Five Books to Recapture Your Youth
I'm an adult, but I read a lot of fiction written for teens. Could be my emotional development never progressed after my teen years, or maybe escaping into the world of young adults is my way of coping with the onset of wrinkles and varicose veins.
Whatever the reason I'm drawn to it myself, you should know teen fiction ain't what it used to be. On the whole, teen fiction titles nowadays feature engrossing plots to keep you on your arthritic toes, and mature characters grappling with real issues like corrupt governments, grief, and trying to find their place in the world. And sure, teen fiction still has plenty of kissing, but so does Grey's Anatomy.
If you've been skipping teen titles because you think every other word will be "OMG", you're missing out. Here are a few titles that will have you staying up way past your bedtime to read just one more page.
Jellicoe Road — At a boarding school in the Australian bush country, Taylor Markham has been selected as the reluctant leader to represent the school in negotiations with their rivals, the Townies and the Cadets. But when the only adult in her life disappears and Taylor finds out the Cadet leader knows her better than she’d like, she has to figure out how to hold it together and protect her kids from retaliation.
This one deals with some heavy themes — mainly grief —but the fresh humor balances it all out.
Jack Tumor — Hector’s hearing voices — well, one voice—and that's never good. And this particular voice happens to be a talking brain tumor. Also not good. I know, this book sounds weird. I picked it up at the library without reading the premise, so when I got home and saw what it was, I pawned it off on my husband, who is not into teen fiction like his dear regressed wife. When he started laughing out loud — a lot — I had to see for myself. This is one of the best books I've read all year. Not just because it's a riot. This kid is coping with issues of life and death, which us old geezers should be able to relate to, no problem.
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