Teen Ink: Our Voices, Our Visions
Stephanie H. Meyer
Health Communications, Inc.
Young Adult
ISBN: 1558748164

Have you ever read a book about young people written by some old guy and thought, "He doesn't get it at all?" Whether it be in movies, television, books, or music, the youth of today are frequently over-idealized or underestimated, portrayed as either wide-eyed, naive children or over-sexed, gun-toting thugs. Of course, neither is a true representation. If you want truth, open up TEEN INK and let the teens speak for themselves. A compilation of fiction, essays, and poems all written by teens, TEEN INK perfectly captures the essence of adolescence and all its many faces.        

Broken down into headings ranging from "Fitting In" and "Love" to "Memories" and "Loss," the writing contained within this collection is as varied and complex as the writers themselves. Some pages ache with overwhelming sadness while others tell a story of giddy anticipation, racing pulses and butterflied stomachs. At least once, though probably more, you will hear your own voice and see your own reflection in these stories. Unlike that 2,000-year-old man writing about teens today, these young people "get it" --- they've done "it," they've seen "it" and now they're writing the book about "it."  

TEEN INK is an original, honest and refreshingly un-cheesy approach to "keeping it real." Teenagers are infinitely more savvy, insightful, sensitive and talented than given credit for; and TEEN INK gives them a much needed opportunity to set the record straight. Let's face it, the American teenager is nearly impossible to understand --- unless, of course, you're an American teenager.

---Reviewed by Sarah Brennan

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