Okay. I am 27, but the best part of my life has nothing to do with my age. I love being a mom to my two daughters. I especially like being a young(er) parent. They are two and four and take a lot of energy to keep up with. And true sometimes I don't have the energy but I think I have more now than I will in the future (at least that seems to be the trend so far.)

Posted by Megan | March 19, 2008 11:50 AM

The worst part of my age? Not meeting the age requirements of the ^above prom style contest. :(
I am going to have to find some teens and bribe them.

Posted by Megan | March 19, 2008 11:54 AM

I'm sixteen, about to be seventeen, and the best part? It's that much closer to being eighteen and graduating.

Posted by jocelyn | March 19, 2008 12:29 PM

I am 20! And no matter how cliche this sounds, I like getting to know myself and my rather questionable morals, lol! :-)

Posted by wendy | March 19, 2008 1:19 PM

I'm 13. The best thing about being 13 is you don't have a lot of responsebilities (like SATs and stuff) but still get treated like an adult when you want to do things on your own or hang out with your friends

Posted by Irene | March 19, 2008 3:24 PM

Ohh I gotta win this one... I love being the age I am (17) because I can still act like a kid sometimes, with the added perks of almost being an adult!

Posted by Ink | March 19, 2008 3:34 PM

I think the best thing about my age (16) is that people start to take you more seriously, but if you make mistakes there's still someone there to help you out.

Posted by Megan | March 19, 2008 4:46 PM

i'm in my teens and i absolutely love it! You're not quite an adult yet, so you don't have all the responsibilities that come with a career, family, etc. and it's fun to experience new things and explore your freedom!

Posted by angelica | March 19, 2008 4:56 PM

im 14 and its great because there's no responsibility and i can have fun and theres not too much pressure from school or anyone :)

Posted by eimear! | March 19, 2008 5:21 PM

im 25 now. and i like it! What i like most is that i am no teenager anymore. Some things are getting easier now.(and some dont!) I love that i have grown as a person, and that i now better understand who i am and what i want in life

Posted by Marlayne | March 19, 2008 5:28 PM

Im 15 and i love being 15 becuse its the right age for that little light in your head to go off and say its time to realize that your a teenager now. And by being a teenager you get to be mature and fun at the same time:D............sorry about bad grammer..never did get why i always pass the grammer tesr but im still horrible:]

Posted by Kimberly | March 19, 2008 5:42 PM

Hi Melissa, I'm 38 somedays I feel 20 and some days I feel 60. It all depends on how my kids are treating me.lol. What I like about being 38 is I'm finally feeling sure in my decisions. At least sometimes. It's great.

I had trouble trying to enter at mypromstyle for my 14 year old. It wouldn't take her birthdate saying she didn't meet the age requirement. Shrug. Bummer. I'll have to catch you at a booksigning one day!

Posted by Kwana | March 19, 2008 5:57 PM

I just turned 19 Monday, so I'm really unsure what is "best" about my age.

Instead, my greatest insight to my age is:

It is very scary to be this "old." I'm nearly two decades old. In two years, I'll be able to drink alcohol legally. I can remember reading the BSC books and thinking how old those girls were - because they were 13!

Okay, I suppose the best thing about being nineteen is it is in that range of years where you can go to Europe and bum around for a month. That's sheer awesome.

Posted by Liviania | March 19, 2008 6:00 PM

I'm sixteen, and I think the best thing about my age is that I can get a job! I get to work and buy my own things. But it's totally just a choice. I don't actually have to work. I can choose to enjoy being a kid during summer break. I think having that choice is pretty cool

Posted by Kristina Guzman | March 19, 2008 6:05 PM

HI Sweetie! Ok what is best about my age 24 and 3/4 LOL I will be 25 next month and it just happens to be the age that I choose to stop ageing LOL! Most people pick 30 or 35...well I choose 25 because after having a child and things are already starting to feel the pull of gravity..I can't imagine what it'll be like after baby #2...so I am now forever going to be 25...and when my son asks..its not going to be any of his business LOL!!
Hugs, Crystal
adkinsc123@lycos.com

Posted by crystal adkins | March 19, 2008 6:11 PM

The best thing about my age...Well, I'm 17 and I guess the best thing is that I'm not all that young, but I'm not an official "Adult" yet, you know? So that's definitely kind of cool in its own way. I really like being my age. Not too young and not too old. Kind of perfect at the moment...but any age can have its advantages and disadvantages, of course. :0)

Posted by Lauren | March 19, 2008 7:15 PM

Hm. What's best about being 16? I suppose it's because I'm old enough to go and hang out at the mall without my parents lurking and because they still legally have to provide me food.

