Novel gem on teenage challenges

The one thing teens have today that we didn’t have growing up is great Young Adult (YA) books. In my time, we had to make the leap from elementary books to adult books. Now, YA books target readers from 12 to 23 with issues, themes and conflicts carefully crafted to address the needs of teens. YA books are generally fast-paced, edgy books that address relationships, drugs, sex and bullying. These books tackle ticklish themes in an age-appropriate manner without being condescending. Popular YA authors like John Green recognise that many of these themes need to be addressed right after elementary school or else it will be too late.

I am reminded of teens’ challenges every time I discover a good YA book, and I discovered a gem this week, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. Niven has a four-part series, a couple of non-fiction books and now, with All the Bright Places, she has her first “official” YA book.

Today, let’s look at Niven’s book and another YA read that will certainly resonate with teen readers.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven – Niven’s novel of teenage angst is destined to become a YA classic because it is simply unforgettable. Theodore Finch, a troubled teen always on the verge of suicide has much to teach both teenagers and adults.

He battles his bipolar disorder in the best way he can, but Finch seems to have nothing to live for until the day he has to keep the secret of one of the school’s most popular girls Violet Markey. Violet has her own problems, which, unlike Finch, she hides. This novel about teenage depression, teenage love and the purpose of life is a riveting read because Niven creates a compelling story with complex characters. Never dealing in stereotypes, she develops the story of these two teens with careful consideration and an understanding of how depression affects teens. All the Bright Places deserves an entire review, which will be coming soon. For now, just now if you’re a John Green fan and you enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars, then you will want to read this brilliant novel.

If you haven’t read a book this year, make this the one you read.

I guarantee you won’t forget this book for the rest of your life.

The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks – When a tsunami hits the coast of California, a girl named Denver unexpectedly finds herself on a lifeboat with a popular boy and a set of girls who are bullies who make survival even more difficult emotionally speaking. Forms three through form five students will relish this novel that captures the complex relationships among teenagers who yearn to be accepted and popular. There’s some rough language, mostly in the beginning of the novel that book publishers and reviewers don’t seem to warn you about, but language aside, this is an edgy book that will hit home with reluctant readers. It’s a novel that will make teenagers reconsider their lives, their relationships and the power to overcome bullies. The Lifeboat Clique begs the question what is really important in life? It will make you consider the importance of being kind and fair to everyone.

So, take your pick from these two books and discover YA books on a whole new level.