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Books like Define "Normal"

Define "Normal"

I was in the mood for something teenage and angsty, and this fit the bill. The story itself is more morality play than a realistic plot, but the characters are relatable and deep and introspective. They have dark secrets and insecurities and ways of rebelling that don't involve sex/drugs/cutting or whatever is the hot button issue of the year. There are some cool twists along the way. Tangent. Note to authors of young adult novels. Slang. The entire point of slang is that it marks one as an insider/outsider. No one is more hyperaware of this than your audience. Please take a moment and avoid these common pitfalls.1)If you are not well versed in the current vernacular, don't force it. For all that is holy, do NOT invent your own slang. This is only acceptable if you're creating your own funky scifi future. (I am looking at you, author of this book. That's so bode! My parents are going to cronk!! Just... no.)2) If you can't write without recycling slang from your own generation, go all out and set your story back in the day, please. (Congratulations, Ms. Peters, you pass this one. I could do with a more specific feel of time/place, but at least I'm confident all your characters got the memo that it's not 1975 anymore.)3) Slang should be seen and not heard. Let me pick it up by observing speakers in their natural habitat. I do not want an etymology lesson. Particularly if you have violated either of the above maxims, DO NOT draw further ridicule by having your characters discuss the slang. (Guilty again. What's worse than "bode?" Rhyming it. Yeah.)4) Consider doing some actual research. We're not exactly talking about infiltrating the mafia or even cracking a book. Turn on a reality show. Go to the mall. It took about one day in an Oakland middle school for me to start mentally inserting "hella" into every sentence. On second thought, I understand why you have avoided this option.5) When in doubt, just stick in some profanity.

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