Palo Alto: Stories

I purchased Palo Alto Stories because I had read an article in Vanity Fair magazine written by James Franco on how he prepared for his role as poet Allen Ginsburg. The article was so well-written that I was hooked by the first sentence. The article was to the point and flowed so smoothly that it never once lost my interest. I had seen Franco in several movies and was [unfairly] surprised that an excellent actor was also an excellent writer. I was curious, so I purchased his book. I found it, once again, extremely well-written, and would have given it an A-plus-plus if I had been a professor [I am a former editor and reporter]. It is a deeply insightful book easily portraying the thoughts and lives of a certain group of adolescents, some troubled, some just curious. However, for me, this book resulted in the purchase of another: in one story a boy talks of the children's book "The Rainbow Goblins". Franco's young character discusses this book with his friend in such a manner that I wanted it for my grandchildren. I purchased it and we all love it. As Franco wrote, it is a beautiful book with a nice story. [One of our grandchildren also zeroed in on the blue goblin's bare bottom.] Two excellent books, thanks to one Renaissance man.

These stories are written in a very direct, simple sentence structure, told in the first person POV of the various teen characters. A very readable style devoid of literary pretension.The characters are mostly bored spoiled rich kids who do the sort of things teens have been doing since the drug and sexual revolutions of the 60s and 70s. While some of the stories deal with those subjects in a way that might shock conservative readers, there's a moral edge to them that makes them a bit more palatable.If you were a fast lane teen you'll no doubt recognize these characters, whatever your generational era. Their only singular characteristic is that they grew up in Palo Alto, where the adults are liberal academics and parental figures are whatever the opposite of helicopter parents is. Undercurrents of racism pop up here and there, most often subliminal, but they do occasionally color the narrative which might trigger snowflake reactions.

I normally avoid viewing other reviews in the hopes I will offer something original and helpful, instead of just nodding to what has been said, or worse, having a pointless argument. But noting the 3 stars, I was curious as to what feedback was being offered. How I'm certain James Franco's day job gives me him a boost, and obviously there would likely be no book deal without that, I can't help but feel some knock his writing as a personal attack. Take that for what it's worth.As for Palo Alto, this is a book of short stories all centered around Palo Alto high school students in the early 90's. Growing up in a similar town, during a similar time, I personally identified with much of the detail and thoughts. The stories deal with self loathing, sexual frustration, the pain of unrequited teenage love, rape, and guilt. Typical teenage angst, which can be quite serious, especially when accompanied by external trauma and drug use. The stories are interesting, raw and honest. The characters are very believable and each deeply disturbed. Franco captures in literature some of that stomach turning sadness for teenagers that Larry Clark captured so well on films like Kids and Bully.The writing is extremely well done. I notice some reviews claiming Franco is attempting to write in a Hemingway style, and not pulling it off. I would suggest that he's channeling more Carver, especially since the book contains short narratives centered around a select group. If Franco falls short on anything in style, it may be when you feel an attempt at Ginsburg that comes on a bit strong. This happens maybe twice.

I love James Franco, but this book was a little disappointing. It's such an easy read that it becomes boring. The writing style is very basic with easy sentence structure and little descriptions most of the time. I was expecting a detailed book since it's by Franco, but it was a bit lacking. There are a few stories that are interesting, but as a whole the book seems like it is written by a child.

This book is what you can expect from James Franco. An insightful look at growing up rich in the northern California city of Palo Alto. Franco does not sugar coat the decisions and actions that young teens make when their parent's eyes are turned away. I will say that this book is not for everyone. But if you are interested in the secret life of teens it’s a must-read. I completely enjoyed reading this book and never wanted to set it down. What I really liked is that I had watched Gia Coppola's movie 'Palo Alto' based on this book and she did such a good job making that movie her own that both pieces stand strong alone.

Lo compre porque me gusto mucho la película. Llegó en perfecto estado, es bastante pequeño.

As described

Palo Alto is my favorite movie so I was excited to read the book that inspired him

me llegó en pocos días y en perfecto estado. El libro me gustó mucho

Che dire... il caro James Franco è fra tutte le righe. Un inglese comprensibile anche se non si conosce bene la lingua. Ritratti di una realtà vicina a tutti. C'è vita in ogni pagina.