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Basic InformationMore InformationLookupsLatest NewsGoogle Search Trends Suggest Mental Woes Vary by SeasonsU.S. Must Step Up Response to Vets, Report SaysNews Coverage of Shootings May Boost Stigma of Mental IllnessADHD Can Often Persist Into AdulthoodChildhood Bullying Linked to Adult Psychiatric OutcomesShared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and DepressionMarked Geographic Variation in Mental Health Medication UseSocial Withdrawal, Isolation Should Be Addressed in YoungMental Disorders Linked With Domestic Violence, Study SaysWorkplace Bullying Takes Toll on Witnesses Too, Study FindsADHD Can Cause Lifelong Problems, Study FindsConcerns for Long-Term Safety of Antipsychotics in Over 40sSAMHSA: Prevalence of Mental Illness in U.S. Stable in 2011Psychiatry Gets Revised Diagnostic ManualMental Illness Affects 1 in 5 U.S. Adults, Survey FindsLong-Term Use of Some Antipsychotics Not Warranted in Older Adults: StudyFor Many, 'Superstorm' Sandy Could Take Toll on Mental HealthDeployment Affects Mental Health of Relief WorkersPhysical Ailments Take Toll on Mental Health: StudySerious Mental Illness Tied to Higher Cancer, Injury Risk: StudiesAging Boomers' Mental Health Woes Will Swamp Health System: ReportFamily History of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder May Up Kids' Risk for AutismMental Health Woes Raise Odds for Prescription Painkiller Abuse Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
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by Alex Shakar Harperperennial, 2001 Review by Courtney Young on Oct 31st 2002 
The Savage Girl takes a unique look
at the current state of consumer culture.
We are taken behind the scenes where trends are orchestrated, and the public
is manipulated through marketing techniques.
Ursula Van
Urden is the main character in this novel.
She’s an artist who moves to the city where her younger sister had
become a famous model. Ivy, her sister,
had a breakdown and is diagnosed as a schizophrenic. Ursula goes to the city to care for her, as well as to find out
what it was about the city that pushed her over the edge. To do so, she gets a job working for the man
Ivy was dating prior to her mental collapse.
His company is appropriately named Tomorrow inc. where he is a trend
spotter, selling his ideas to companies.
Ursula is
trained in the art of spotting the next big fad. She basically sits on park benches, rollerblades through the
city, and even watches people at the supermarket; all of this while she is
lectured by Ivy’s ex Chas, and Javier another trend spotter. They seek to enlighten her with philosophies
rooted in fashion that in their eyes will change the world. It’s quite absurd, and at the same time
makes you wonder if there are really people like this. Ones who seemingly blend into society, yet
are watching everything and everyone hoping to stumble upon a profitable trend.
Ursula’s
journey with Tomorrow inc., and with her mentally ill sister reveal the darker
sides of human nature- those rooted in greed.
Ursulas’s “big find” a homeless, rodent eating, savage girl sparks a new
trend that in the end turns disastrous.
From cryogenically frozen trend spotters to schizophrenic watching web
cams this book is full of surprises. Perhaps after reading it you will think twice about the products
you buy, or who is watching you buy them.
All in all this is a very interesting and thought out satire of our
culture.
© 2002 Courtney F. Young
Courtney Young recently graduated from Dowling College, Long
Island, NY majoring in Fine Arts and minoring in Philosophy. While planning her next step, she maintains
her mental health by surfing. |
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