Author:
Myracle, Lauren
Title:
ttyl
Publisher & Date:
Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2004
Recommended Age Range:
14 and up
Plot Summary:
On the first day of 10th grade, best friends Maddie (madmaddie), Angela (SnowAngel) and Zoe (zoegirl) vow two things: 1) that the upcoming school year is going to be fabulous and 2) that nothing is going to shake up their friendship. Of course, they have a much harder time keeping to their second vow, as boys, religious differences, and more popular friends make their way into their lives.
Reader Appeal:
The interesting format would appeal to fans of chat or instant messaging. This format may also appeal to non-traditional readers, as the book and pages are designed to resemble chat windows, thus making it seem as if there is less actual text to be read. The story itself would appeal to fans of books like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. This book would not appeal to anyone seeking fantasy, action, romance, mystery or complex relationships.
Artistic Merit:
The chat format of the book is intriguing and creative in that the reader is able to easily digest all of the plot points put forth, but other than that, the story itself does not seem that new or interesting. While enjoyable, this book could be considered a much milder version of the Gossip Girls series as there is light discussion of teenage drinking and sexual situations.
