It appears to be Book Day here at Shameless, which is great given that lately I’ve got books on the brain. Specifically “books written for girls” and what that means.
This morning Feministing brought my attention to some great “retro-lit sites, which re-read the ghost-written classics of my childhood and mock them when appropriate.” I think we’ve come a long way in terms of YA literature for the ladies (Emily Pohl-Weary‘s new Natalie Fuentes series, for example,) but it’s always fun to visit these blogs that take a trip down (the very blonde) memory lane…
The Dairi Burger, devoted to a re-read of the oft-recussitated Sweet Valley High.
Claudia’s Room, blogging about the Baby-Sitters Club series.
And my personal fave:
What Claudia Wore, where blogger Kim critiques the outfits worn by “artsy” baby-sitter Claudia Kishi.
By the way, my favourite book of my youth was this classic expose:
‘Cause you know, Stacey’s different and it’s harder on her than anyone knows. What are your memories of these books of yore?
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11 comments
See my bio photo for evidence of book loves past.
Posted by Anna
November 13, 2007, 1:45 PM
Was the truth about Stacey the fact that she was diabetic? Or am I imagining that part? It's been a long time since my BSC days...
Posted by melinda
November 13, 2007, 2:37 PM
I think so, though that cover could double as Stacey's "coming out" issue for the lesbian BSC mashup.
Posted by Anna
November 13, 2007, 2:42 PM
Bingo, Melinda. She was a diabetic.
Posted by Stacey May
November 13, 2007, 2:49 PM
It seemed like such a big deal at the time, Stacey being diabetic... Now I'd be like, "Damn, girl, you're diabetic? It ain't no thang."
I really need to check out that What Claudia Wore blog now.
Posted by melinda
November 13, 2007, 3:23 PM
Wow. I can't believe this is what Claudia wore: "a red shirt with Mexican hats and cactus plants printed on it, and blue-and-white-striped pants held up by polka-dotted suspenders. On her head was what looked like an engineer's cap (it matched her pants), and dangling from her ears were miniature cowboy boots, which she'd made herself."
Ew.
Posted by melinda
November 13, 2007, 3:28 PM
Oh Claudia. Your stylings inspired us all. The original DIY fashionista (she made her earrings herself, c'mon!)
Remember how she used to hide food in her room in all these secret places so her family wouldn't find out about her snacking habits?
Posted by Anna
November 13, 2007, 3:34 PM
Oh god, I *do* remember the snacks! All this BSC trivia has been taking up valuable space in my brain, without me even realizing....
Posted by melinda
November 13, 2007, 4:07 PM
I remember she also had to hide Nancy Drew books, because her parents claimed they were "junk food for the brain." And how while Claudia was wacky and artistic and didn't fit the super-serious Asian student stereotype, she had an older, disapproving sister who did.
I read quite a few Sweet Valley High books when I was younger, though now whenever I think of them I think of chief Wiggum from the Simpsons; "That's the stupidest story I've ever heard, and I've read every Sweet Valley High book."
Posted by Shannon
November 13, 2007, 4:48 PM
I remember reading the truth about Stacey! And also that I didn't understand what the big deal was. I was so accepting as a child.
Though I did NOT remember that Claudia was Asian! Wild!
Posted by Thea
November 14, 2007, 9:22 AM
Here's how I remember the baby-sitters. Kristy was the tomboy of the group and was bossy and pushy. Stacey was the pretty blond diabetic from New York City. Claudia was a Japanese-American artsy girl who couldn't spell. Dawn was a health nut and a California girl. Mary Anne started out shy but got more outgoing. Mallory wore glasses and always had problems with boys. Jessi was the only black girl and she did ballet. Abby was Jewish and lived next door to Kristy.
Posted by Sexy Sadie
January 3, 2008, 6:07 PM
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