Palo Alto

Brilliant book! Lots of deep and interesting short stories, I have read this more than once and I love it, even better than the film! James Franco is a legend

For a debut novelist this piece of work is really good. The book is about several middle class teenagers who are going through the pain of puberty and trying to figure out who they are while dealing with the lack of parental guidance and assurance. Franco really captures the complex, diverse and seemingly disconnected nature of emotions in the characters. Its a great snapshot into their lives and minds.

I really liked this book, most of the stories do have quite a dark feel to them and the book is very sombre. However I did really enjoy the book and the style of short stories without resolution, because of this style though you don't really get that character development that makes you deeply invest in the characters. That style keeps it from being 5 stars but for what it is, it's a beautiful yet harrowing book. I would recommend the book and the film also!

James Franco successfully creates the setting, atmosphere, and also creates interesting stories. However these short stories never have an ending and I feel that the stories would be more effective if there was a cliffhanger at the end of each narration rather than a random stop. These stories are also very similar so they tell the reader what type of place Palo Alto is like. The stories revolve a lot around drugs, death, and sex, and reflect the lives and thoughts of young people.The way Franco uses imagery was effective, but I think that the stories themselves lack a bit of substance.

I hesitated for a long time thinking about whether to buy this based on previous reviews and maybe it's just my kind of book but I loved it, the only problem with it? It was over too soon.

Meaningless stream of consciousness youth episodes none of them more than fantasy musings of nasty teenagers about their unpleasant friends.Couldn't finish the book.

Vaguely interwoven tales of small, unfulfilled, California teen lives. Deftly told, effortlessly convincing, moody and evocative, if somewhat depressing in its depiction of nihilism - probably best in small doses.

Really good book would recommend

Brilliant!!!

A different book but I quite enjoyed reading the short stories. Not sure if I will buy another James Franco book

Written on behalf of my daughter who I purchased the book for- a very enjoyable book; a dark comedy which I found funny

Excellent

Loved this book. James Franco is a very vivid writer, you can clearly see the images he wants to create. While some of it is a little uncomfortable to read it fits in with the theme of the book

I really cant comment about this book as I bought this as part of a birthday present but I know the person I got this for enjoyed it

Good book for teens and early 20 year olds,Kept me interested through out, full of shocking stories... Good read