From that fabulous piece about Black Swan Green everyone’s linking. David Mitchell says:
"Teen fashions are mercilessly cruel and short," Mitchell says. "But there are always badges and uniforms that reject the infant and the adult worlds. As a writer you never really alienate people by judiciously using obscure details, because what they represent is universal."
…
"To unlearn the experience and street wisdom you’ve gained through tough lessons leaves you vulnerable. It was painful fun."
Definitely a piece worth reading. (Spotted first at Bookninja.)