Teenage Wasteland

by Anne Tyler
Teenage Wasteland cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 9358
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9780593313954
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2020-09-29
  • Reviews: 3

Anne Tyler's 'Teenage Wasteland' is a poignant exploration of a mother's journey to understand and reconnect with her misbehaving son. Originally published in Seventeen Magazine, this widely beloved short story delves into the emotional turmoil of Daisy Coble, a mother who feels she has failed her son, Donny, after learning of his disruptive behavior and smoking habits. /n/n Daisy's desperation leads her to seek professional help, hiring an unconventional tutor in an attempt to bridge the growing gap between her and her son. The story masterfully portrays the intricacies of family dynamics and the universal struggle of parenting, leaving readers to ponder the delicate balance between guidance and understanding.

Reviews
Looking for a Good Book · 2020-11-24
affecting 4.00

The story captures the essence of ordinary tragedies and the profound impact they have on families. It's a poignant exploration of everyday life and the struggles within it.

This review highlights Anne Tyler's skill in writing about ordinary people and their ordinary tragedies. The story of Daisy Coble is a poignant exploration of how life can be interrupted and families can come undone. The reviewer appreciates Tyler's ability to delve into the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional turmoil that follows. They find the narrative affecting and masterful, showcasing Tyler's talent for capturing the nuances of human relationships.

Quick quotes

    Tyler writes brilliantly about ordinary people and ordinary tragedies.

    Daisy Coble tries to hold her family together as it unravels.

    A poignant exploration of everyday life and the struggles within it.

Sitting Bee · 2018-11-23
poignant 3.75

The narrative explores the theme of blame and the complexities of family dynamics. It's a story that delves into the emotional turmoil and the struggles within a family.

This review focuses on the theme of blame and the complexities of family dynamics in Anne Tyler's story. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling, as it delves into the emotional turmoil and the struggles within a family. They appreciate Tyler's ability to capture the nuances of human relationships and the impact of blame on family dynamics. The story is seen as a poignant exploration of the emotional struggles that families face.

Quick quotes

    Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Tyler may be exploring the theme of blame.

    It's a story that delves into the emotional turmoil and the struggles within a family.

    The story is seen as a poignant exploration of the emotional struggles that families face.

Required Reading with Tom and Stella · 2017-11-03
compelling 3.50

The story is set in a typical suburban community of the 1970s, offering a glimpse into the lives of its residents. It's a reflection on the complexities of family and the enduring influence of one's upbringing.

This review reflects on the setting and themes of Anne Tyler's story, which takes place in a 'normal' suburban community of the 1970s. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling, as it delves into the complexities of family life and the enduring influence of one's upbringing. They appreciate Tyler's ability to capture the essence of suburban life and the struggles that come with it. The story is seen as a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the emotional turmoil that follows.

Quick quotes

    A story written by Anne Tyler in the 1970s that takes place in what I guess you could have referred to as a 'normal' suburban community.

    It's a reflection on the complexities of family and the enduring influence of one's upbringing.

    The story is seen as a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the emotional turmoil that follows.

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