Hating Alison Ashley

by Robin Klein

Alternate cover for ISBN 0440842980.


Erica Yurken, otherwise known as "Yuk," is convinced she is the one genius at Barringa East Primary School -- until Alison Ashley arrives. Alison is smart and everything Yuk is not: beautiful, rich, and well behaved. What's worse, she steals the spotlight from Yuk! But Yuk won't give in easily. And as she wages a hilarious campaign to retake center stage, she learns much about herself, her family, and the true nature of friendship.

"Distinguished by snappy dialogue and believable characterization... the story is absorbing and provocative." -- The Horn Book Magazine

Genres: Young Adult, Childrens, Fiction, Australia, Humor, Contemporary, Classics

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (1991).

Robin Klein was born 28 February 1936 in Kempsey, New South Wales into a family of nine children. Leaving school at age 15, Klein worked several jobs before becoming established as a writer, having her first story published at age 16. She would go on to write more than 40 books, including Hating Alison Ashley (adapted into a feature film starring Delta Goodrem in 2005), Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left (adapted into a television series for the Seven Network in 1992), and Came Back to Show You I Could Fly (adapted into a film directed by Richard Lowenstein in 1993).

Klein’s books are hugely celebrated, having won the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award in both the Younger Readers and the Older Readers categories, as well as a Human Rights Award for Literature in 1989 for Came Back to Show You I Could Fly. Klein is widely considered one of Australia’s most prolific and beloved YA authors.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una historia super divertida que se sacará unas carcajadas.
Es imposible no identificarse con Erica y todo lo que le pasa, porque ese chico o chica nueva o solo un compañero de la escuela más puede convertirse en nuestro acérrimo rival aunque que se dedica (según nosotros) a hacernos la vida de cuadritos, aunque ellos claro, ni enterados estén de tal situación.

Amistad, familia, enredos y vivencias que vivimos en la primaria sí o sí, son las situaciones que verás capítulo tras capítulo en esta novela graciosa y llena de chispa; que nos hará recordar sin poder dejar de reír en ningún momento.
Los amigos pueden encontrarse en todos lados, hasta en las personas que menos pensamos, incluso en aquellas que pareces odiosas y terribles a la vista que nos revuelven el estomágo con solo verlas, tal como Alison le hace sentir a Erica.

[Mel Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so formative for me. It's the same kind of story as Sue Townsend's Adrian Mole cycle: Erica Yurken fancies herself cultured and artistically talented, but is trapped in mundane suburban surroundings with family and classmates who constantly frustrate and humiliate her. Even her nicknames, Yuk and Erk, represent being the object of disgust.

Erica hates Alison Ashley, a recent transfer student who lives in a more salubrious neighbouring suburb, as the personification of everything Erica wants and strives for, yet fails to achieve. Things come easily to Alison, and events have her constantly showing up Erica in all the ways Erica wants to excel, and moving in on the guy Erica is crushing on. The idea that they could be friends is unthinkable… until the climactic school camp.

I think that, as with Adrian Mole, the reader is meant to see through Erica's first-person narration and realise she's much more pretentious and less talented than she thinks. But I identified deeply with Erica and her hunger to be noticed and her talents acknowledged. No wonder she hates Alison, because she hates herself. Her rage was cathartic, as I still struggle when I see my peers succeeding and being recognised on a level I only wish I could reach, and all the guys I've ever liked choosing thinner, prettier girls over me.

When I was interviewed in grade six for a scholarship at an exclusive private high school, and asked about my favourite book, I said, "Hating Alison Ashley." My mother was furious when she heard this, because apparently I should have said something more advanced, more intellectual, more canonical. But I got a full scholarship, and I felt vindicated.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know a thing about this book except (1) it is a 1001 Children's Book and (2) one of the main character has the same name as I originally had and (3) it's our book club read for January. The cover was awful and the title worried me, but I sat down to read it today and read it all in a lovely whirl of a few hours. I love the wildly imaginative Erika Yurken who manages to deal with her disappointing life with an odd combination of repeated trips to the school nurse's office and zany stories to explain all the sadnesses. Completely delightful and fully deserving of being reissued here in America with a brilliant new cover.

[Figgy]

I love the fact that, despite her own elevated views of herself, it's clear from very early on that our main character "Yuck" isn't admired by everyone, and isn't as all knowing and talented in everything as she thinks.

