I’m
ambivalent about this book. On one hand, it was an easy read, the story is
original, the writing is clever. On the other hand, it didn’t leave much of an
impression. I saw the movie years ago, and in many places throughout the book I
found myself thinking about the movie to supplement what was missing.
The book
is written as a series of journal-like entries from the main characters. While
this style gives different perspectives on the central event in the book – a
high school presidential election – too often the entries blended into each
other. And some entries were so short there wasn’t enough to them to really
fill out each character. That’s where I kept retreating to the movie.
The story
revolves around the presidential election at Winwood High. Mr. McAllister is a
well-liked, passionate teacher who oversees the election. Tracy Flick is the
ambitious overachiever who wants to be president because she truly believes she
is superior to the other students and candidates but also because she wants to
pad her resume. Paul Warren is the likable jock who runs against her at Mr. M’s
recommendation. Paul’s campaign manager is Lisa Flanagan. Lisa had a secret,
short-lived affair with Tammy Warren, Paul’s sister, who is also running for
president.
There are
other story lines that give some depth to the characters. Mr. M is having
marital trouble, Tracy
As with
any movie adaptation there are differences in the book. In the movie Tracy
I
wouldn’t dissuade anyone from reading it, but for me it was just too slight to
leave much of an impression.
