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Speaking Volumes

Keeping you up-to-date on what's happening at your library. We invite you to join in the conversation!
AUGUST 16, 2010
Crossing Over

I read blogs, lots of blogs. Several this summer have mentioned the ever growing trend of adults reading teen novels or what we call YA at Saxton B. Opinions abound as to the reason more adults are eating these up. One theory is that the books are shorter, which makes the story tighter, get to the point quicker without a lot of wasted words that may not add to the whole. The young adult novel can possibly be read in one sitting and for many adults pressed for time this is a real plus. Another factor often cited is the toned down level of sex and violence in teen literature. Mostly though the die hard converts to the teen genre swear that it's all in the writing and the wonderful stories that are told. So if you haven't ever read any young adult novels here are a few that are mentioned over and over again. 

   The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is the first in a trilogy and one that our whole staff loved. Merand captures it beautifully in her review:

I absolutely loved this book! It was a great read. The suspense was perfect, the characters engaging, the plot spine-tingling. The basic premise of the Hunger Games is certainly not original - many books, movies, and short stories have been written along the same theme of society/government taking people and setting them in life or death situations as a form of entertainment. There are elements in this story that remind me specifically of the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell combined with Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery". But even though the literary themes are not unique, the twists that Collins has put on the story are, and very entertaining too. One of the best aspects of this book, for me, was that I actually liked the main character, Katniss. It's been awhile since a teenage girl from the YA books I've recently read has appealed to me as much as Katniss does. She's practical, clear-headed, and self-reliant. So much better than the overly emotional, sentimental, wishy-washy girls I've read in other books. Katniss certainly has her problems but I can understand them, relate, and sympathize. My only disappointment is that this is the first book in a series - not a bad thing in itself, really - but I'm not looking forward to waiting several months to find out what happens next! Definitely worth the time it takes to read this book (which only took me several hours since I couldn't put it down!).

It's a great time to pick this one up as number three, Mockingjay hits our shelves August 24th. We can't wait! 

Note that all three will soon be available at Saxton B. in large print.

 

   Wintergirls by Laurie Halsie Anderson
I've seen this on many lists that recommend YA for adult. Here's what bas bleu wrote about it: 

I have been a fan of Laurie Halse Anderson from the very beginning, with the publication of her award-winning debut novel Speak. Anderson's latest effort, Wintergirls, has a similar emotional intensity and lyrical quality. The novel deals with multiple issues: anorexia, bulimia, cutting, grief, and family dysfunction. Although extremely difficult to read at times, it is equally difficult to put down. For a detailed [and, in my opinion, excellent] review of Wintergirls, click on this link from teenreads.com: 

   A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Here's a great book for discussion, one that could easily be a choice for an intergenerational read. We liked it so much in our library that we have copies both in the YA and adult collection. 

Based on a true story, the murder of Grace Brown, and set in 1906, this historical novel weaves history, and romance in the telling of a murder mystery. Comparisons can be made to choices young women make today to those facing Mattie Gokey. Mattie must decide whether to follow her dream of college or marry Royal Loomis. Complicating her decision is her responsibility to her sisters after her mother's death and the family's struggle to keep their farm

   The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt 

Another favorite and one that appeals to a wide audience, Mercedes is not alone in loving this one: 

A wonderful book that I could hardly put down. Typically we think thrillers and adventure stories keep us on edge, not the daily life of a seventh-grade boy, but it was engrossing. I love to read YA novels where the teen isn't mired in a life of drugs, sex, and living on the edge; where the teen is decent and interested in school and his family. This story was poignant and funny, heartbreaking and hilarious. We suffer the embarrassments of being in junior high in 1967 with Holling. We enjoy his foray into love with a sweetness that is lacking in so many relationships today (can you revel in the thrill of getting a Coke at a restaurant?) We can relate to Holling's heights and descents. His father is controlling and neglectful, but his motivation is stability and success for his family. He and his sister, as with most siblings, abide with each other but don't truly appreciate one another until they are stretched. The crux of the book and the most intricate relationship is between Holling and his teacher, Mrs. Baker. This isn't a Dangerous Minds/Stand By Me kind of relationship but one that has far-reaching effects on both student and teacher. Mrs. Baker challenges Holling and Holling has some surprises for Mrs. Baker as well. Of course, the setting of America during the Vietnam War adds plenty of drama with teachers' spouses being sent off to war and the other dramatic events that occurred during 1967-68. The war looms over life but there is still time for Shakespeare plays and Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. A fantastic read - one that will leave you smiling and crying! 

When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This one would be a good pick for someone who enjoyed Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger or A  Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle  as a kid.

As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.


Finally, this review of Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green and David Levithan was posted by Megan on our blog back in April:

Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a story about love and bromance (i.e.; a plutonic friendship between two guys), and coming of age, and finding yourself, and all that jazz that makes for great Young Adult reading. It’s hard to tell what author wrote what characters because the story flows so seamlessly. On top of that, Tiny Cooper is one of the most fabulous and unforgettable characters I can think of, and in true John Green fashion the book includes a smart and snarky indie chick, who is the crush of Will Grayson #1. The meeting of the two Will Graysons' comes about through a series of weird coincidences, in a completely unlikely but entirely possible way. Without spoiling it I will say that ending seemed (very) improbable, but it did not ruin the book for me at all. To sum it up, I want to see this book made into a movie (mostly for the aforementioned over-the-top musical numbers). And I want to listen to the audio book (again for the musical numbers). And that’s really saying something. Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a hilarious, memorable, sweet read for teens and adults.

Hope our readers will add their picks. Perhaps at a later date we'll do the cross in reverse and feature some great adult books for teens.

Add a comment  (3 comments) posted by CarolK

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Comments

Staca said, on Aug. 17 at 8:26AM
ONE WEEK until Mockingjay! YAY!! I have been waiting so patiently for it to be released. I think this is one book I will have to buy. I am number 150 on the hold list! I can't wait THAT long to read it! :)

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bas bleu said, on Aug. 17 at 8:51AM
I just finished reading a book that I would consider a YA/adult crossover: My Name is Memory, by Ann Brashares. It is the first book in a trilogy, so readers have the added drama of having to wait to see how the story unfolds in the two subsequent novels. And I wholeheartedly agree with Staca: I can't wait to read Mockingjay!!

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Megan Q. said, on Aug. 18 at 9:04AM
Everyone here knows I loved When you Reach Me AND The Wednesday Wars! Of course I can't wait for Mockingjay either - number 150 Staca?!?! That's nuts! Hmm... some of my recent faves would include Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin.

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