One Hundred Young Americans

by Michael Franzini

Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso

Genres: Nonfiction, Photography

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was interesting but I think I would have liked it more if I was still a teen. As an adult, I thought the concept was pretty neat -- interview and take pictures of 100 young American teens to show the world how diverse they are in terms of everything -- but I liked the idea better than how it was executed. In reality, I felt like this book just tried too hard to be cool. The issues that the photographer/author focused on were pretty minor and superficial. The descriptions of the teens made them sound really vapid and or simply idiotic. I didn't become inspired at all while reading this. I actually started to feel kind of sad in that is-this-really-what-kids-value? kind of way. It was all about looking or acting a certain way and had little to do with your character.

When I think of identity I always think of character. Sure, what you look like is a part of it but it's mostly about who you are as a person. This book and its photos seemed focused on photographing pretty people, adding a cute little anecdote about them, and then turning them into sex objects -- not about getting these people to think critically about who they are as Americans. So, that was hugely disappointing.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photographer Michael Franzini has put together an excellent collection of photos and biographies of a selection of teens across the US. The teens were selected to most appropriately reflect the census data for the country demographically, but their personalities span the teen spectrum. The selected teens chose their own clothes and how and where they wanted to pose for their photos, lending a whole other dynamic to this book.

I have to say that I was really impressed by this collection. The biographies on the teens were presented in a very neutral manner, neither supporting nor condemning the sometimes quite shocking opinions expressed within. Moreover, the pictures are absolutely captivating. Knowing that the kids chose how to represent themselves made me really look at those pictures- sometimes the image they seem to want to present is incongruous with what they say about themselves! I found the whole book to be utterly captivating, and no matter who the reader is they will find someone represented that they identify with as well as someone they will be shocked by.

[Jason Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminded me of "Girl Culture" (Greenfield), but its focus provides a cross-section of today's youth in America. These stories emphasize the importance of uniqueness and individuality to today’s youth that supports the description offered by Twenge in “Generation Me”, yet through this there are also many other pervading themes…the role of family in shaping our youth, the role of faith (or lack there of), the prevalence of extreme emotions including both hope and hate, the struggle to find acceptance and validation from others, and the ongoing search for happiness…one of my favorite books within the last couple of years with my interest in youth and parenting.

[Brenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jesus... fuck, this is one venal book! Face after face after face of teenaged American mugging for the camera: Look at me! I'm unique! I'm a MySpace superstar! My mom 'n' dad disapprove of my punk/vampire/pierced/Vegas-whoring lifestyle! Watch me focus on one single element of my life before going into adulthood and losing what's left of my youthful good looks when house mortgages and tedious careers and unbehaved children and communicable diseases and backstabbing elitist culture bring me down to the level of your average 35+ loser!

I am so interesting and beautiful and independent and goddamn unique!

Meanwhile, in Bosnia...

[Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and scary book. Fell apart after first use. Not put together very well at all. I thought this book would give me insight into the teenagers of today but after reading this I am more flummoxed than ever.

[Sheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The pictures are fanatastic and it gives you a little glimpse into the diversity of America's teenagers. There stories are told unbiased and real.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teens at Belmar Library LOVE this book!

[Tammy Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book briefly gives a raw and honest look at the lives of 100 real Americans between the ages of 14 and 20. I highly recommend it to anyone that has to work with teens.

[Emily Eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. Loved it.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being able to see the diversity of the lives displayed in this book. It opened my eyes.