Drugs
'Read All About It' Drugs is in the Franklin Watts series on social issues and is a move away from the just say no approach to drugs. Described as a newspaper-book, this title will appeal to younger teenagers. It covers a well-selected spread of issues through the medium of tabloid style journalism. The tone is sometimes sensational and readers are advised to look at the articles critically. The news stories cover actual events supported by relevant photographs and the occasional cartoon. Historical events include coverage of the opium wars with a striking drawing depicting a dingy smoke-filled opium den in London's East End. The articles cover what you might expect in a popular newspaper with home and foreign news and sections on education, popular music, sport and fashion. Although material would have been gathered in 1999, the value of the publication is not diminished. Drug issues are perennial and the content feels contemporary. There is an agony aunt but did she have to be a member of the blue rinse brigade? To be fair, sensible advice is dispensed. Young people are asked about their opinions on drug education. One 16-year-old puts his finger on the problem by wondering what a teacher really knows about drugs. 'I can't really see the point of banging on about it so much,' he complains. There is useful advice too about travelling abroad and an interview with Junk author Melvin Burgess who argues for the decriminalisation of drugs. A piece on Drugs in Clubs demonstrates the realities of the attitudes of some club goers. In a response to being told about the dangers of ecstasy, on 21-year-old user is quoted as saying 'you're always reading about this sort of stuff in the papers. I've never had any problems, and nor have my friends.' The writers are careful to qualify that opinion with the perspective of a woman user who stopped because of 'bad reactions to drugs'. This book is relevant and it does not offer an uncompromising message. Drugs and drug use is examined as an everyday matter that affects all us.