Write this in your diary: this month's Banned Book Club entry is Go Ask Alice, the 1970s "true story" and runaway bestseller that is completely and utterly ridiculous.

We're not only making fun of Beatrice Sparks' lousy writing, but also how profiteering scheme. Listeners getting in on the fun and exasperation include Victoria, Miriam, Sophie, Gavin and Tea, Books & Chocolate who take note of the fatphobia, the ethical issues and the book's curious relationship to queerness.

Plus: Sparks' other 'Anonymous' diaries, why this book is actually an important time capsule and overall mockery and disdain for the text.

References:

- Daniel Mallory Ortberg. "Lines From Go Ask Alice That, In Hindsight, Should Have Tipped Me Off That This Was Not A True Story" The Toast

- Frankie Thomas. "A Queer Reading of Go Ask Alice." The Paris Review

- Caitlin White. "Go Ask Alice Lives in Controversy." Bustle

Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on Twitter @HKHSPod or use the hashtag #HKHSPod:

- Brenna: @brennacgray

- Joe: @bstolemyremote

Have something longer to say or a comment about banned book club? Email us at [email protected] or tweet us your responses before the following deadlines:

June 23: Wetlands by Charlotte Roche

July 23: Cousins by Virginia Hamilton

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.