What a fantastic woman. It was weird to see her photo of her website after I'd heard the podcast. To me, she sounded exactly like Eileen Brennan in Private Benjamin. I was waiting for her to say "I'll get you Judy Benjamin"! As it is, she looks like Madge Hindle.

I'm still mulling over the content of the interview and haven't formed any firm thoughts yet. I'm not sure how the book would be received in the UK. American kids still seem to have a maturity and respect that British kids lost over the last 10-15 years. I have no eveidence to base that on whatsoever and I sound like my grandparents so I'll stop now!

Have a great day!

Said by: Mark London at September 18, 2006 05:14 AM

Always preview your posts! "on the website" I meant. Sheesh!

M
x

Said by: Mark London at September 18, 2006 05:18 AM

Mark, I'm gonna disagree, I think British kids are more mature at a younger age than American kids. In the U.S. there is this extended adolescence that seems to last until you're out of university at age 22--even at Uni you are coddled nearly as much as in high school. The British kids seems to have more options as far as paths after GCSEs (at age 16), and I think they have to really think about their future a lot sooner. Now as for the respect thing, I think they're all little shits on either side of the pond, esp the ones that live on the friggin estate behind me!

Said by: Sarah in London at September 18, 2006 07:16 AM

For what it's worth - a Peruvian family who lived with me for one semester moved to England afterwards. The daughter, who knew very good English when she got here, told me that she found the school she went to here in Texas the equivalent of a summer camp, whereas in England she was treated more maturely and given superior instruction. I teach teenagers in a private alternative school, and the maturity levels vary greatly from student to student. The rich kids seem to be the nastiest and the most spoiled. The school, however, has done a great job with the one teenage queen by helping him to write about his angst. He seems much happier and more relaxed this year compared to last year, his first at that school.

Said by: Patricia Fernós at September 18, 2006 08:58 AM

I think every parent who listens to this show owes it to their children to buy Kate Bornstein's book. That's how good it is and how vital it just may be for the young person living in your household.

Just don't give it to them as a birthday present!

Said by: Fausto at September 18, 2006 09:20 AM

Interesting, Sarah and Patricia - maybe I should take another look at 'da yoof' around me! But you're right Sarah, there are a load of little shits near me too. Is it just me or were you always told to give up your seat for a grown up on the bus or train? Sheesh! I won't wander off topic anymore!

Perhaps I should get the book for my godchildren - they'll soon be at 'that' age! Can't wait to read it. Bought the book '5 Flights Up' after hearing the podcast with Toni Schlessinger. It's a great beach book, so I trust your recommendations.

Said by: Mark London at September 18, 2006 09:55 AM

Most books we talk about on the show DON'T make it to the F-List!

Said by: Fausto at September 18, 2006 10:05 AM

All of you are partially correct about American and British students.

I think too often we confuse worldliness and "street-smarts" with maturity. Teaching American children who live here in the UK, I see some that are wise beyond their years. I don't know if it is what they have been exposed to earlier in life or if their parents are far more open about things. Others that I teach are very "young" for their age. Again, possibly due to lack of exposure to other types of people that often accompanies living in an insulated, military environment.

The British students that I come in contact with all appear to be age appropriate...silly, young people who giggle a lot. The girls act like little girls and the boys get embarassed when any attention is sent their way.

I feel that British youth is catching up to American youth in their worldiness. Who knows, given a few years, they may surpass us.

All in all, I find it rather sad that too many young people are "growing up" way too soon. They should be given the opportunity to stay goofy and silly and innocent far longer than both societies are allowing.

Said by: John in Ely at September 18, 2006 12:06 PM

Loved this interview guys! Ze should be on Oprah!

Very informative and fun to listen to on the way to work!

Keep it up as always and we'll see you in just over a week

Still here,
Buzz

Said by: Buzz at September 18, 2006 01:26 PM

I think Kate Bornstein would be a great guest on any talk show, but the main reason I come back time and time again to the Feast of Fools is the great guests you guys seem to attract! I went ahead and got the book because you can always use some cheering up no matter what age, gender or race you are.

If laughter is the best medicine then I've found it here at the FOF! Thanks for anohter great show!!!

Said by: Sara at September 18, 2006 07:42 PM

I bought it and im waiting with baited breath!

Said by: Destroyer of Worlds at September 18, 2006 08:53 PM

I agree with Marc; zir answer to the "Vagina Monologue" question was classic. That's a sound bite worthy of being in the next FOF retrospective, IMHO.

