Go Ask Alice

Reader reviewed by Jillian R

Summary: Go Ask Alice is
about a teenage girl, suffering from drug addiction. With her life
spiraling down and out of control, she begins to write on her diary,
where she tells her side of the story.

Review: First
of all, this YA novel is entirely a work of pure fiction. It is however
made to be believed as a true story, which to me, is sort of like false
advertisement. I don't really mind, and this doesn't detract me from
appreciating the story and its message, but I can see how maybe others
would be bothered by this.
Second, I do believe this is one of those
books that I think are important to discover while at a younger age.
The message is simple; Drugs are bad. Do not use them.
However, I do
not recommend this so much to anyone older. The literary merit is close
to zero, and most of the information about drugs are based on
stereotypes and generalizations. At times, also, the situations,
events, and even the main character herself, seemed over the top and a
bit contrived. Because of this, I found it a bit difficult to relate to
the character, and the experiences she was going through. I believe
that with character-driven stories like these, it's extremely important
to have a powerful and memorable protagonist. Unfortunately, like I
said, I did not feel that Alice was memorable enough.
Having said
that, I would probably not be reading this again, or get a copy for
myself. I hope though, that people will not get me wrong. I do not
think this is a bad book at all. I do
appreciate it for its raw and emotional story, and its motives to
influence teens to stay away from bad habits, as I think this is
crucial. But as I already mentioned, this is one that is meant more for
younger readers and teens, than any other age group. I give it 3/5.

Reader reviewed by Sara E.

I got this book thinking is was non-fiction and a real diary of some girl named Alice. However, that's not the case. Beatrice Sparks, as far as I know, came out about being the author of this book, and on most websites and in most stores/libraries it is classified as fiction. The book is about a girl who becomes a drug addict. Sheis fairly normal, has a normal family, and not exactly seeking out to be a bad girl. It just happened, and before she knows it she's addicted. She starts small and works her way up, eventually she runs away from home. It's a sad story about how easily you can become addicted to something like drugs, and how easily you can lose who you are and throw your life away.

Reader reviewed by undercover reader

It starts with a dangerous party game where she receives a LSD soft drink. From there she cannot stop, she starts taking more and more drugs everyday. Runs away and distance grows between her and her family and old friends. Within each day she tries a new drug and meets more addicts such as herself now. She looses her innosence rapidly along with her youth.


I enjoyed reading this story. Definently a page turner. I reccomend this book to anyone and everyone.

Reader reviewed by Kristen

In another struggle with a life on drugs, this is the story of a girl who moves away from her boring life and meets up with some people who introduce her into their wonderful world of drugs. Through a couple boyfriends, some dealing, running away and cross country trips, she meets up with other kids going through similiar situations, and sees that some people have it alot worse than she does. Though she always finds her way home, it seems she can never keep stil for long. (And the ending was NOTHING like I was expecting it to be!)

Reader reviewed by sara

This is a decent book it is about a girl who has a hard life.it is in diary form telling about how she didnt get out of high school because she got involved with drugs.it also tells about the pressure she was put under to do it and and because of it.i think people need to read this book even if they dont likeit because I learned a lot from it. I think others will to if they take to time to read it.

Reader reviewed by Adam & Ryan

This book was very interesting. The whole topicon drugsand sex is really similar to what happens topeople in real life. We gave it a 3 because some parts got boring and confusing.

Reader reviewed by Frank Michielli

Who ever DIANA is an idiot. Tis wasn'tthat bad a book. A teen is accidentally exposed to drugs and goes on a drug using roller coaster ride. IT is a good book and the only thing that was bad about was that she took drugs almost every night and still had enough energy to get through the day. Also, the epilogue says that Alice dies after she decides not to keep another diary.

Reader reviewed by L. Eustace

A girl's diary full of her thoughts and actions; trite, common, and above all boring. I found this book to be too simple, so the girl does drugs, she gets good grades, she's quite popular, and this and that and all these little things that don't add up to anything meaningful. There's no sense, but being a supposedly "real" diary of a girl, you wouldn't wonder why.