I felt I had a very innocent childhood and I feel privileged by that. But as an adult, I know that there were people who didn't have that. There are a lot of teens who haven't had as easy a childhood as me, and having literature that explores these "darker" parts helps relieve the burden and stress they may be feeling. As a writer, there is often a temptation to draw back when we write for teens - to preserve their innocence. But the reality is, if someone has already had that innocence taken in their life, then not writing about it is just brushing it under the rug.
Jay AsherWhy does it say she has three hundred and twenty friends?" Josh asks. "Who has that many friends?
Jay AsherI wanted to tell you everything. And that hurt because some things were too scary. Some things even I didnโt understand. How could I tell someoneโsomeone I was really talking to for the first timeโeverything I was thinking? I couldnโt. It was too soon.
Jay AsherI tried getting my dad to buy me a beeper for my birthday,โ he says, โbut he thinks only doctors and drug dealers need them.
Jay AsherThen come to realize that you're making mountains out of molehills. Realize how petty you've become. Sure, it may feel like you can't get a grip on this town. It may seem that every time someone offers you a hand up, they just let go and you slip further down. But you must stop being so pessimistic, Hannah, and learn to trust those around you. So I do. One more time.
Jay Asher