Long List

Notes from the Teenage Underground

Simmone Howell

I felt inspired, surrounded by art and possibility. When Lo got into something, she really got into it. Her enthusiasm was contagious, but also a bit unsettling. She would whisk Mira and me into her whirling dervish and once we were in there, anything could happen.

It's the end of Year 11 for Gem, Mira and Lo, and they need a summer holiday project. After a visit to the National Gallery, they decide on 'Underground', inspired by Andy Warhol and Germaine Greer. The girls set out to make their summer extreme, anti-establishment and avant-garde. Gem has two goals: make an underground film and lose her virginity. Not necessarily in that order. But Mira and Lo seem to be trying to stop her from achieving both goals. Lo is planning something big - but she won't tell Gem what it is. Gem feels more and more distanced from her friends, who have taken her 'Underground' idea and run away with it. On top of all that, Gem has to worry about her family, her job, exams, and the future.

This is a great, edgy, funny, crazy read.

Notes from the Teenage Underground is longlisted for the Golden Inky.

To vote, go here, or SMS UNDERGROUND to 0427 777 759.

Judges' Comments:

Matthew: Another brilliant book that is very suited to the teenage demographic. Shows how friends and family are not to be taken for granted.

Ruby: A great book for anyone who loves Andy Warhol, feminism or film.

Emily: I particularly liked this book because I could relate to it, and I could visualise the places, having been to some of them myself.  My favourite part about this book was the idea of being ‘barcode’.  You’ll have to read the book to understand what I mean. 

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