Or to be honest, the best thing about being 16 is that I only have 1.5 years before I'm outta high school ;)

Posted by Reader Rabbit | March 19, 2008 8:08 PM

Hi! I'm a student in high school and, well, I would say that being at this age where you're at a crossroads between childhood and adulthood is pretty scary. I'm learning so many things, not just academically but also about life and how to make good choices. It is so scary to think that in a couple of years, I'm going to be graduating high school and leaving behind the sheltered life I living now. I'm sorry, that sentence was really awkward, but you know what I mean right? I don't have my driver's license yet, but its also scary to think that, sometime in the near future, i'll be getting it and my own car! And all that-drivers license, car, graduating, college, job/life/responsibilities after college-is so overwhelming.

I remember when I was little, I couldn't wait to grow up and be all adult-like and intimidating and do all the things grown ups do (like being able to walk across the street to your friend's house by yourself). But now, I sort of want time to slow down so I can enjoy every moment and live life to its fullest. I know that sounds so cheesy but it's true. I don't wanna grow up yet!

I guess what I'm trying to say through all my blabberings is that I think the best thing about my age is that I can still learn so many things and still have fun--it's not too late and I still have time.
(now i'm gonna do homework cause i have a ton :) )

Posted by Grace | March 19, 2008 8:11 PM

Being 16 isn't super amazing, but I love how people finally start to realize you're not such a little kid anymore and that, yes, you do have your own opinion.
I also get my liscence :)

Posted by Nelly | March 19, 2008 8:46 PM

what i like about my age (13) is that like your a teenager and things like hanging with friends is new to you but like your now being considered a teenager and older and being given new responsibilities. thats my favortie part(:

Posted by chloe | March 19, 2008 8:49 PM

Hey melissa
i guess the best thing about being 13 would have to be geting to pick my friends that i will remember for the rest of my life and i feel realy free and i dont have to worry about much exept what im going to where tomorrow ... LOL
so thats the best thing about being 13 nothing special but i think its the best year of my life
Luv ya
Katie

Posted by Katie | March 19, 2008 9:01 PM

I'm 15 going to be 16 in about 3 months, I like my age because I'm still thought as sometimes a child not a teenager or an adult. Which means I can still get away with things, I'm not suppose to.

Posted by Chelsea | March 19, 2008 9:14 PM

What's best about being sixteen?....Hmm...right now, I'm not really liking it.

Right now, all I can think of is this: I can read young adult books and no one thinks it's strange. Young adult books rock, and I love reading them.

Posted by Anidori-Isilee | March 19, 2008 9:51 PM

I love being 26 because I can vote, drink fabulous drinks (in total moderation of course), get a rental car in my own name, and wear super cute high heels while doing it all. I love that I have ability to be sophisticated one moment, and in the next breath I can fan girl like I am 15. Oh and trust me you have not lived until you come to see me at work and asked me for a YA recommendation. I think sometimes the teenagers I encounter look at me, and think there is no way I can help them, and then I open my mouth and start in. on this whole "OMG" thing.(I really hope they love talking to me as much as I love talking to them) I sometimes think it is impossible that I am almost 27 because I certainly do not feel that way. I am married I have a son, and I do the normal house wifey/stay at home mom/part time bookseller things. I totally hope when my son is a teenager he will find me as cool as I feel.

Posted by Kristin Leet | March 19, 2008 9:55 PM

It's odd, because I'm turning 16 in a week, but I still appreciate being 15. There's drama at school and so much stress about getting good grades and stuff but I think that's character building for me.

But the thing I love most about being 15 is being able to participate in clubs and activities in my school. By being able to lead those clubs, I'm able to change the world just a bit, and I hope that change really affects some individuals.