This is a story that made me nostalgic for school camp.

[Ryan Buckby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read the book growing up but i have seen the movie a few times growing up and i have always enjoyed this story it's one of those comfort aussie stories you can always go to read and never get sick of.

There is so much you can unpack from this children's book as you have a main character who embodies a lot of young people and no matter the time period it was released it still holds up very well today. Erica Yurken a very mundae girl who lives a very normal life with her single mother and siblings and goes to an ordinary school in the suburbs. A recent transfer of a girl named Alison who lives in the nicer suburb has to attend the school due to zoning reasons this begins Erica's hatred for the girl for seemingly so reason at all. Erica's seep deep issues with hating Alison come down to the fact that she really does hate herself and isn't happy with the way she is and i feel like i can relate as i feel like i've done this at one stage of my life. Seeing how the two interact for most of the book and having Erica soon realise that Alison is just as normal as her and is dealing with her own issues it sees a huge shift for the two and i'm glad that's how it went

I really wish that i picked this book up when i was younger because i feel like i could have really enjoyed this story as a young reader and i think it would have helped me a lot as well.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both the book and the movie are my comfort go-to's. They are so quintessentially daggy and Australian and make me think about the good and the bad aspects of primary school and school camp.
Erica Yurken, you ill tempered, over exaggerating hypochondriac - you just get me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book alot as a child because it is written from the perspective of a girl who is very realistic and not too likeable. The main character is a girl named Erica Yurken who is a show-offy hypochondriac. She is insancely jealous of a new girl at school, Alison, for no reason other than that Alison is smart, neat and pretty. Erica is alaways trying to show that she is better than Alison...with bad results.
This is a funny, and realistic, book.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favourite from childhood. I enjoyed the movie, but the book had an additional spark of something more meaningful and insightful that utterly resonated. I read it many times over the years. 💖

[Ania · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars :)

Hating Alison Ashley is an amazing story about a flawed character named Erica Yurken and her struggle to accept herself as well as a new student, Alison Ashley.

The amazing parts of the book
I love how this book was written! :P For example:
a) If you notice, Alison Ashley has a very stoic facial expression and says hardly anything. The whole story is therefore a story of Erica Yurken struggling to accept herself as she projects that struggle onto her interactions with Alison Ashley. This is because before Alison, Erica lived in a semi-make belief world, where she could pretend all was well and she was destined for greatness. But when Alison came to their school, the whole mirage started to crumble, and Erica feeling inferior, turned jealous and hateful.

b) I love it how Erica keeps mentioning Barry Hollis all the time :P. I know she claims to hate him and accuses him of always being in disgrace, but we all know what happens in 6th grade.... I think Erica is on the brink of liking Barry... and so she keeps talking about him all the time! :P (also: I adored Barry!)

I think it takes a lot of skill to make an essentially such a flawed character as Erica Yurken a likable person. She is likable because, as a reader we understand from where this "hate of alison ashley" stems.

What I think could have been better
I think the first half of the book is 5 star beyond question. The second part is only 4 stars for me. This is because the action becomes more slow in the second part. Lost of characters that were essentially meaningless to the first part, start to matter in the second part, as well as there are 2 plays to take part. I think the movie was right here, as only 1 play was necessary. I think the author beefed the second part a bit to make a much longer story then it needed to be.

Nonetheless, it is an amazing book for children. If you want to teach your kids about morals, about not judging others and accepting yourself for who you are and what you have, this book is for you! Also, if you grew up on the British show "keeping up appearances" you will also enjoy this book as I totally imagine the heroine of that show, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bookay!) to be exactly like Erica Yurken, when she was growing up. :)

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly fun read; you just can't help but like Erica, despite her prickly exterior. There are numerous laughs along the way as readers watch Erica slowly begin to gain confidence about herself and realize that her self-hate was the thing dragging her down, rather than any animosity on Alison Ashley's part. A pity the movie completely dissected the story.

[Bert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was Aussie AF, mate. A super funny and innocent piece of Australiana, great for a laugh!!

[Lorene Mozsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Read it when I was a child.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book, but especially Erica and Alison, are complex and consistent, but what is remarkable for this YA book is the depth of nuance and skill in how they are portrayed. Both girls are strong personalities but in very different ways. Erica is on the brink of genuine self-awareness, but she is still blinded by entitlement and insecurity. Alison possesses a deeper understanding of people and herself, which is shaped by her own lived experience. The contrast between the two is handled with remarkable subtlety.