Great-sounding book. I wish it had been around when I was a teen.

And, as always, you guys amaze us all with your plethora of ideas!

Said by: David at September 18, 2006 10:49 PM

Telling kids to take drugs and cut themselves? This does not deserve a minute of attention. Shame on you, Fausto, for putting her on your show.

Said by: Abortia Clinique at September 19, 2006 01:52 AM

A.C., don't make me pull out a can of whoop ass on you! Cause I'm tight with Google AND Yahoo.

I think the whole idea of the book is that it's humor, a sometimes light and sometimes dark humor, and in many ways when somebody is suicidal (as Kate Bornstein is WELL qualified to address) sometimes giving them alternatives, even dark humorous ones are better than killing themselves.

I've tried to take my own life when I was a young teen and can speak from expereince the power laughter has to bring you into the moment from someone you can relate to. I wish I had this book when I was 15 years old.

The point is to stay alive and be able to deal with life one moment at a time. Getting your mind of your woes is a good place to start.

This book is extremely sensitive, touching and a joy to read, which is A BILLION miles away from your typical condescending "dont kill yourself, don't do drugs" books that get shoved into most young peoples faces these days.

I recommend you get a copy (check it out at your local library) and judge Kate from that.

Said by: Fausto at September 19, 2006 02:19 AM

OK, where to start????
I love your show, I've listened to every single one of them.
Now for the bitch fest:)
1)You views on the french Canadians is a little off. I'm in Montreal Canada and I speak 5 languages. Like my mama used to say, "you can tell a mans intelligence by how many tongues he speaks"
2) You've dissed red heads just about enough ther laddies. I'm a carrot top and I find that I carry it fairly well. Check out myspace and see for yourself www.myspace.com/mrightnow
3)I almost wee weed myself at your horrendous impersonation of a dutch accent. I also happen to speak dutch and that Slavic accent was know where near.

All in all, your lucky you guys are good at what you do cuz I'd be headin down there...:)

Keep up the good work:)

Corrie Wright
AKA Blaze697

Said by: Corrie Wright at September 19, 2006 04:42 PM

Hi all, I simply loved this show. kate Rocked hard.She needs to be come a SAINT of the ZE's.We need to Make her The SAINT Of ZE's. sorry this entree is so late busy busy with school, and having the fucking hardest time getting cool with I-tunes 7.0 when i download your pcast i than have to convert it to AAC or it won't play on my ipod. it's driving me crazy. loved the Show really really lots.

Said by: Noé at September 20, 2006 01:12 AM

Hey Fausto and Marc... haven't been commenting much lately but I'm still here, listening and loving the show as always. Just been so darn busy that I can't keep my head above water lately.

That being said... I LOVED this show. Kate is easily one of the best interview subjects I have ever heard on your-- or any-- show. I've been feeling a little gloomy lately... nothing serious or anything... but listening to Kate pepped me up and snapped me out of it. I think I need to buy her book. :)

Thanks for once again bringing us another interesting and wonderful personality into our hearts and minds.

Said by: RcktMan at September 20, 2006 01:55 AM

i'm considering buying the book since i am a freak...but not a teen anymore. can streight people buy it though? i dont want to crash a party i'm not invited to.

raequel

Said by: raequel - the triscast at September 20, 2006 11:09 AM

I think this book is relevant to anyone who feels sad because they are an outsider (of any kind.)

I think you would enjoy it Raequel.

Said by: Fausto at September 20, 2006 11:26 AM

Hey, guys --

Fabulous show. Better than any I've heard of yours, which is saying a lot, since I have really loved a lot of them.

The interview with Kate was thoughtful, funny and just really enlightening.

Keep it up, and bring Kate back when you can!

Hugs,
Dex

Said by: dex at September 22, 2006 11:06 AM

hey fausto and marc, thanks. yet another great show, love all the guests. but hey, whatever happened to your sexy european correspondent george grant? missing his reports from across the pond. keep up the good work.

Said by: jack at September 23, 2006 02:13 PM

Thank you, all of you who've written so much in response to this interview. And I've gotten a lot of great feedback through my MySpace page from people who heard this broadcast. It's encouraging to hear the broad spectrum of folks who are reading the book and responding so well to it. So thanks everyone. I'm glad and honored to be included in your community here in cyberspace, as we gather 'round the fabulous Feast of Fools.

kiss kiss, lots of love

kate

Said by: Kate Bornstein at September 28, 2006 07:44 PM