A review by acouplereadss
Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson

dark informative medium-paced

2.5

Do you remember the book Go Ask Alice? Published in 1971, this book changed the young adult genre through a cutting look at psychosis, drug abuse, sex and self destruction. Parents were distraught over this supposed diary of a 16 year old addict. The diary confirmed LSD’s reputation and backed the War on Drugs. Eight years later another diary emerged, Jay’s Journal. This time parents were terrified of witchcraft. And the person behind it all? Beatrice Sparks, betrayer and liar. 

All in all, this was an okay read and I cannot give it a high rating because I truly disagree with the authors excuse not to post references. This is a non-fiction book with quotes included and factual information provided and yet the author deemed it “impossible” to reference. From a scientific perspective, this is unacceptable.

I also feel his descriptions of Beatrice had a air of misogyny behind them? Maybe it was just the tone? Either way that didn’t sit well with me either.

The text did flow well and the writing did catch my attention but I couldn’t quite accept this as a non-fiction title without the research proof to back it up, 2.5✨.