One of the best things about this book is how its messaging and themes explored in a way that feel totally organic and real. I think a lot of YA fiction can force themes and messaging with a heavy hand. This book does not do that, and that is something I think Robin Klein knew how to achieve.

Erica’s narrative voice is brilliant. It’s sharp, funny, intelligent, and completely engaging. She begins with a total lack of awareness of how entitled she sounds. The humour in the story comes from her wide-eyed observations. Reading Erica as an adult, she feels how I imagine Hyacinth Bucket could be as a child. Self-important, socially anxious, desperate to signal superiority, and utterly convinced of her own refinement.

The author wrote this book with the intention of trusting the reader to understand the messaging on their own terms. Growth in this story happens through discomfort and self-recognition, not revelation. It make the story economical, but also perceptive and deeply funny.

I think in some ways this book feels more sophisticated than a great deal of contemporary adult fiction and shows that YA literature, when done properly, can at times be sharper, braver, and more honest than books trying much harder to be serious.

[sezza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to go on a school camp now

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t remember reading this book whilst i was at school, but I do recall it being extremely popular. The title has played around in my head for years. Robin Klein’s People Might Hear You is very close to my heart, so it was great to finally read and enjoy Hating Alison Ashley too. It’s a very funny, quick, light-hearted read that takes you straight back to the struggles of fitting in at primary school.

[Amy (Lost in a Good Book) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hating Alison Ashley is about a new girl arriving at school and Erica Yurkan instantly hating her because she looks out of place and a better class of person. That's it. So we sit through Erica assuming the worst, convinced Alison is out to get her and finding more things to hate no matter how small and shallow.

The first thought when I started reading this was that we finally got a story from someone other than the middle class. Granted it was less eloquent in my mind but that isn't important. This book was so surprising and a very odd read. It was interesting to see Erica's family and social point of view but by golly she was an annoying child. You forget she's only supposed to be 12 years old or something if she's only in year six. And the stories she comes up with were so unrealistic they just became annoying as every time she opened her mouth it was a lie. And not even a decent one.

There is a great line in this book that was put in there at just the right moment when my patience of putting up with Erica was getting thin. It is a great observation - "Erica Yurkan you have an exaggerated sense of your own importance". This is so true and for some one coming from her family she is the most judging and snobbish person.

Even if you try and justify it, because of her family life etc etc she acts out etc etc. But she doesn't even act out properly. What she does is she thinks she is superior to everyone when she isn't, she hates those different than her and looks down on those she thinks are stupid and less deserving, she isn't shy about openly criticising everyone and she can't accept any one else might be having their own issues. She really is a horrible person, but again, we can justify it and say well look at what she comes from and how she is hiding up her shame, but that is no excuse.

By the end there is hope for Erica as she starts to realise that she isn't fooling anyone, and that perhaps her life isn't so bad after all. But you do have to put up with a lot to get her to that point. Again she is only supposed to be 12 years old so it is just weird most of the time. I guess it is supposed to shows you can't judge anyone cause you don't know their life but I think this took it too far. Erica's family wasn't what shocked me the most, that I could easily picture, it was this 12 year old hating someone so much and letting it consume her life just because she was ashamed or jealous or some stupid reason like that. Luckily she attempted some form of redemption in the end because Erica is a lot of personality to deal with in one book.

This review is also posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...

[Sharni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overdramatic, compulsive liar Erica Yurken considers herself the cream of the crop at the socially disadvantaged primary school of Barringa East until Alison Ashley arrives - with her nice clothes, dainty earrings & perfect hair. It’s HATE at first sight for Erica.

Everything is from Erica’s POV & she’s not having a great time for the majority of the book - - she’s friendless at school, she’s a snob, she’s embarrassed by her family & the area she lives in & the arrival of Alison Ashley really tips her over the edge. Their bumpy road to friendship and Erica’s slow road to finding herself is just a delight.

Absolutely loved rereading one of my childhood faves - can’t say I felt as sympathetic for Erica as I once did. This was a genuinely funny book that’s held up pretty well for something published in 1984.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this story, I enjoyed it when I first read it in 5th Grade and I still enjoy it now.

This is the story of girl who has an odd family, Erica. She was the best student in her class which was full of horrible children that could not kepe a teacher. Until Mrs. Bellmont came and got them into line.

