YA for summer reading? Come on, take the plunge!
Okay moms, I am issuing a challenge – pick up a book. But not just any book–pick up a young adult book and give it a read! Summer is here, and I bet you have a vacation or two, or some time at the pool or beach in your future. Kids need summer reading material, why not moms too??
Trust me when I tell you that there is something for everyone in the world of young adult literature, even you : ) We were all teenagers once and sometimes it is fun to reminisce, to go back there to remind yourself what it was like, to see what is ahead for your own kids, or to just be glad you aren’t a teenager anymore! You may have a déjà vu moment or your eyes may be opened to some of the issues kids face today.
Looking for something light? (The Truth About Forever, Along for the Ride) Perhaps something weighty, or something of substance, or possibly award-winning? (The Book Thief, Absolute Brightness, Speak, Story of a Girl) Maybe a little mystery, suspense and romance? (Beautiful Creatures) Want one to make you weep (If I Stay, Before I Fall, The Sky is Everywhere) or one to make you laugh? (The Boyfriend List, Swim the Fly, Into the Wild Nerd Yonder) How about a little girl power? (Fat Cat, The Lonely Hearts Club) And let’s not forget the boys! (Whale Talk, My Most Excellent Year) Possibly some mother-daughter bonding? (Honey, Baby, Sweetheart) More vampires, anyone? (Marked)
These are my suggestions above, or take a few minutes to prowl around the bookstore, or on StorySnoops.com to see what looks appealing to you – just remember not to read The Scoop as it may spoil the story for you!! Choose something different than what you would normally read and break out of your comfort zone – you just may discover your new favorite book. So, moms, get out there and choose a young adult book just for you for fun summer reading – I dare you!!
-Tiffany, StorySnoop
Tell us about the best YA book you’ve read–we’d love to hear all about it!
June 25th, 2010 at 11:17 PM
I have read 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie recently. 13 Reasons was about teen suicide, we read it for a book club. It sparked a great discussion about teen angst, and trouble they have being cruel to one another(sometimes by peer pressure). One of the ladies in the club said, ” I have never been more hurt than I have by what some people have said to me as an adult.” I would have to agree. It was so sad, but I do think that parents and teens should read together. The Alexie book is great! It is a good one for boys, but is definitely geared toward a HS reader. Thanks for the suggestions.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:45 AM
Thanks for letting me know about your reading challenge. I’m not a mom, but some of the books that you mentioned are definitely on my TBR list, like If I Stay, and I’ve already read and reviewed Speak earlier this summer.
If you like Speak, then I strongly suggest that you check out Catalyst, which is also by Laurie Halse Anderson. It’s definitely a novel that will make you cry, but it is well worth the journey. Another book that I recommend to both adults and teens is The Hunger Games (and the rest of the trilogy). You might finish the first novel in a night though, and feel the need to run out and get the next book in the series. (Just sayin’).
July 15th, 2010 at 3:13 PM
Isn’t Laurie Halse Anderson fantastic?? Have loved everything I have read by her. If you have not read anything by John Green yet, definitely check him out too. Thanks for your comment! Happy summer reading!