The Atrium

I'm not sure that a book alone can be a bad influence. I think it also has to do with the environment you are in, and your role models in life and the morals you were brought up with. Had I read "Gossip Girl" in high school, I would have considered it a fluffy read, and not really felt any desire to look up to the girls portrayed within it.

I was in high school before these books were published (1991-1995- although I have read these books), and can remember that girls were just as mean, and the casual regard for casual sex was just as prevalent.

At what point do we stop placing all the blame on the books? Surely, there are larger issues at stake (and of influence) here.

Well, I think a bigger concern should be, if these books are such a bad influence, why are they selling in the first place. They are popular because the concept and character types are already available to the consumers. The question isn't whether or not if the books are a bad influence, but why are young girls drawn to these books in the first place.

It is my firm belief that as long as people are reading-especially students then it's great. As a teacher, I have heard from two many students who brag about never having read a book in their lives. Is that something we should condone? As long as these books appeal to people, then who are we to question the content in such depth?

Besides, these children are inundated with far worse in the hallways, on television, and in the movies. A book is the least of our worries when it comes to self esteem and values.

I agree with Rachel that we cannot put all of the blame on the books.
Let's look at the source, then, and not just the symptoms. We have a symptom here: books that portray sex, wealth, and good looks as the main goals in a teenage girl's life. What is the source?
Maybe the source is a society that already places emphasis on these things, and the lack of a society that creates books, films, and relationships that emphasise beauty of character, kindness to others, and a wealth of quality in life.
We can't place the blame on books alone, but why not use books as a way to get through to girls who, whether they like it or not, will come to think that there is some truth in these novels? I haven't read all of these books but, as a woman in my early twenties, I know that the last thing I need is more influence to suggest that I am not pretty enough, rich enough, sexy enough, and more.
Let's use books to enrich and empower girls. Offer them a book that inspires them, Melissa, instead of one that discourages them.