Not being a boy, I was surprised by some of the language. Maybe I did grow up a bit sheltered and didn't really socialize during that age, who knew? Anyway, I was surprised that kind of language was in a YA book. Not offended, but not something I would choose to read on my own, thanks for making me branch out!

I guess my perspective is that I rarely get offended by words; I get offended by the ideas behind the words. The "offensive" words in this novel were representing ideas, concepts, that I didn't find offensive because I saw the honesty in them.
*Warning: I'm about to get sickeningly philosophical*
Truth is beautiful, even when it's ugly. I admire the beauty of honest emotion, no matter how awful a package it comes in. Word choice to an author is like a pigment color to a painter; it's a tool to elicit the reaction.

*OK- pathetic English teacher rant over*

I completely agree with what you said Gypsy.

I agree with BeautifulDisaster that the language adds honesty to the work. This is the boy's diary, the place where he can empty his heart and be true to his feelings. Therefore, the language is necessary and understandable.

And, I love the reference to Keats!

You caught me- I didn't even realize I was referencing Keats- I used to teach that poem every year. Apparently I learned it over the years; not sure how many of my students did.

I agree with what many of you have said about the language. As much as we might not want to except the fact that young boys speak like that sometimes, we most. I have two young teenage brothers that live behind me and sometimes I am shocked about what I hear them say. It's just the way boys talk. I also agree with someone that said it is hard to believe that it was a teen novel, I understand that most it was at a teen level, but as a mother I don't think I would want to my teenage reading this, unless they were very mature.

The language didn't bother me at all. It might have in 1988 but not now If the book was written for 12 year olds and younger, it would have bothered me, but this book was intended for teenagers right? The swearing is a part of their everyday life whether we like it or not. As long as the child understands that it's not appropriate language to use in civil conversation or when talking to adults, then it doesn't bother me if they read it. I mean, by the time the reader is a teenager, I'd like to think they they were taught well enough to know that those swear words are unaccptable to use in certain situations (although I'm sure some parents will say it's unacceptable in all situations).

I think without the spackle of swearing here and there, a bit of the reality might have been lost. It is, after all, a teenager speaking. I thought it added to the humour but I understand not everyone finds it funny.

kctjohnson, I wish I didn't live 5,000 miles away from you because I agree with everything you say on every topic!
The bad language was used sparingly and made it all much more realistic.
If our children are taught by us parents what is acceptable and what is not then they will make the right decision in real life.

I grew up on the Osage Reservation in the 70's & 80's. I am not sure the language was strong enough. The guys in my class were pervs in the 2nd grade and could cuss like nothing I have heard since. My son is a 2nd grader now, and I would die if I thought he even had an smidgen of the "experiences" my classmates did. I knew lots of "Rowdy"s and no Juniors (I wish I did).

BTW, I was one of two Caucasians in my class; needless to say, we didn't fit in either.

Nope, it did not bother me, I agree with what others said, it added to the humor at times.

Thanks!! I was offline for several weeks and didn't get to read this thread so I couldn't respond, but I am flattered with what you said! Again, thank you!

This topic makes me think back to a creative writing class I took while in high school. The teacher stated that sometimes the swear word is the most appropriate word under the circumstances. The language was colorful throughout the book, but it was realistic.