Go Ask Alice
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Go Ask Alice
Go Ask Alice is a 1971 young adult novel originally presented as the authentic diary of a nameless 15-year-old girl descending into drug addiction. While initially marketed as a true account, it is now widely recognized as a fictional work by Beatrice Sparks, crafted as a cautionary tale against substance abuse. The story chronicles the protagonist's harrowing journey, beginning with an unwitting LSD experience and spiraling into continuous drug use, running away from home, homelessness, and involvement in criminal activities, all while navigating strained family relationships and personal identity crises. This book is a powerful, albeit controversial, depiction of the challenges faced by teenagers grappling with addiction during the counterculture era. It explores the severe psychological and physical consequences of drug abuse, dangerous social interactions, and culminates in a tragic end that underscores its anti-drug message. Despite ongoing debates about its veracity and certain thematic elements, "Go Ask Alice" has maintained its status as a notable and frequently discussed piece of young adult literature, often serving as a catalyst for discussions on drug prevention and adolescent struggles.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book includes explicit negative portrayals of homosexuality, equating it with 'degradation,' 'illness,' 'sin,' and 'guilt.' The narrative contains homophobic sentiments expressed by the protagonist.
The diarist expresses homophobic views, such as when she discovers her boyfriend Richie having sex with his male friend Ted, reacting with intense self-condemnation and stating, 'What a disgrace I am to myself… I'm as bad as that sonofabitch Richie.' Additionally, the narrator, under the influence of marijuana, contemplates 'screwing with a girl' but immediately expects to 'feel terrible' afterwards, framing same-sex desire as a 'sinful pleasure.'
Violence
The narrative includes explicit references to sexual assault and rape, as well as threats and physical harm inflicted by others, contributing to the protagonist's traumatic experiences.
Romance and Sexual Content
The book contains explicit references to sex, rape, and prostitution. It details the protagonist's loss of virginity and her engagement in sex work during periods of homelessness.
Substance Use
Substance use is the central and pervasive theme of the book, depicting extensive drug addiction with explicit details of various illegal substances, forced drug use, drug dealing, and culminating in the protagonist's death by overdose.
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains intense and disturbing content, including graphic depictions of drug trips, hallucinations, psychological distress, homelessness, and the protagonist's eventual death.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
16+ (Mature Teens) – This recommendation is based on the book's explicit and graphic depictions of severe drug addiction, sexual content including rape and prostitution, instances of violence, intense psychological distress, and ultimately, death by overdose. While some sources suggest a younger audience, the high severity of multiple concerns warrants a more mature reading age to ensure readers can process the disturbing themes responsibly.
Good to Know
The book was initially presented as a real diary but is now widely considered a fictional work by Beatrice Sparks. This fact has led to ethical concerns regarding its marketing to young readers as a true story. Beatrice Sparks also produced other 'true' diaries that included fabricated elements, such as occult content in 'Jay's Journal.' The book has been adapted into a 1973 television film and a 1976 stage play.
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