Here’s a post from our resident pop-culture maven:

Don’t You Forget About Me: Contemporary Writers on the Films of John Hughes
“The angst-ridden films of John Hughes remain vital viewing to a generation of writers old enough to have seen The Breakfast Club in theaters, and this collection of musings from 20 such contributors” is worth thumbing through even if you read just a few essays. Most focus on one of the big three (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink) or simply the wonder that is Molly Ringwald. Others feature Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Some Kind of Wonderful and Weird Science. It’s a fun trip back to adolescence.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High – Cameron Crowe
I was surprised to learn this movie was based on a book. Back in 1981,
filmmaker Cameron Crowe, then a 22-year-old journalist with Rolling
Stone, spent a year masquerading as a high school senior in southern
California and wrote this eye-opening memoir about the lives of teens.
Even funnier than the movie plus more Jeff Spicoli!

Sooner or Later – Bruce and Carole Hart
Though this book came out in 1978, many GenXers are more familiar with
the made-for-TV movie adaptation starring singer Rex Smith and its Top 40
hit “You Take My Breath Away.” It’s the story of 13-year-old Jessie who
goes to deceptive lengths to win the heart of 17-year-old rocker, Michael
Skye. It’s a great (and quick) read for Young Adults as well as those of
us revisiting our youth.