Wendelin Van Draanen, the author of the teen literature classic Flipped, is an acclaimed American writer. In China, her stories have deeply resonated with millions of young readers and become part of the shared memory of Gen Z.
This August, Wendelin is in Guangzhou for the Southern China Book Fair, running from the 15th to the 19th. On August 14, a day before the fair opened, South sat down with her to discuss her writing, her life beyond the page, and her thoughts on how young people, facing increasing pressures and challenges, can navigate their dreams, love, and relationships.
"To look beneath the surface," Wendelin said, frequently returning to this central theme of Flipped in her responses. "To see people in real life," she added.
South: Flipped has millions of readers in China. For many in Gen Z, the story has become part of our shared memory as we have encountered it in English class, through the book, or on screen. What message do you want to convey to Chinese readers?
Wendelin: It means the world to me. I feel an overflow of love. Because when I was a kid, I had a crush on a boy who didn't like me back. I know what that feels like. I think all of us have experienced that at one time or another. It's not just a story that's made up out of a calculation; it comes from my heart. So when I discover that people in China are feeling my heart, it makes me all weepy.
South: Flipped is considered a teen classic. What might adults take away from the book?
Wendelin: To me, Flipped is much more than just a little romance story. It's about life and making your life work. It all comes back to the fact that, like in the story, the two teens have to figure out what's important to them and why that's important. Once they do, things start working out for them.
I think the problem with Bryce's father—this is my opinion—is that he gave up on his dreams. He was a musician, but you couldn't make money being a musician. So he gave up on who he wanted to be, which created resentment and bitterness inside him. In life, sometimes we chase money because we feel it's a sign of success. But for me, it's more about taking the path that will lead you to success on steady feet. Because once you achieve success, you'll know how to handle it and make good decisions around it.
South: Many young people today are being told they won't make a good living if they pursue their passion. What advice do you have for them?
Wendelin: I would say I hear you. My parents were just like that. I went to college and have degrees in ergonomics, computer science, and math—none of which are in creative writing. I had a good teaching job, but I would get up at 5:00 in the morning to write a little on a story. I did that consistently. You can still follow your dreams. Even with a good job, you just have to make time for it. Sometimes you have to force that time. I did this for 10 years without getting a publishing deal. I worked hard and sent my work out. But during that process, I was becoming a better writer and understanding the industry better.
South: Many young people today are becoming more cautious about love and long-term relationships due to the pressures of modern life. What is your perspective on this trend?
Wendelin: I think that's a shame. There's a practical aspect of a partnership where you support each other. If you can find someone you have feelings for and build a life together, that's ideal. Many people, especially in the United States, believe they're in love, get married, and then find themselves divorced after some time. I feel bad for that. That's why I want all adults to read Flipped before they get married. If you read that story, you might look at your partner and ask, "Are you the person I want to spend my life with? Is your heart and soul someone I would be happy growing old with?" If you don't see them that way, then maybe you should reconsider.
South: Today's youth are also facing challenges from social media. What can Flipped still offer them?
Wendelin: I think social media is an addiction. I really do. I find myself just scrolling and seeing other authors and the wonderful things happening in their lives. It's just a curated view of the world presented by people. It's all superficial, and that's the whole point of Flipped. You have to learn to look beneath the surface, and social media is largely just surface. So I would say, make a big effort to see people in real life.
It's interesting because when I wrote Flipped, I was teaching high school, and there were cell phones. When the director of the movie decided to set it in the 50s and 60s, he told me he didn't want to deal with cell phones; he wanted the kids to connect in real life.
I think the whole idea of Juli climbing the tree and seeing the world from a different perspective is very much what this book fair is about. I've come here all the way from the United States to see the world from a different perspective. When we see and talk to each other as real people, our differences begin to fade away. I believe books are instrumental in that, helping us see the world from different viewpoints.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Video | Pan Jiajun
Poster | Cai Junru
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
