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Books matching: coming of age story

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  1. #1

    The Tooth Fairy by Graham Joyce
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    'The Tooth Fairy' by Graham Joyce is a coming-of-age story set in the 1960s, following the protagonist Sam from childhood into young adulthood. The narrative revolves around Sam's encounters with a malevolent and unpredictable tooth fairy, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The book explores themes of adolescence, friendship, loss of innocence, and the dark side of growing up, all while maintaining a haunting and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

    Clive was on the far side of the green pond, torturing a king-crested newt. Sam and Terry languished under a vast oak, offering their chubby white feet to the dark water. The sprawling oak leaned out ...

  2. #2

    A Year Down Yonder - A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck
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    In the book 'A Year Down Yonder,' Mary Alice, a young girl, is sent to live with her grandmother in rural Illinois during the Great Depression. Initially unsure about her eccentric grandmother, Mary Alice soon forms a deep bond with her through various adventures and challenges they face together, ultimately leading to a year filled with growth, humor, and love. The story is a charming and funny portrayal of their relationship, set against the backdrop of a small town in the late 1930s.

    Mary Alice's experiences with her grandmother, Grandma Dowdel, unfold through a series of connected vignettes highlighting the quirky characters in the town and the historical snippets of the era, such as Armistice Day and the W.P.A. Despite the challenges of the Depression, the book offers a light and heartwarming narrative that showcases the strong bond between Mary Alice and her grandmother, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.

    Oh, didn’t I feel sorry for myself when the Wabash Railroad’s Blue Bird train steamed into Grandma’s town. The sandwich was still crumbs in my throat because I didn’t have the dime for a bottle of pop...

    (Also, see 80 recommendations for the series A Long Way from Chicago )

  3. #3

    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
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    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in the early 20th century Brooklyn, following the life of young Francie Nolan as she navigates poverty, family dynamics, and the pursuit of education. Through vivid descriptions and deep emotional connections, readers are immersed in the struggles and triumphs of Francie and her family, painting a rich picture of life in Brooklyn during that era.

    SERENE WAS A WORD YOU COULD PUT TO BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. Especially in the summer of 1912. Somber, as a word, was better. But it did not apply to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Prairie was lovely and Shenandoa...

  4. #4

    Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
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    Set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru, a college student navigating the aftermath of his best friend's suicide and the mental health struggles of his friend's girlfriend, Naoko. As Toru meets Midori, a progressive fellow student, he is faced with the challenge of letting go of the past to embrace the future. The novel delves into themes of mental health, suicide, relationships, and personal growth in a realistic and reflective manner, all set against the backdrop of late 1960s Tokyo.

    Murakami's writing style in "Norwegian Wood" is described as poignant, reflective, and touching. The novel unfolds at a walking pace, punctuated by small moments of loss and heartbreak, devoid of the magical realism present in his other works. The characters, particularly Toru, Naoko, and Midori, are portrayed with depth and complexity as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal struggles.

    I WAS THIRTY-SEVEN THEN, STRAPPED IN MY SEAT AS THE HUGE 747 plunged through dense cloud cover on approach to the Hamburg airport. Cold November rains drenched the earth and lent everything the gloomy...

  5. #5

    Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon
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    "Boy's Life" by Robert R. McCammon is a coming-of-age story set in the year 1964 in Zephyr, Alabama, following the adventures of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson. The book beautifully captures the essence of childhood, with themes of mystery, humor, friendship, and the magic of growing up in a small town. Throughout the story, Cory navigates through real-life challenges and fantastical elements, all while maintaining a sense of wonder and innocence that resonates with readers.

    The novel weaves together a blend of supernatural elements, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling that immerses readers in Cory's world. Through Cory's eyes, the readers experience the joy, sadness, and complexities of life in a small town, where friendship, family, and the mysteries of the past intersect to create a captivating narrative that lingers long after the final page is turned.

