Tag Archives: grief

Parameters of the YA Novel: Is Bridge of Clay Still YA?

Bridge of Clay and YA Novels What are the parameters of the YA novel? Is Markus Zusak’s Bridge of Clay still YA? I asked myself this as I read this gorgeous novel. If you’re writing a novel that focuses on … Continue reading

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“All the Bright Places”

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven   We meet Violet Markey and Theodore Finch out on the ledge of their school’s clock tower. They haven’t gone there together, but rather accidentally run into one another as they as both … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Stories, bullying, Family Problems, Fiction, Grief, Romance, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sports Books: “The Final Four”

The Final Four by Paul Volponi    The hoop action between the Michigan State Spartans and the (underdog) Trojans of Troy University is nonstop, heart-pounding excitement. While the semifinal NCAA championship game is played, the novel focuses on four players: … Continue reading

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Adult Fiction: “Skippy Dies”

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray   Skippy Dies has been described by more than one professional reviewer as ‘hilarious and horrifying.’ I would say that it is hilarious for a very long time, and then suddenly horrifying. This is true … Continue reading

Posted in bullying, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Family Problems, Fiction, Humor, Mature Readers, Over 375 pages | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Supernatural: “Frozen Fire”

Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler   Fifteen-year-old Dusty picks up her phone to find that a strange boy is calling her to say that he is dying. She tells him to call the police, but he refuses. As they talk … Continue reading

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Grief, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Supernatural, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“How to be Brave”

How to be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras   Georgia Askeridis defines herself through her fears, which are many. She has every right to remain the girl in the shadows. Her severely overweight mother has recently died of complications of … Continue reading

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“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews    There really is a dying girl in this novel, so to say that most of it is a lot of fun seems weird. But it is fun. You should … Continue reading

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Sci-Fi/Future Dystopias: “Oryx and Crake”

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood   Snowman (as in Abominable), who was once known as Jimmy, appears to be the last human being on earth. His existence doesn’t seem much worth living–the environment is in ruins and he cannot … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Stories, Controversial Issue/Debate, Environmental Issues, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Over 375 pages, Sci-Fi/Futuristic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Adult Books for Teens: “The Harder They Come”

The Harder They Come by T. C. Boyle    A cruise to Central America and a stop in Costa Rica sound like a vacation dream for a middle class retired couple. After all, Costa Rica is supposed to be a … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Stories, Controversial Issue/Debate, Environmental Issues, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Mature Readers, Over 375 pages | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“I’ll Give You the Sun”

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson “How can love be such a wrecking ball?” Noah and Jude are twins who have distinct personalities but sense that they are two halves of a perfect whole. While both are artistic … Continue reading

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