logo

55 pages 1 hour read

Beatrice Sparks

Go Ask Alice

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1971

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks, structured as a teenage girl's diary, chronicles two years of her struggle with family relationships, social acceptance, and drug use, including marijuana, LSD, and amphetamines, leading to a turbulent journey marked by emotional turmoil, drug dependency, rebellion, and self-discovery. The book contains depictions of drug use and dependency, sexual assault, graphic violence, and suicidal ideation.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Beatrice Sparks' Go Ask Alice elicits mixed reactions. Praised for its raw, diary-like portrayal of a teenager's descent into drug addiction, it resonates with readers for its impactful storytelling. However, critics question its authenticity and the ethical implications of presenting it as a true diary. Despite its contentious nature, the book remains an evocative, if controversial, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Go Ask Alice?

A reader who would enjoy Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks is typically drawn to raw, introspective narratives on teenage struggles and self-discovery. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Speak will appreciate this candid, diary-style exploration of addiction, identity, and the tumultuous journey through adolescence.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

1960s

Publication Year

1971

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

930L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.