My kids often tsk-tsk when Mom says something “inappropriate,” such as praising the physical attractiveness of Johnny Depp or Barack Obama. “Inappropriate” is the bland, seemingly non-judgmental term they learn at school for demarcating untidy language, behavior, or even thoughts.
My friend Laurie Rosenwald has published a new book that promises to tweak the sensibilities of this proper new generation. Called All the Wrong People Have Self-Esteem: An Inappropriate Book for Young Ladies, her book is a salty guide to adolescence that overflows with Laurie’s ingenious illustrations and raw sense of humor.
Even the press release for the book is full inappropriate (or at least unexpected) stuff:
“A lot of people are trying to tell other people what is best for them. Rosenwald has no clue and in this book isn’t even trying. Her ‘Advice to Teens’ is done Mad-Libs style. Other chapters include ‘The PMS Collection Agency,’ ‘Really Extreme Makeover: 25,185 Days to a Better You’ and ‘Bizarre Things I found on Facebook.’ As for the environment: is the earth really worth saving? Not if it is full of marketing executives…. Be warned, if you think like Rosenwald it could get you kicked out of yoga.”
— Ellen Lupton · 2008-11-22
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THE BOOK