How to Deal

Field, T. (Producer), & Marshall, G. (Director).  (2003).  How to Deal [Motion picture].  United States of America: Focus Features.  ISBN 078064579

Plot Summary 

Halley is a vibrant teenager, and seemingly well adjusted despite the fact that her radio disk jockey father is marrying a girl slightly older than her and her mother seems to have given up on love. When her best friend's soul mate dies suddenly in front of her, Halley has to wonder, why keep going on? But an unexpected boon, and an unexpected person are destined to make her see things differently.

Critical Evaluation 

In Halley's parents, there is foreshadowing into what she could become. The events in Halley's life throughout the film make one believe that she may turn out to be her mother, dissatisfied, alone, and unwanting. The other option presented is her father, who seems repugnant. This dichotomy is troublesome for the viewer as well as Halley, realizing that there must be some other way, but not really sure what it is.

There is irony in the fact that Halley is presented with love on all sides; from her parents, as misguided as they may be; from Macon, who refuses to give up on her despite her not being receptive to him; and from Scarlett, who is determined to raise her baby no matter the pressures she receives from others at school and in society.

Reader's Viewer's Annotation 

Halley has been having to deal with just about everything since her parents split up when she was a kid. Now, facing death, birth, and new beginnings, she'll have to find a better way.

Author Information 

Sarah Dessen is a many-time New York Times bestselling author who is almost as frequently awarded an ALA Best Book for Young Adults honor.  She grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and graduated with a Creative Writing degree from UNC Chapel Hill where both of her parents were professors when she was growing up.  She is awaiting publication of her eleventh novel in June 2013.

Dessen recalls always being drawn to reading and writing, having always done it and pursuing it even when she felt others would prefer a more stable profession.  She predominantly publishes YA novels, and notes that, "I never really intended to be YA writer, but the second book I showed my agent she thought had a strong teenage voice, so she sent it off to an editor at Orchard Books, who bought it. Even though it was in a way accidental, I’ve found that writing for teens suits me. I do short stories, and other novels, that are for an older audience, but again and again I am brought back to the stories of high school" (Dessen, 2013).

Genre 

Contemporary

Booktalking Movietalking Ideas 

Ask how one would deal with the problems presented in this movie, how they would try to overcome them, and hint that there may be something greater that can overcome any of the downsides.

Interest Age

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug material, language, and some thematic elements

Challenge Issues 

Teenage sex, pregnancy, divorce, teenage parenting, and sudden death are all issues that could be taken with this work.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly.  Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone.  As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected

This movie was a favorite of my girlfriend's, years ago, and she never knew it was a book.  This movie holds up pretty well, watching it years later, and it may encourage viewers to check out some books by Sarah Dessen if they realize that How to Deal is based on two of her books. 

References 

Dessen, S.  (2013).  Bio/press kit.  Sarah Dessen.  Retrieved from http://sarahdessen.com/press-kit/