Jessica, Darling!
I am a fan of adolescent angst. Its rarely-righteous indignation always helps set my own problems in perspective. Also, it makes me unconscionably happy to not be an adolescent. With this appreciation for adolescent angst comes a love for books in the young adult section of libraries/bookstores as opposed to age-appropriate fare (like the what can you do with a ____ degree? books that keep turning up on Amazon’s recommended list). Since summer has given me ample time to read drivel, I’ve chosen some choice passages from Megan McCafferty’s Jessica Darling books to share why I love not having to think when reading. In spite of its targeted age group, there is boundless truth in her words:
There is no guarantee of success in this world, not even for those whose lives are as charmed as yours. So have fun now! Do it! Put down the books! Do something stupid while you’re still young enough to chalk it up to blissful ignorance! -Page 299
My favorite passage (A Collection of Theories Trying to Explain Why I Kissed a Republican and F-ed Up My Relationship) is worth its weight in comedic relief:
The Biological Pull Theory: I recognized that with his good genes and Ivy League education, William could be a better provider for future offspring, so I kissed a Reupublican
The Psychosocial Theory: I am in the identity versus role confusion stage of development, during which it is perfectly normal to want to try out a skanky persona, so I kissed a Republican.
The Situational Theory: I was drunk off my ass, so I kissed a Republican
The Humanistic Theory: I have a history of doing things I otherwise wouldn’t do when under the influence of mind-altering chemicals, so I kissed a Republican
The Cognitive Dissonance Theory: I missed Marcus, and I didn’t want to miss him so much anymore, so I kissed a Republican
I am rofl-ing as I type.
(Source: twenty-thirteen)