Summer, vacations and endless days of sunbathing by a pool are over. While you are re-adjusting to the schedules of classes and work, we’ll delve into some young adult books around the classroom to prove that getting back into the routine isn’t all bad.
Turtles All the Way Down, John Green
Young adult fiction
Published: 2017
Pages: 304
Author’s nationality: USA
This novel has been praised for its honest treatment of mental health and was written by John Green, known for The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns. The story follows Aza Holmes, a teenager with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who faces challenges in her personal relationships on her journey to adulthood.
Aza wanders the halls of the school as her mind dives into terrifying spirals of thought that take her breath away, making it a wonderful story for understanding that each individual’s inner worlds are different from one another.
Green does a great job of laying out the subject matter in a respectful way, he knows what he is writing about, he has faced mental health issues as well.
Who’d like this?
Although it can be read by people of all ages, it is focused on schoolrooms and the adolescent world. It may particularly appeal to anyone looking for a novel that sensitively addresses OCD and themes of importance in human development such as empathy, connection, friendship and self-acceptance.
Quotes
- “The thing about a spiral is, if you follow it inward, it never actually ends. It just keeps tightening, infinitely.”
- “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”
Readers say
- “I love it because it accurately reflects how it feels to be in a thought spiral, caught in OCD and anxiety, and I can relate to it very well,” says an Amazon user.
- “I would think most of us can find something here to relate to, if we think back to our own teens. The story draws you and keeps you turning the pages… I highly recommend this book,” says an Amazon user.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky
Young adult fiction
Published: 1999
Pages: 224
Author’s nationality: USA
The book follows the life of Charlie, an introverted teenager, who writes letters to an anonymous recipient. As Charlie tells his story, the reader is immersed in deep, universal themes related to identity, adolescence, friendship, loss, love and depression.
The school hallways serve as the setting to bring to life an intimate narrative where some scars and inner demons are revealed. The book has become a contemporary classic because of its authenticity and ability to capture the complexity of the adolescent world.
Who’d like this?
Readers looking for critically acclaimed books that explore complex topics such as loss, violence, sexuality and mental illness would like this book. Not just for teens, but an important read at any stage of life.
Quotes
- “So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
- “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
Readers say
- “It’s dark and painful, but also inspiring somehow, which is pretty damn impressive,” says an Amazon user.
- “Of course, I loved the book. It’s so much more than “young-adult coming-of-age”. For me, it was deeply moving, an often-gripping story,” says an Amazon user.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Jenny Han
Young adult fiction
Published: 2014
Pages: 368
Author’s nationality: USA
Part of a trilogy
Lara Jean Covey, a teenager of Korean-American descent, writes letters to all the boys she has fallen in love with, but keeps them secretly in a box. Trouble begins when those letters arrive unwillingly to their recipients.
The sweet and charming narrative, replete with endearing characters, touches on themes of family, friendship, love, personal growth and acceptance. The romance is not the only highlight, the author is careful to show cultural and identity diversity to help normalize these perspectives in the world of literature.
Who’d like this?
Jenny Han always has interesting stories for those looking for a little love in their life through books. This story has a fresh portrayal of teenage years that resonates with readers of all ages, so those who want to delve into a love experience will not come away disappointed.
Quotes
- “You’d rather make up a fantasy version of somebody in your head than be with a real person.”
- “Love is scary: it changes; it can go away. That’s part of the risk.”
Readers say
- “What a beautiful, beautiful story. Jenny Han, you have stolen my heart!” says an Amazon user.
- “I want to live in the world of Lara Jean and raid her adorable vintage outfits and use her heart hole puncher!” says an Amazon user.