Posted by Sherry | March 19, 2008 10:46 PM

I think the best thing about being 21 is the fact that...I'm actually considered an adult now. On my birthday I was told that I can now buy dry ice and rent a carpet cleaning vacuum, so those are some definite perks. I don't drink, so turning 21 wasn't big because of that reason. The happiest thing about being 21, though, is that I'm about a year away from getting my degree. THANK GOODNESS. Even if there isn't that many options an English Major can take after graduation.

Posted by Dawn | March 19, 2008 11:44 PM

thanks for the contest! i am totally reposting links :D

okay, what do i love about being 15? besides just turning that one month ago to the day, i think it's awesome. seriously, now i dont have to tell everyone that i am like a year younger than them. cuz even tho i technically am (i skipped a grade, so i'm a year younger than everyone else), now it sounds like i'm just as old as them...except for the ones who have already turned 16 :D

Posted by The Book Muncher | March 19, 2008 11:46 PM

Well...I'm a *teen* (sorry, not telling my age). What do I like about being a teenager? Um let's see...

Well...*struggles to think of something* I'm happy elementary days are over with. I used to be such a worrier...over the most trifling things... (maybe I still am) ;)

Posted by Bohae | March 20, 2008 5:24 AM

17 is the best because you feel really comfortable driving now and so you feel comfortable about driving anywhere. (complete freedom when it comes to that!) when you are 17 you are so happy that senior year is so close and you'll be going off to college soon.

I totally agree with Anidori-Isilee. I am really glad i am still a young adult and i wish i could be one forever ONLY FOR ONE REASON THOUGH: to keep reading YA books without people looking at me weird. Although, I may read YA books forever and just not care what people say. It is too amazing of a genre to care what people say about me reading them. Besides, I am an aspiring YA novelist. I can't help it. I gotta read YA books because I am writing some of them myself! lol.

Posted by Marie | March 20, 2008 9:18 AM

Melissa, I think my comment dissappeared. Now I can't remember what was best about my age, which I guess is what's worst about my age. UGH!

Ok ,now I remember some. What's best at 38 is being more sure of your decisions. That's it. I think. Eek:)

Posted by Kwana | March 20, 2008 11:53 AM

I just turned 20 and I honestly don't know anything about being 20. I'm still in that "getting to know" myself (so cliche) stage, I guess. It's fun, though.

Posted by wendy | March 20, 2008 12:48 PM

Hi! First of all, I just finished Violet on the Runway, and loved it. I'm 17 and 1/2. The best thing about my age is that I'll be 18 in October. lol. Really, the best thing about being 17 is that it means that the end of high school is very close. I'm going to school, so school won't be gone, but high school will be.

Posted by Bridgette | March 20, 2008 9:54 PM

Well, I'm 15 and I'd have to say the best part about being 15 is that I have more freedom than I did as a child but less responsibilities than of an adult.

Posted by cassidy | March 20, 2008 11:02 PM

I'm 13 years old but I feel that I'm 16. I am definitely more mature then my classmates. They are still pulling hair bands and acting like a 8 year old! Shame on them. =P

I think my age is one of the exciting phrases in my life time. Being a teenager and and going through adolescence, it's scary and exciting at the same time.

Off topic, I was browsing your MySpace and I saw the little banner I made. Hehe ;]

Posted by Regina | March 21, 2008 10:19 AM

Hey melissa
i have to say that being 13 is so cool
i can do things that i thought only older girls could do
well that was when i was 8 but still ....
anyway i love being 13
i can pick the people that i want to hang out with and go to the mall
and just learn more about myself
Thanks melissa
Luv ya
Katie

Posted by Katie | March 21, 2008 12:34 PM

The best thing about being 18... nothing?

I dunno I'm supposed to feel older, and um wiser, but I don't. I just feel like me.. and I like me. So props to that? I dunno... I guess it just feels wierd to be this old because I still feel like a child to young to understand anything and also to young to be taken seriously... though then again that sometimes comes to be a perk.

;}

Posted by Silence is Golden, But Ducktape is Silver | March 21, 2008 5:52 PM

The best part about being 18 is the fact that this is the beginning of change for me. I start college and come November I get to vote in my very first election. I can't wait to see what else 18 has in store for me!

