My So-Called Life [Mass Market Paperback]

Catherine Clark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995

Based on the critically acclaimed television show, this stand-alone novel boldly grapples with such vital teen issues as the price of popularity, substance abuse, and relationships in the age of AIDS. The loves, losses, and emotions of Angela Chase and her diverse group of friends are chronicled with the same humor and sensitivity that have attracted a devoted teen following to the TV series.  

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Based on the critically acclaimed television show, this stand-alone novel boldly grapples with such vital teen issues as the price of popularity, substance abuse, and relationships in the age of AIDS. The loves, losses, and emotions of Angela Chase and her diverse group of friends are chronicled with the same humor and sensitivity that have attracted a devoted teen following to the TV series.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679877894
• ISBN-13: 978-0679877899
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #773,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This makes a good show look lame, April 28, 2002

By 

"coolcat77" (Springfield, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My So-Called Life (Mass Market Paperback)

I originally read this book to reminisce about the show. The show came out when I was a senior in high school, and Angela was a sophomore. I loved the show. I thought the book would go into even more detail, but it didn't. I was very disappointed. It just did not capture the feel of the show at all. It seemed to be too vague. It just didn't develop the characters well enough and merely listed situations. I would get frustrated when things would not be described exactly as they happened in the show. I had the show pretty much memorized, and I was always like--Rickie did NOT say it like that. It is a very poorly written book. The writer of the actual show was probably much better. He or she should have written this book, or Claire Danes, who played Angela and knew her inside and out. But, if you are looking to merely reminisce because you miss the show, it can somewhat do the trick. It's pretty much one of the few books of the show that exist and would probably make a great collector's item. But it's only an "okay" book. The show is much better. If you are the bookworm type looking for a fantastic read, you're not going to find it with this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This book was ok, but it lacked some of Angela's thoughts., October 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: My So-Called Life (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was mediocre. I was disappointed ( I absolutely loved the show) because the book was missing some of Angela's thoughts and actions from the tv-show. The book did not fully explain all of the events as the show did, and because of this some famous lines and thoughts were missing. Overall, the book was an ok read, but I enjoyed the show much better because it was so interesting and thought provoking to see (and hear) what Angela was doing and thinking...especially about Jordan Catalano!=)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars if you loved the show, this is a must-read, February 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: My So-Called Life (Mass Market Paperback)

Catherine Clark does a good job writing this story in the voice of Angela, and incorporating the most memorable episodes from the series. There is also a note from Winnie Holzman (sp?), praise of the show from viewers, and bios of the actors in the back.