McDonell, Nick: *1984
Twelve, 2002 - Information about the Book
- General Information
- Nick McDonell was 18, when his novel was published. It is about drug addiction, violence and sex among mainly wealthy Manhattan teenagers.
- The full title of the novel is "Twelve: A Novel."
- Information from Wikipedia
- Nick McDonell’s inspiration for writing "Twelve" seems to stem from his personal background and observations of the privileged, often disaffected youth in Manhattan. McDonell, who grew up in a wealthy and well-connected family, used his insider perspective to expose the darker side of privilege, including drug use, violence, and emotional detachment among affluent teenagers
Critics have noted that the novel feels authentic, suggesting it may draw from McDonell’s own experiences or observations within his social milieu.
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- Facts
- Awards: The novel did not win any major literary awards, but was a commercial success and received positive reviews from publications like The New York Times for its depiction of wealthy Manhattan teenagers involved in drugs, sex, and violence.
- Drug Culture Among Wealthy Teens
The book centers around wealthy Manhattan teenagers and their involvement with drugs, particularly a new designer drug called "Twelve" which is described as a cross between cocaine and ecstasy. It portrays the drug addiction, violence, and promiscuity prevalent among this privileged social circle.Privileged Youth Disconnection
The protagonist, 17-year-old White Mike, comes from an affluent family but feels disconnected from the world around him. The novel examines the sense of aimlessness and lack of purpose experienced by these privileged youth despite their material advantages.Events of 1999-2000
While the novel is set in 2002, it takes place over a five-day period in late December 1999, leading up to New Year's Eve and the turn of the millennium. This allows the book to capture the cultural zeitgeist and attitudes of that specific time period.The topics covered in "Twelve" provide a gritty, unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of youth culture among the wealthy elite in Manhattan during the early 2000s.
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- "Twelve" was seen as controversial due to its unflinching portrayal of drug culture among wealthy teenagers.
Some critics felt that the characters were shallow and lacked depth, representing stereotypes rather than fully developed individuals. This criticism extended to the portrayal of wealth and privilege, which some saw as glamorized rather than critically examined.
The novel's narrative style, which shifts perspectives and uses a detached, observational tone, was both praised for its effectiveness in portraying a disconnected youth culture and criticized for lacking emotional engagement.
Despite its mixed critical reception, "Twelve" contributed to discussions about the portrayal of teenage life and drug culture in literature, influencing subsequent works that aimed to explore similar themes.
In summary, "Twelve" is a novel that elicited strong reactions due to its portrayal of privileged youth and drug culture. While some appreciated its boldness and social commentary, others found its characters lacking and its treatment of sensitive topics problematic.
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- Reader Rating:
- Commentary
- Nick McDonell’s "Twelve" is a gripping exploration of privilege, alienation, and moral decay among affluent Manhattan teenagers. Written when McDonell was only 17, the novel centers on White Mike, a disillusioned drug dealer who abstains from using drugs himself, offering a sharp critique of the hedonistic and self-destructive tendencies of his peers. Set over five days in December 1999, the narrative intertwines multiple characters’ lives, exposing the dark underbelly of wealth and excess through themes of addiction, violence, and emotional detachment.
The titular drug, Twelve, symbolizes the destructive allure of escapism in a world devoid of meaningful connections. McDonell’s fragmented structure—short chapters and shifting perspectives—creates a sense of urgency and chaos, mirroring the characters’ unraveling lives. Critics have likened Twelve to J.D. Salinger’s "The Catcher in the Rye" for its portrayal of adolescent cynicism but note its rawer, grittier tone.
While praised for its authenticity and insight into teenage culture, some critics argue that the novel’s characters lack depth and its narrative occasionally feels contrived. Nonetheless, "Twelve" remains a compelling cautionary tale about privilege and moral ambiguity.
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- Reviews
- Review: "Though McDonell’s dialogue is occasionally cliche, it is filled with memorable quotes and is remarkably true to modern “teen speak” without trying to be cool." Literary Kicks; October 21, 2002
- Deliciously Empty: "McDonell has crafted an intricate fiction. It's not deep, it's not challenging and it's not surprising -- but it's wonderfully entertaining." January Magazine; August 2002
- Explanations
- Highlights of the panel's review: "The novel strangely veers between innocence and awkwardness with the world, because they are kids, they're teenagers, and incredible sophistication." BBC; July 2, 2002
- Deliciously Empty. "Twelve is an incredibly frustrating novel. It's remarkably well-written. A quick read. It's also great fun to read." Tony Buchsbaum; January Magazine.
- The Young Generation's Drugs, Parties and Clueless Parents. The New York Times; June 25, 2002
- Audio (6:45)
Madeleine Brand profiles Nick McDonell. Nick McDonell is 18. And his just-published first novel, "Twelve," is drawing largely positive reviews. NPR Radio; July 25, 2002 - A new hero for the less than zero generation: "The plot is more delicately wrought than would first appear, so it's a shame the author hangs it on a hardened drug-dealer stealing a pearl-handled revolver from a client he has killed." Independent; July 3, 2002