The promise of adulthood

Robbins, Alexandra. The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory, and Why Outsiders Thrive after High School. New York: Hyperion, 2011.

As someone who made most of her close friends in college, I sympathize with the premise of The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth. For teenagers, their parents, or their teachers--at least those who aren't particularly alert to the challenges of being different during middle and high school--the book provides some valuable lessons. For myself, I didn't really need the meticulous research that Robbins presents.

I did quite enjoy the true stories in the book. Some of the kids' struggles and triumphs actually brought tears to my eyes. Though they were all different, each dealt with feeling like an outsider and working on a challenge designed by Robbins to open them up a bit. When one had his first kiss or another made a new friend, I felt proud of these youngsters who might not have felt this hopeful in a long time. The author should feel truly proud of her role in these kids' brightened lives.

Here's the bottom line for those without the time to invest in the book: high school can suck, kids should stay true to themselves, and the adult world sucks less. If you don't have an author spurring you outward and onward, find someone who will. It's worth it.

Rating: **