R.I.P. Beatrice Sparks, 95, in May (Editor/publisher: "Go Ask Alice")

[Lenona]

(Some say she was born in 1918, which would make her 94.)

She lived in Provo, Utah.

"Go Ask Alice" was filmed for TV in 1973. It stars William Shatner and
includes Andy Griffith.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068644/
(about the movie)

http://www.snopes.com/language/literary/askalice.asp
(about "Go Ask Alice" - from what I hear, it's a laughingstock with
teens these days)

https://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&q=%22beatrice+sparks%22+books&oq=%22beatrice+sparks%22+books&gs_l=img.3..0i24j0i5i24.906.906.0.2031.1.1.0.0.0.0.78.78.1.1.0...0.0.ThNPzgt0E8E&biw=1024&bih=571&sei=aS32T53rIKrr0gH3nOy-Bg
(book covers)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatrice_Sparks
(includes her recent books)

Excerpt:

"Beatrice Ruby Mathews Sparks (January 15, 1917 – May 25, 2012) was an
American therapist and Mormon youth counselor who was known for
producing books purporting to be the 'real diaries' of troubled
teenagers. The books deal with topical issues such as drug abuse,
Satanism, teenage pregnancy or AIDS, and are presented as cautionary
tales. Although Sparks always presents herself as merely the
discoverer and editor of the diaries, records at the U.S. Copyright
Office show that in fact she is listed as the sole author for all but
two of them."

http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/beatrice-ruby-mathews-sparks/article_eb441cc1-02b8-5e10-870e-c39fc28b319e.html
(obit, with photo)

Excerpts:

.........Bea and LaVorn moved from Los Angeles to Provo in 1964 where
she continued her productive writing career. As a writer, she began by
writing magazine and newspaper articles and a series of Comic Books in
the 1940's. She then began writing books, which were mostly geared
toward youth to expose the teen challenges of the day, among which
are: Key to Happiness, Go Ask Alice, Jays Journal, Voices, My Friend,
Annie's Baby, It happened to Nancy to name a few. Some were published
in 13 languages and were best sellers. Go Ask Alice was made into a
movie for TV. Others are presently under contract for movies. She
wrote these books to make a difference in peoples lives and she did.
She received her doctorate degree as a grown woman and grandma.

She and LaVorn served an LDS Mission. She was VERY active in the
community and also lectured all over the U.S. as well as in many
foreign countries. She served on the BYU Library board and was active
in the LDS Church...........

(snip)

Lenona.