My Tinkerbell Will Have an STD if I Want!

[Anthony]

Tyler's overbearing best friend Jenny takes center stage in many of chapters of the book. She has a way with words, a sharp tongue, and a knack for being overly friendly with many, many boys. I think we've each had a 'Jenny' in our social circle at some point. They make life interesting, always providing a new tale to share.

What do you feel makes Jenny's character likable? Why do think she's attached herself to Tyler? Would Jenny be someone you would hang out with in high school?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, as I truly LOVE Jenny!

AP

[Sammy Goode]

Honestly--her pain and vulnerability beneath that rough and tumble exterior. Even though she is "sarcastic and tough", there is beneath the most tender and damaged soul--an almost shy young woman crying out to be loved--she tore at my heart in so many ways. I think she saw in Tyler someone who would love her---who would love her and not look at her as "tainted" and dirty or wrong. She needed him way more than he ever needed her--and I think the way you wrote him--as a compassionate young man--he was her saving grace.

Oh Anthony Paull--there was ever so much right about your book!

And yes--whereas I was a "goody two-shoes in school, my Jenny was a girl named Leslie. She smoked (gasp--remember this was the mid-70's), wore her Catholic school uniform skirt WAAAY too short and cussed--she was the most undeniably thrilling person I knew--and she was one of my best friends. Nuns would literally pull me into their classrooms to tell me not to "associate with the likes of her"--honest---oh catholic school memories! But all that was not the reason I hung out with Leslie...

OMG Anthony--the things I am going to reveal here--what evil magic spell have you weaved to get me to spill my guts???

No the reason I hung out with Leslie is because in a school where my graduating class was 125 and my only other friend was--then--a closeted gay boy--she liked me---she made a point of talking to me--she (oh dear god--I know this sounds so high school) invited me to her birthday party--and spent the entire night talking with me--we became best friends--and stayed that way for years and years. I lost track of her about 15 years ago after her 3rd divorce---maybe it's time to track her down again...

I too loved Jenny--thanks for creating her for us Anthony!

[Anthony]

Awesome story Sammy. Thanks so much for sharing. It sounds like you should definitely reconnect with Leslie, as I'm sure she's still full of personality and great stories. As for me, I've had few girls like Jenny in my life. I admire girls with a 'take-charge' attitude and girls who break down societal rules and expectations. Throughout the book, Jenny takes on a careless attitude unless it comes to Tye. The friendship holds so much value to Jenny because she sees him as a safety net. Generally, I think that's why the good girl and the 'bad' girl often become such great friends. They both look to each other to feel complete. I think Jenny has some of the best one-liners in the book. One of my close friends who read the book said Jenny should have her own spinoff.