Posted by Tempestt Patterson | March 21, 2008 6:07 PM

I am 17...and the best thing about being 17, is looking forward to turning 18! sad but true... :)

Posted by Katie | March 21, 2008 6:12 PM

I am Seventeen. It's great because my parents let the reigns loose a bit with the rules, I get to wear a fabulous dress to prom, I can finally apply for NHS,and it's just all around fun to be seventeen. :)

Posted by Kaitlyn Hodge. | March 21, 2008 7:01 PM

I'm 15 and in about 3 months I will be 16. The best part about being 15 still is that I'm not aloud to drive which is a good thing because I went out practicing and CRASHED! Yah my mom's pontiac g6, let's just say she won't be letting me get my permit for a while =)

Posted by Chelsea | March 22, 2008 1:16 AM

I'm 18, and I love that I can get piercings and (if I wanted) tattoos without my parents' permission! I love the idea that now my body is officially mine, and no one else can interfere if I want to make it more unique.
=)

Posted by Stephanie Wade | March 22, 2008 1:39 PM

I'm 17, and the best part is still being able to act like a kid while also having the freedoms of an adult.

Posted by Ink | March 22, 2008 5:37 PM

I'm about to be seventeen. The best part? It's that much closer to graduating.

Posted by jocelyn | March 22, 2008 6:48 PM

I'm going to be 16 in less than a week, but I have to say I still love being my age. It's just that in my high school there are so many clubs. There are people who come to clubs for so many different reasons, but me being the age I am, have the ability of influencing them. To me, my age and my school, they work together to do what I dream of doing: changing the world a bit. I love helping people care for some cause, and through the clubs I'm able to do that.

Posted by sherry | March 22, 2008 11:54 PM

I'm 16 and I love it because it's the high school year that I feel the least stressful. There are no SATs, no college applications to worry about yet.

Posted by Amy | March 23, 2008 1:46 AM

I'm in my teens and I'd say its not an easy time, with lots of pressure to do well in school and such. But its also great because you are mature enough to do things on your own without being a full fledged adult, so there is less responsability :]

Posted by tali | March 23, 2008 9:59 AM

I love your answers, you guys! Some of your posts didn't come through originally, which is why I didn't answer individually like I normally do, but I love hearing all of these! Thank you! The winner will be chosen on Wednesday, and more comments are welcome.

Posted by Melissa Walker | March 23, 2008 12:26 PM

I am 15 years old and I think the best thing about being my age is that I have a few years left to be in the YA section of Borders with out looking out of place or like I am lost. I think I'll shop online then.

Posted by Hillary | March 23, 2008 6:04 PM

hi melissa! I posted a comment on wednesday when you first announced the contest but i guess my comment didn't get through. well, i guess the best thing about being 15 is that, even though I'm getting older, I'm still pretty young, like compared to most of the people in my class & school (i'm a sophomore), so I can still enjoy being young(er) & don't have to worry myself in making hard decisions. does that make sense?

Posted by Grace | March 23, 2008 8:59 PM

never mind. sorry melissa, I just found my comment from wednesday--just ignore the one I posted right a couple of minutes ago

Posted by Grace | March 23, 2008 9:01 PM

I'm a teen and probably the best thing is having more freedom while still not having that much responsibility.

Posted by NC | March 24, 2008 4:49 PM

I'm 16, and the best thing about my age is that most adults finally see me as an adult, yet I still have an excuse to goof around because, hey, I'm still a teenager :)

Posted by Fiona | March 25, 2008 7:21 PM

I'm 18! I love being 18 because of the FREEDOM! Last year I used to share a room with my two sisters. Now I'm at uni- and I have my own room! I can stay up as long as I want to! And I can drive. Even though I am a klutz behind the wheel!(Sorry for that rant- I'm on a sugar high!)

BTW, I love Violet On The Runway! :)

Posted by Lucy | March 25, 2008 11:42 PM

The best part about being 16 is that I get to feel like more of an adult and more of an individual. It's being that much closer to college and the rest of my life. Another thing about being 16 is that that other part of my life is over and I never have to repeat those horrors again.

Posted by Cyndi | March 26, 2008 12:38 AM