What’s the deal with My So-Called Life?
In the last two new YA books I read, the characters love the show My So-Called Life and talk about it often. This surprised me because the show was a short-lived teen drama from 1994. Don’t get me wrong, because during our senior year, my friends and I watched the show every Thursday night on ABC. Angela Chase’s voiceovers spoke to us and we identified with her teen angst; Rayanne Graff’s wild side frightened us sometimes; and Rickie’s ‘out’ status in high school inspired us. The name Jordan Catalano became synonymous with unrequited lust, while Brian Krakow made us appreciate the geeks around us. I loved that show. I knew it was great. But I didn’t know it was a cult classic! Check out the DVDs of My So-Called Life, and don’t forget the two excellent new YA books that mention the show:
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
This book takes place in one night, and I read it in a single sitting. Nick and Norah are straight edge Bridge and Tunnel teens who start their night with a kiss that begins their New York City adventure. Plus, Nick and Norah know their tunes, and give us fabulous music references throughout.
True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet by Lola Douglas
The diary of an actress who left 6 months in rehab to live in Fort Wayne, Indiana and attend high school as a normal teenage girl, which may be her most challenging role yet. Great movie and television commentary, from a teen insider!