Then Alison came to the school, whom is seen to be perfect in every way.
Eric becomes jealous and events go down, especially when the class go to camp. Erica is jealous as she is seeking attention due to her home life and Alison always recieves this attention.

Though it turns out that Alison also has home issues.

Good easy read, great for kids.

[Michael Earp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, but was completely creeped out by mum's boyfriend, Lenny. The rest of the story was good, and it's probably a comment on the times/socioeconomic group, but the fact that it went unchallenged at all, particularly by mum, left me a little uncomfortable. I mean, he turned out to be supportive in the end, but you can be supportive and still be a creep.
Anyway, don't let that stop you from reading it, but just something to be aware of.

[Clare Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this as a kid and read it over and over. It's as funny as ever and in the audiobook Erica's voice is annoying as she is.

[PipReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

i can't believe i missed how funny this is the first time around!

[Ismene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant characters, brilliant voice. Happiest four hours of lockdown 6.0.

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can’t describe the ways this book has impacted my life to this day. Every time I pick up a physical camera and peer through a viewfinder, I think of Alison’s perfect tire swing photograph and it’s been something like 12 years since my last re-read. Erica’s jealousy-fueled obsessive hate-turned-love for Alison… down to the relentless observations over every facial feature, every movement, every verbal interaction… is just too relatable it’s borderline hard to read sometimes. This book is just me figuring out the difference between obsession and attraction to the girls I wanted to be close to in school (cliche..) and just having no idea about anything but going through the emotions just the same lmao. I hate Erica Yurken but really I only hate her because I am too embarrassed about how I was just like her growing up. I don’t know how the author captured the perfect headspace of a year 6 girl with a crush on her best friend/nemesis but wow it’s uncanny to read now.

Anyways, I don’t know why I never realised how creepy some of the characters were.. the dirty jokes totally went over my head. Also, the casual 1980s Australian racism lol. Good on Ms. V for skipping those parts for our class. She and this book are just really formative for me.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic Australian novel for girls.

[Lamepun]

I remember reading this book in fifth grade. I hated it, because I hate sloppy people, and I like neat, organized people, and the book was about the sloppy girl and not the organized girl (so I guess I totally failed and continue to fail the message of this book, but hey, I'm not 12)

There were moments which just made me cringe in shame, and the main character was awful, but I have to say, this book left a lasting impression on me, and I can remember a few specific scenes from it more than twelve years later after only reading it once, so there must be something good in it. I dunno.

BTW, some people are calling this YA, it's far more middle-grade. I can't imagine anyone older than about 13 liking this book much at all.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult and remember laughing out loud. When I read it to my children years later they too laughed out loud. The main character is horribly flawed but you can't help liking her despite her self centered arrogant and hypochrondriac ways. Having the story told by her perspective adds to the nuance of the story. Seeing the world through her goofy insights leads to readers to wonder about trusting first person narrative--good literature lesson for children. There is a sophistication to this otherwise "school story". A great book for any age. Being an American I liked learning the Australian expressions. My family will on occasion refer to "chuck a mental".

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled on this at my local library and was instantly awash with nostalgia so of course had to read it again for the sake of my primary school self. It's so 1980's and funny with a few bits that make your heart ache. The delightful Erica Yurken and immaculate Alison Ashley, two kids who don't fit in, learning to give each other a chance and finally finding a (lifelong, I'm imagining) friendship. I'd bet that many of my contemporaries also loved this, along with Penny Pollard's Diary, and People Might Hear You. Robin Klein was an absolute gem.

[Zoe Mezzino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very entertaining. I also feel quite horrified that someone could hate this book. Hate is a very strong word. I think no one should say that the author needs to see some one because that could be taken very offensively. If you didn't like a book, say it without offense or some one could either get mad at you, or extremely upset. It might even make some one so worried that people won't like their book that they don't write it at all.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my class and it is very girly, such as a lot of girl problems, bullying, drama, boy problems, crushes, teachers, camps and plays. In hating Alison Ashley the main character is a girl named Erica Yurken known as "Yuk". She meets the new girl Alison Ashley and is jealous of her. In the end they become very best of friends they.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A childhood favourite I think everyone can relate to Erica at some stage of there lives.feeling like everyones against you, wanting more and jealous of those who seem to have everything. cleverly written and amusing I still love this book even as an older reader.