Wednesday 18 March 2015

Palo Alto - James Franco

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.


Palo Alto is a collection of short stories about a group of youths in the Palo Alto area of California, the area in which James Franco himself was born and grew up.

The book is divided into two parts Palo Alto I and Palo Alto II each containing their own chapters. The stories revolve around various teens, which all interconnect in some way.  There are stories of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, vandalism and even murder.

In the first story, Halloween, we meet Ryan, a teen on probation for underage drinking.  Ryan is only allowed to drive himself between school and home as part of his restrictions. On the fateful day of his tale, Ryan drives with his friend Ed to Ed's house where they proceed to drink and get high with friends before heading to a Halloween party. After an argument with his girlfriend, Susan, over the phone, Ryan leaves to confront his rival, who happens to be preparing, with friends, for a different Halloween party at Susan's house, but never quite makes it there...

Another story tells of a breach of trust between a soccer coach and his star player. April babysits Michael, while the boys father, her coach Mr B, goes on a date. Mr B returns from the date, explaining that it was terrible and then kisses April.  At Hallowen, April goes out with Mr B and Michael trick or treating, after which Mr B exclaims his love for April and the two have sex, this continues to happen for two years...

I felt the stories were a bit exaggerated with the sex, drugs, alcohol and violence but being non-American I'm unfamiliar with the Palo Alto area, and American teen life in general. Ultimately the themes are something many teens face, American or otherwise, whether they go down the road of vice or head along the path of virtue all depends on the person.

Overall I enjoyed Franco's writing, its not quite the polished stories of best selling authors, but that lack of polish adds to the charm and overall feel.
3/5 stars


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