Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
I read this book just this year and it has become one of my favorite books of all time. This story is told from the point of view of a girl named Laurel who is entering ninth grade at a new school and doesn't know anybody there. Her older sister, May, died about six months before the events of the book, and her mother moved out to California. As result, Laurel is in emotional trauma, making it even harder for her to adapt to a new high school. Everyone has experienced a time where they weren't able to fit in, so everyone can relate to Laurel as she struggles to make new friends. Another issue is that she blames herself for her sister's death and lies about her past because she doesn't want other people to hate her for what she's done. As a result, she has trouble forming close relationships. She also obsesses over her sister, believing that she was perfect, and wishes that she could be her. In the end, though, this book is uplifting, as Laurel learns to be herself and develop her own identity instead of trying to become her sister. This book will be relatable for anyone who has felt like they weren't good enough, has had difficulty fitting in, has had difficulty developing their own personality, or anyone who has lost a close relative.The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Although this book is much older than Love Letters to the Dead, it is an American classic for a reason, and all teenagers can relate to it. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is seriously disillusioned with his life. The narrative, told in first person, is cynical and criticizes everything he observes around him. He pushes away the people that he cares about the most. Instead, he hangs out with friends who can't help him with his problems. Holden's main conflict is his fear of growing up and desire to protect the innocence of children. The title references Holden's dream that a bunch of children are playing in a field of rye next to a cliff, and it is his job to stand at the bottom of the cliff and catch them if they fall. Ultimately, he is able to accept that growing up is not harmful, and he finally gets help for his mental issues. Since all teenagers struggle with becoming adults, everyone can relate to Holden in this way. This book is also a good read for people who feel like they don't belong or who are disappointed with the world that they live in.The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Personally, this is my second favorite book of all time, beat only by The Hunger Games. This book is about a high school freshman named Charlie, who is a "wallflower" because he goes through life watching other people instead of participating. His best friend has recently shot himself, so he is entering high school without any friends. He is also affected by the death of his close aunt Helen when he was a child. Two seniors, Sam and Patrick, take him under their wings, introduce him to new friends, and help him navigate through the complicated life of high school. Charlie experiences new things such as drinking and a relationship, which is one sided and ends poorly. Anyone who remembers the struggle of trying to fit in and make friends as a freshman will relate to Charlie will sympathize with him. In addition, his friends have problems of their own. Patrick is dating a closeted football player named Brad, who ends the relationship and gets in a physical fight with Patrick when his abusive, homophobic father catches them. Meanwhile, Sam is frequently in and out of relationships, and has a tendency to date boys who don't respect her or treat her well, because she doesn't respect herself. This book reflects a wide spectrum of issues facing teenagers, so there is something in it for everyone. Finally, the book ends on an uplifting note as Charlie gets help for his problems and his friends go off to college to start new chapters of their lives.
I definitely agree that teenagers like books that appeal more to their age level and can relate to younger characters better than elders. Although I have never read "Love Letters to the Death" or "The Perks of Being a Walflower" I can say that, even though they appeal to my age group I do not find them interesting. While many people read what is popular among their friends and age group, I believe that the genre and content of the book has to be factored in. While I am a teenager in the twenty-first century I do enjoy reading about World War 2 and other wars prior to my birth. I think genre plays a significant role in the reading process.
ReplyDeleteI have read two of these three books. "Perks" and "Catcher" are two of my favorite books that I have read. Both Charlie and Holden are great characters who face problems similar to those that us teenagers face. Charlie is great because he starts off shaky and eventually finds his place in high school. I loved "Catcher" because of all the symbols that Salinger included. Holden's red hat symbolizes the security that his family doesn't give him, and the ducks in the lagoon represent Holden being lost and displaced. These books are so easy for me to remember because of how great they were. "Love letters to the dead" seems very similar to the other too, but i'm not sure if it better than the others. I might give it a try to be the judge.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dan that teenagers like books that relate to their own lives. They can relate to many young characters, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower because the book takes place in high school and you can relate to the struggles that the main character goes through. I have never read Love Letters to the Dead but it seems very interesting because I like when they are told from the point of view of someone similar in age to me.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you brought Lover Letters to the Dead to my attention. It is on my summer reading list.
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