In 2010 actor James Franco (Spiderman, Pineapple Express) published a novel titled Palo Alto. The book did not gain much popularity until the film was released this past May. Directing dynasty Gia Coppola wrote the screenplay and directed. The book contains eighteen fictitious stories with new characters and concepts within each one. All of the stories revolve around teen mischief, and its significant effect on a prospering child’s life. With simple yet compelling subjects Franco successfully targets the young adult audience and beyond for readers recognizing a sort of nostalgia for a past high school life.

Every female or male lead in Franco’s work all seem to share one meaningless grey emotion, and lack individuality. This may very well be the author trying to create a realistic Californian teen but fails to grab a reader at an essential emotional state.The stories are incredibly creative and raw leaving a jaw dropping effect on the reader because of their harsh approach that never seems to slow down.His simple words and bland sentences are in need of the compassion he portrays on screen. With an intense and morbid climax in almost each chapter Palo Alto is easily intriguing to anyone’s taste.

The pages crave the emotional investment Franco conveys on screen. His performing brilliance needs to be utilized through his writing, and present his passion fluidly. As he releases more work, which I am sure he will, his literary impact will grow on a reader as he harnesses skills and broadens his genius ideas. James Franco’s fierce talent lies within performing arts, as of now at least.