly.
Posted by: Laura Irrgang | July 17, 2013 at 09:38 AM
Ha ha, Maria! I know how old you turned this past birthday, so I can do the math. You would have been a very *ahem* MATURE high schooler in spirit, yes????
Posted by: Laura Irrgang | July 17, 2013 at 09:39 AM
I wonder what I was doing, because I've never heard of Sassy magazine. In my ancient day, Seventeen mag was my escape into fantasy land, pretending I could be a cool girl.
Posted by: Charlotte | July 18, 2013 at 06:19 PM
Hey Laura!! It's Tina,from Tina & Joe. I still have some of my Sassy magazines somewhere in a box. I loved Jane Pratt & Christina Kelly!!! And yeah, I hated school!!!
Posted by: Tinatre | July 29, 2013 at 05:32 PM
Oh, how funny, Tina.
Rock on with the Sassy Sisterhood!
Posted by: Laura Irrgang | July 29, 2013 at 05:56 PM