    THE GREEN FEATHER WENT INTO MY POCKET. FROM THERE IT found its way into a White Owl cigar box in my room, along with my collection of old keys and dried-up insects. I closed the box lid, placed the bo...

  6. #6

    The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
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    The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Charlie, a high school freshman who navigates through the complexities of teenage life. The story is uniquely told through letters written by Charlie, allowing readers to delve into his inner thoughts and emotions as he grapples with issues such as friendship, love, loss, and self-discovery. The narrative captures the essence of being a teenager in the early 1990s, touching on themes of loneliness, mental health, and the challenges of growing up.

    The book portrays Charlie's journey as he forms relationships with his peers, including the charismatic Patrick and enigmatic Sam, who help him navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. Through Charlie's introspective observations and poignant reflections, readers are drawn into a world of teenage struggles and triumphs, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional exploration of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of youth.

    I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn’t try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have. Please don’t try to figure out who she is because then...

  7. #7

    The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
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    'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger follows the narrative of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, who has recently been expelled from his fourth boarding school. The story unfolds as Holden decides to spend a night in New York City before facing his parents, showcasing his encounters with old friends, strangers, and his inner turmoil. Through Caulfield's stream of consciousness narration, readers delve into his rebellious and angst-ridden journey, exploring themes of teenage alienation, identity crisis, and the disillusionment with the adult world.

    The novel is characterized by a unique writing style that captures the raw emotions and turbulent thoughts of its protagonist. Salinger's portrayal of Holden's inner turmoil and his cynical perspective on society resonates with readers, offering a poignant exploration of adolescent struggles and the quest for authenticity amidst a world perceived as phony.

    IF YOU REALLY WANT TO HEAR about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me...

  8. #8

    To Kill a Mockingbird - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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    To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic novel set in a small Southern town during the 1930s and 1940s. The story is told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl, and revolves around her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends an African American man accused of rape. The book delves into themes of racial inequality, prejudice, family dynamics, and the loss of innocence, capturing the social issues and moral dilemmas prevalent during that era. The narrative style is engaging, with a mix of heartwarming moments, social commentary, and a child's perspective on the complexities of life.

    When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious abou...

  9. #9

    The Body by Stephen King
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    'The Body' by Stephen King follows the story of four young boys, Gordie, Chris, Vern, and Teddy, who embark on an adventure to find a dead body of a boy their own age. Set in the 1960s in a fictional Maine town, the boys face challenges and revelations that test their friendship and understanding of the world around them. The narrative delves into themes of childhood, friendship, growing up, and the impact of family dynamics on individual development. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Gordie, readers witness a coming-of-age tale filled with poignant moments and unexpected twists.

    The writing style of 'The Body' is described as engaging, honest, and easy to read. The story is not a typical horror narrative associated with Stephen King but rather a heartfelt depiction of adolescence and the complexities of youth. captures the essence of childhood innocence, friendship dynamics, and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery, all while showcasing a softer side of King's storytelling that resonates with readers on a personal level.

    The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of, because words diminish them—words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no...

  10. #10

    Black Swan Green by David Mitchell
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    Black Swan Green by David Mitchell is a coming-of-age novel that follows the tumultuous thirteenth year in the life of Jason Taylor, a stammering 13-year-old boy living in a small English village in the early 1980s. The story delves into Jason's struggles with his speech impediment, his secret passion for poetry, and his battles with bullying schoolmates. The narrative captures the essence of adolescence, exploring themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up through the eyes of a young protagonist.

    The novel is structured in 13 chapters, each representing a month in Jason's life, providing a detailed and nostalgic portrayal of his experiences and interactions. David Mitchell's writing style expertly immerses the reader in Jason's world, blending humor, poignancy, and vivid storytelling to create a compelling and relatable narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

    Any duh-brain could work that out, so I put up my hand. Miss Throckmorton said, ‘Yes, Jason?’ and that was when my life divided itself into Before Hangman and After Hangman. The word ‘nightingale’ kab...

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