Diary's New Beginning

A fifteen-year-old girl begins her diary, filled with hope and dreams. She feels isolated and misunderstood by her family and peers, especially after a failed romantic encounter with Roger. Her family moves to a new town, offering a fresh start. She resolves to reinvent herself, focusing on her appearance and academics, hoping to fit in and be noticed by boys. Her diary becomes a confidant, a place to express her innermost thoughts and desires.

Descent into Chaos

The girl attends a party where she unknowingly consumes LSD, sparking a curiosity about drugs. This curiosity quickly spirals into addiction as she experiments with various substances, including marijuana and amphetamines. Her life becomes a chaotic blur of highs and lows, and she finds herself entangled in a world of drug use and dealing. Her relationships suffer, and she becomes increasingly isolated from her family and former friends.

The Escape Plan

Overwhelmed by the consequences of her drug use, the girl and her friend Chris decide to run away to San Francisco. They dream of starting anew, free from the pressures and judgments of their past. They open a small boutique, but the allure of drugs proves too strong. Their venture fails, and they find themselves back in the grip of addiction, leading to dangerous and degrading situations.

A Fragile Recovery

After a series of traumatic events, including a sexual assault while under the influence, the girl returns home. Her family welcomes her with open arms, and she begins the slow process of recovery. She reconnects with her family, finds solace in her studies, and dreams of a future in social work. Her relationship with Joel, a supportive friend, offers hope and stability.

The Relapse

Despite her best efforts, the girl struggles to stay clean. The pressures of school and the influence of her old drug-using friends lead to a relapse. She is caught in a cycle of guilt and shame, unable to break free from the grip of addiction. Her mental health deteriorates, and she experiences terrifying hallucinations and paranoia.

Institutionalized

After a particularly severe drug-induced episode, the girl is institutionalized in a mental hospital. She feels trapped and hopeless, surrounded by other troubled youths. The experience is both terrifying and enlightening, as she meets others with similar struggles. She begins to understand the depth of her addiction and the impact it has had on her life.

A Glimmer of Hope

With the support of her family and the hospital staff, the girl begins to see a path to recovery. She dreams of helping others who have faced similar challenges and starts to plan for a future in social work. Her relationship with Joel provides a beacon of hope, and she resolves to overcome her addiction and rebuild her life.

The Final Goodbye

Despite her newfound resolve, the girl dies from a drug overdose shortly after deciding to stop keeping a diary. Her death is a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction and the fragility of recovery. Her story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for understanding and support for those struggling with substance abuse.

Characters

The Girl

The protagonist is a fifteen-year-old girl who feels isolated and misunderstood. Her diary entries reveal her deep insecurities and desire for acceptance. Her journey through addiction and recovery is marked by moments of hope and despair. She is intelligent and introspective, but her struggles with drugs lead to tragic consequences.

Joel

Joel is a supportive friend who offers the girl a glimpse of a better future. He is kind, understanding, and provides a sense of normalcy in her chaotic life. Their relationship is a source of strength for the girl, and his unwavering support gives her hope for recovery.

Chris

Chris is the girl's friend and fellow runaway. They share dreams of starting anew but are quickly consumed by their addiction. Chris represents both the allure and the dangers of the drug world, and her presence in the girl's life is both comforting and destructive.

The Parents

The girl's parents are loving and supportive, but they struggle to understand the depth of her addiction. They represent the well-meaning but often clueless adults who are unable to see the signs of their child's struggles until it's too late.

The Diary

The diary serves as the girl's confidant, a place where she can express her innermost thoughts and fears. It is both a source of comfort and a reminder of her struggles, capturing the highs and lows of her journey.

Plot Devices

The Diary

The diary is the primary narrative device, providing an intimate look into the girl's thoughts and experiences. It captures her descent into addiction, her attempts at recovery, and her ultimate demise. The diary entries are raw and unfiltered, offering a poignant and personal perspective on the impact of drugs.

Drug Use

Drug use is the central plot device, driving the girl's actions and decisions. It represents both an escape from reality and a destructive force that consumes her life. The portrayal of drug use is unflinching, highlighting the dangers and consequences of addiction.

The Move

The family's move to a new town offers the girl a chance to reinvent herself. It symbolizes hope and the possibility of change, but also the challenges of fitting in and finding acceptance. The move sets the stage for her initial experimentation with drugs and the subsequent spiral into addiction.

Analysis

"Go Ask Alice" is a stark portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the challenges of recovery. The anonymous diary format provides an intimate and raw perspective on the girl's struggles, capturing the highs and lows of her journey. The book highlights the need for understanding and support for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing the importance of open communication and empathy. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the fragility of recovery and the devastating impact of drugs on young lives.

Last updated: February 23, 2025