I’ll concede the point.
Before I ever opened an account on WordPress.com, before I ever dreamed of this crazy thing called “blogging,” I read Jen Lancaster‘s blog, Jennsylvania. She is a published memoirst (is that the noun?) and I’ve loved her long time.
In addition to being irreverent and self-deprecating and a walking, talking representation of all that is still good about Lacoste shirts, Tretorn canvas sneakers, and madras plaid shorts, Jen always puts forth insightful comments about what it means to be a writer, about what is involved in the business side of writing, and she often cuts through the BS surrounding the Publishing World.
So I stand corrected. My teeth gnashing of the other day (soft/sweet cheeses, was it only yesterday?!) about Snooki’s book deal, and how I believed it meant I should stock up on water and canned goods, seems to have been ill-conceived. Jen has a marvelous post today about what Snooki’s budding career *really* means: who will [probably] write it, what it means for literacy, what it means for publishing.
Jen makes, as usual, a well thought out, reasoned point.
I shall reverse my earlier opinion about Snooki and her book deal. However, I will state here and now — in a direct shot to the spirit of Banned Book Week, which I never thought I’d repudiate — that no one who shares my last name will neither purchase nor read said book. [I’d be thrilled if no one watched that crummy show, but I think that ship has sailed.]
In honor of the memory of my Grandmother, whose Mass is tomorrow, I will steadfastly declare that elegance and class matter. And I can’t believe this book will endorse either. So neither will I endorse it.
But note to Simon and Schuster: I know at least two writers who’ve got novels ready to go. They need an agent and a little TLC. Not to be confused with SPF or T&A.
Tags: jen lancaster, jennsylvania, Simon & Schuster, Snooki, snooki's book deal
October 2nd, 2010 at 11:38 am
It is so sad that so many young girls will rush out to buy this book! To think that people think she is all that! Some of my 4th graders think she is cool. That is soooo wrong!! I really get angry! Young people need good role models of what is acceptable and what is not. Unfortunately most “hip” people today are not the kind of people I want my sons looking up to. Take time to listen to all of Katy Perry and Ke$ha’s super popular music. I am horrified! (but do secretly listen to it !!)Then you wonder why I love my Barry Manilow!!!
Alyson says:
October 3rd, 2010 at 6:56 am
Hey You!
I agree with you 100%! I had to tell #1 son that I didn’t want to ever hear that Rhianna/Eminem song “I like the way you lie” in my house and that he shouldnt’ listen to it either — did he know what it was about? He didn’t of course, so I said “it’s about a guy that beats up his girlfriend. Is that an okay thing to do, or to sing about?” and he agreed it wasnt….
I know why you love you some Barry….
October 6th, 2010 at 9:18 am
I knew I was meant to read you. I <3 Jen Lancaster!
I'm terrified of this Snooki character, so I am in 100% agreement with you. Next thing you know her book will show up at book clubs! ACK! [duck and cover! duck and cover!]
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October 12th, 2015 at 6:31 pm
there is an art to true love, what a beautiful place to show their haispneps, a lovely choice the akron art museum! the pictures are amazing. is there a full picture of Brian’s handsome and smiling face beside his soon to be beautiful bride? i have a son who will marry soon, will certainly show him these perfect pictures. thanks for sharing their joy!