Planet Janet

I love this book! I think it's very funny but the words can get confusing.

I thought this book was very funny. Yes, the main character is very self-absorbed and whines a lot. That's the whole point. It's the diary of a 16 yr old self centered girl. I laughed out loud during many parts of it. It's a very quick read, too. I finished it in a few hours. It's not one of the greats of British literature, but I don't think it deserves such negative reviews. The book is just what it's meant to be.

Virtually every teenager goes through it. One day they decide they're going to become more sophisticated, and like Janet, think reading Beat poetry, listening to jazz, and changing their diet and/or wardrobe is the way to achieve such sophistication. It is no surprise then, that when Janet Bandry, protagonist of Dyan Sheldon's "Planet Janet" and her best friend, Disha, decide to enter the "Dark Phase" (or "DP") of their lives, that these are the first things they do. Sure to please fans of Louise Rennison's "Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging", "Planet Janet" chronicles Janet's five-month journey into the world of yoga, vegetarianism, and "deep, intellectual thought" through her diary entries. Already thoroughly self-absorbed (hence her parents nickname for her, "Planet Janet"), Janet reaches the epitome of teen solipsism before true tragedy brings her back to Earth. Loaded with slang, criticism of her "self-absorbed" family members, and a few graphic sexual references, the book takes the adult reader back to their own "Dark Phase" and is sure to engage the average 16-year old girl. At times the book is laugh-out-loud funny; at others, Janet's egotism is so utterly pathetic that one prays s/he wasn't that ignorant and aloof as a teen and that not all teens are so narcissistic. Besides being a very easy read due to the diary format, another plus is the handy glossary Sheldon included at the back of the book. While most of the slang is easy to understand or figure out, there are a few words or abbreviations that might throw someone unfamiliar with British culture and language. "Planet Janet" is listed as suitable for ages nine and up, but is more likely suited to those a little older for several reasons. Chances are a nine-year old won't be able to fully relate to Janet or appreciate a lot of the literary, political, and philosophical references. In addition, though younger readers might be familiar with the sexual references, it is better to err on the side of caution as the few entries that do discuss sex can be somewhat graphic. All in all "Planet Janet" is a fun, quick read for young adults and not-so-young adults alike and is a must for anyone that has ever been in a "Dark Phase" of their own.

PLANET JANET is one of the funniest new releases out there. Set in Britain, this book revolves around Janet, a teenager who decides along with her best friend to enter the Dark Phase, or DP, of her life. She reflects on her dysfunctional family, her religious zealot of a grandmother, her free spirit aunt, the boy she likes, the things we do for love, her rival, the art and film industry, black clothing and hair dye. If I had a nickel for every time I laughed out loud during the course of this book, I would be a rich woman indeed. The diary format is sure to please fans of Meg Cabot or Louise Rennison. Two thumbs up for this wickedly brilliant British gem.

I bought this book and had it finished the day after! It was that good. The only thing I don't agree with is the age limit. Some of the things in this book aren't all that great for 9 year-olds. But all over a great book!