Monday, August 2, 2010

Bieber fever

Having a teenage daughter in middle school, I know who Justin Bieber is. For those of you out there who are not quite so privileged, Justin Bieber is the newest teen singer sensation. For those of you who are older, like me, he's like David Cassidy of the Partridge Family, Leif Garrett, or Bobby Sherman. One of his concerts in Australia was canceled because of rioting tweeners. Really. He has been on Saturday Night Live (with Tina Fey). According to reports, he's 16 years old, and here's the link to the scant details.

And now he's publishing his memoir.

Yes, you read that right. His memoir.

Of course, precedent was set when teenager Miley Cyrus "wrote" her memoir. But I have serious issues about children writing memoirs when they have nothing yet to say. Okay, so Bieber got his start on YouTube, and he sports a hairstyle that seems to defy gravity. But beyond that, what has he really done that justifies a memoir?

I have said for a long time that he's an E True Hollywood story waiting to happen. You know who they feature: Scotty Schwartz, from child star to porn star; Britney Spears; Lindsay Lohan; Angelina Jolie; The Kardashians. These are people who have earned their scandals. Bieber hasn't had a scandal. Yet.

Of course Harper Collins, which is publishing the book, due out in October for anyone who wants to put it on their calendar, doesn't care. They see dollar signs. But for parents who are used to spending at most $17.99 for a hardcover YA book, the $21.99 cover price might be a little hard to swallow. Apparently it will be illustration heavy, which will make up for the lack of an actual life to follow.

Harry Potter it is not. It's not even Twilight. It's a ridiculous money making project, that sadly will make loads of money.

Who was the big teen sensation when you were a kid?

2 comments:

Lou said...

Michael Jackson and the other you mentioned, Karen.

David Terrenoire said...

The Beatles. Meet the Beatles was the first album I ever bought. I was 14.