Difficulties

I recently read the book Teen Angst? Nahh… by Ned Vizzini.  This is a book about a teenage boy, Ned Vizzini, growing up in New York City in the late 90’s. Vizzini narrates his story, telling stories about his past experiences and funny moments throughout his teenage years. He faces everyday problems like any other teenager would, which he learns to overcome, and move on from. One main problem that he faces throughout the book is his academics. He is a strong student, but from the very beginning of the book the stress is difficult for him to deal with.

            At the very beginning of the book, Ned Vizzini describes the New York City high school process to the reader, and explains how difficult and competitive it is. He says that there is one test, (the SHSAT) which the students must take, and if they pass that, they are able to go to some of the best high schools in the city, and even country. He ends up passing the exam, and getting into Stuyvesant—which is considered the hardest place to get into. Vizzini tells how he studied for 4 months straight in order to get into Stuyvesant, and pass the test.

            Once he is in the school he has to deal with the immense difficulty and advanced workload that the students are expected to do. He even recalls his own teacher telling him, “You can have a personal life, good grades and sleep in Stuyvesant, but you can only choose two of them.” This shows just how difficult his school must have been, for the teacher to have to tell this to the students. Vizzini ends up telling the reader how he chose “sleep and good grades.” He must have been devoted enough to work this hard considering he was giving up any social plans he would later have.

            In a slight way I can relate to the author because of what he has gone through in his life. I also have to do this high school process and will probably have to deal with the problems, stress, and worry that comes with going to high school and growing up. Ned Vizzini seems like a really dedicated person and it continues to amaze me how devoted he must have to go to such a hard school still get good grades and stay on track throughout his life. He even gave up his whole social life for this.  This tells me that anyone can do whatever they want, as long as they have enough determination and they want it enough.