Lick the Star | Community Health

Lick the Star is a 1998 young adult novel by Josephine Angelini, which was later adapted into a short film. The story revolves around a group of teenage girls who concoct a plan to take revenge on the popular girls at their school by spiking their lipstick with a laxative. The novel explores themes of teenage angst, rebellion, and female friendship. With a Vibe score of 60, indicating moderate cultural energy, Lick the Star has been praised for its dark humor and unapologetic portrayal of adolescent struggles. However, some critics have argued that the novel's tone can be inconsistent and its characters underdeveloped. As of 2023, the controversy surrounding the novel's depiction of bullying and revenge has sparked debates among readers and critics, with some arguing that it promotes toxic behavior, while others see it as a commentary on the harsh realities of high school life. The influence of Lick the Star can be seen in other works of young adult fiction that explore similar themes of teenage rebellion and female empowerment, such as The Craft and Heathers. With its influence flows extending to contemporary authors like Rainbow Rowell and John Green, Lick the Star remains a significant work in the young adult literary canon.