A blog by Cameron and Shannon

Did any of you read The Babysitters Club books growing up? Because, um, I did. And if you did, you should read this blog because it is hilarious. (Language warning).

The really interesting thing is, as I read those posts, I realize I remember a lot more about the BSC books than I realized. Even more interesting, most of my vivid recollections revolve around the extremely lengthy descriptions of the girls’ outfits.

When I read this: ”I had picked out my clothes the night before: a brand-new pair of rust-colored corduroy slacks, a blue button-down shirt, and a floral-patterned white cotton sweater. That’s my look—Neat Preppy Casual—and I love it.”

and this: ”The next morning I got up, pulled on a pair of blue tights, black canvas walking shorts, a long-sleeved, blue T-shirt, and a pair of black flats. I piled my blonde perm up on top of my head and fastened it with a blue stretchie tie… After looking out the window, I ripped the stretchie from my hair and let the curls fall around my shoulders. I took off my clothes and changed into my new one-piece shorts dress with the gold,red and green Aztec-style print. I slipped into a pair of light tan woven flats and I was set to go.”

I realized, “Hey! I’ve read these!” Seriously, what is up with the lengthy fashion statement descriptors? I’m by no means what you would call a “feminist” but I’m a little thrown off by the realization of the weight and energy they were putting on that kind of stuff for it to be in a book read by 9-13 year old girls.

Hey, speaking of things that are read by 9-13 year old girls… of course once I found that blog, I decided to do a little Wikipedia read-up on the series, which led me to some of the most disturbing information I’ve received in quite some time.

”Many of the books were ghostwritten…” (whut?) …including 43 by Peter Lerangis. However, Ann Martin wrote the first 35 books.” (WHAT?!?!?!)

I’m sorry. But let’s review here: the most beloved series of my childhood…about girls - girls just like me…was written by…A MAN?! Not only that, but he wrote more books of the series than the original author herself.

Was the literary content of BSC too taxing on Ann M. Martin’s time for her to write each one herself? Seriously? Not to mention, every single book had a snippet in the back about how she and her friends had their own BSC when she was a young girl, and that’s where she came up with the idea, la de dah.

When I think about a MAN writing FORTY THREE FRICKIN’ BOOKS about 13 year old girls…and their fashion…and their romantic endeavors with 13 year old boys… I have to admit I am gagging. Literally gagging. And not even just a little.

Ugh, I feel so betrayed! And angry! Angry and betrayed and grossed the heck out! It’s not even like he wrote about one or two main characters that were girls and there were boys in the mix too. Oh, no. There were girls. Only girls. So many girls. TEN girls.

*Sob *.