Module 15 - TTYL by Lauren Myracle

1. Citation -
   Myracle, Lauren. ttyl. 2004. 224p. Abrams/Amulet. (0-8109-4821-4).
   
2. Summary – This story follows three girls through their high school daily routines in the form of text messages to each other. Each character has personal trials and choices they are working through, and in between the chatter of boys, shopping and popularity, there are some very risqué and serious topics addressed. One girl is grappling with depression after a breakup, another is deals with inappropriate feelings for a teacher and another is dealing with the fallout from a drunken night she doesn't remember. Throughout all of this, they are struggling to maintain their friendship in the scope of a big school.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – On a personal level, this was a very difficult read. I found the characters somewhat tedious, and the format difficult to follow. This is very likely old-fashioned of me, but I prefer more detail and in-depth form of writing. It was very difficult for me to form a connection with these girls, and therefore made the read unfulfilling. That being said, there are many people out there that would enjoy this book because it is straightforward and the story moves very quickly. It reminds me a bit of "Sex in the City" for high school. The situations these girls find themselves in can easily happen in today's high school climate, so I can see teenage girls finding this an interesting read. This is on the challenged book list, and I can understand some parents being uncomfortable with the subject matter covered. However, it could be a very good opportunity to talk with your teen about issues brought up in this book!
   
4. Reviews - Green, John. Booklist, 5/15/2004, Vol. 100 Issue 18, p1615-1615, 1p; (AN 14087581)
   

   The story of three friends' tenth grade lives is told entirely in IMs, replete with g2gs and CAPS LOCKED SCREAMING. At the start of their sophomore year, Zoe, Maddie, and Angela promise to remain best friends for life. But soon Zoe is spending way too much time with her vaguely creepy teacher; Maddie abandons her real friends in favor of über popular Jana; and both Maddie and Zoe tire of Angela's never-ending Boy Drama. The plot is familiar and often pedestrian, but the girls' distinctly compelling IM voices are the hook here. Myracle cleverly manages to build rich characters and narrative tension without ever taking the story outside of an IM box. Although some back story is awkwardly inserted and a few of the pop-culture references are already dated, Chat-savvy readers will identify with these teens and their problems, and Myracle neatly demonstrates how IM can bolster real-life friendships. —John Green
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – This is a book that I would have available for reluctant readers, as it is possible to get them involved with the format and then have them read a more traditional book (like The Earth, my Butt and other Big Round Things) – perhaps a book group?