> Review of "The Secret Life of a Shy Girl"
> Reviewer: Brit McGinnis
> http://www.prx.org/pieces/27895-the-secret-life-of-a-shy-girl
>
> Piece: "The Secret Life of a Shy Girl"
>
In listening to "Secret Life", I certainly get a sense of the awkward sense of self that the stereotypical "shy girl" feels in high school. Libby Donovan definitely hits the mark in exposing the habits, longings, pain, and daily life of this high school stereotype. However, her role in this interview of her best friend becomes muddied, as well as her motives for this piece at all. Is her intent to lovingly give people of this inclination a voice, to explore, or to merely question their intent? Donovan's misunderstanding of Caitlin's nature eventually comes out in the second half of the interview, with her harsher tones visibly causing Caitlin to sound uncomfortable. The listener squirms a bit, wondering how they should react to this "Shy Girl"'s questioning.

Things to notice: At 4:20, Donovan asks Caitlin if she uses her writing as a substitute for talking to people, a question that seems to echo throughout the entire piece. There is a feeling of fear throughout the entire peace, that isn't truly resolved. There is no background music used whatsoever, which certainly is effective in the telling of a story of isolation. The lack of defined setting is actually very effective, creating a universal appeal. However, after listening to this a few times, I still don't know what to think. There is no hint about how the audience should feel about Caitlin, and we desperately need one.