Books matching: complexity of growing up
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- #1
Save:In "You'll Grow Out of It," Jessi Klein shares her experiences as a comedy writer, delving into topics such as sex, love, childbirth, marriage, and more. Through a raw and contemporary language, Klein offers a fun and unfiltered look at different aspects of her life, making the reader both laugh and reflect on the highs and lows of womanhood. The book is a collection of essays that touch on relatable issues, presenting a refreshing take on topics that are often kept under wraps.
Klein's writing style is described as witty and honest, with a comedic touch that brings out both laughter and thought-provoking reflections. The book navigates through various themes such as modern femininity, relationships, body image, and personal struggles, offering a unique perspective on these subjects through Klein's comedic lens.
Everyone is charmed by a little tomboy. A scrappy little girl in overalls with a ponytail and scraped knees, who loves soccer and baseball and comic books and dirt. But what are we charmed by? It’s no... - #2
Save:"This One Summer" is a graphic novel that follows the summer adventures of two girls, Rose and Windy, as they spend time at their family cottages by the lake. Rose is navigating the complexities of adolescence, from dealing with her parents' strained relationship to developing new interests and friendships with the local teenagers. The story captures the essence of growing up, exploring themes of family dynamics, friendship, teenage restlessness, and the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adolescence. The illustrations, printed in navy blue ink, create a nostalgic and raw feel, resembling a hand-drawn summer notebook, and perfectly complement the masterful pacing of the narrative.
The book delves into the personal dramas unfolding within Rose's family and the local teenage community, as she grapples with the realities of adulthood encroaching on her carefree summer days. Through the lens of Rose and Windy's friendship, the graphic novel sensitively portrays the emotional turmoil, awkward moments, and poignant realizations that come with the tumultuous phase of early adolescence. The narrative captures the bittersweet essence of a summer marked by growing pains, friendship dynamics, and the exploration of deeper, sometimes unsettling, themes of life and relationships.
- #3
Save:'Hopeless' by Colleen Hoover is a captivating story that delves into the intense and complicated relationship between the main characters, Sky and Holder. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers guessing, while also addressing heavy themes such as abuse and trauma. The writing style is described as intense, emotional, and beautifully crafted, allowing readers to feel deeply connected to the characters and their experiences.
I’d like to think most of the decisions I’ve made throughout my seventeen years have been smart ones. Hopefully intelligence is measured by weight, and the few dumb decisions I’ve made will be outweig... - #4
Save:'The Luckiest Girl' by Beverly Cleary is a coming-of-age story that follows the sixteen-year-old protagonist, Shelley, as she spends a year in Southern California with a host family. The plot revolves around Shelley's experiences of leaving her home in Oregon to explore a new environment, navigate relationships with family and friends, and discover herself during her time in California. The writing style of the book is described as endearing, charming, and surprisingly readable, capturing the essence of adolescence with depth and warmth, despite being written in 1958.
One Saturday morning early in September Shelley Latham sat at the breakfast table with her mother and father. Her mother was reading the women’s page of the morning paper while her father read the edi...
(Also, see 32 recommendations for the series First Love ) - #5
Save:'The Boys of My Youth' by Jo Ann Beard is a non-linear collection of linked personal essays that explore coming of age experiences in different stages of life. Beard's writing style is described as sincere and real, akin to enjoying a dense dessert that should be savored slowly. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the characters and period details of small-town Midwest in the 1970s and 80s to poignant reflections on emotions and personal relationships.
Beard's storytelling jumps back and forth between her adult and younger life, focusing on both male and female figures who have shaped her journey. The essays delve into intimate and sometimes heartbreaking moments, showcasing courage in confronting inner demons, emotions, and mistakes. is praised for its outstanding writing, unflinching truths, and the author's ability to capture the essence of different phases of life with artful precision.
- #6
Save:Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, finds herself in a predicament after interrupting the Dance of the Seasons and capturing the attention of the Wintersmith, the elemental spirit of winter. As a result, she must navigate witch politics, friendships, and boy troubles to rectify the chaos caused by her actions. With the help of her friends, including the mischievous Wee Free Men, Tiffany must find a way to set things right before her homeland succumbs to the icy grip of winter. Terry Pratchett weaves elements of fantasy, humor, and mythology into a delightful tale that explores themes of responsibility, growth, and the consequences of one's actions.
There was a small hill of snow where there had been, a few hours ago, a little cluster of thorn trees on an ancient mound. This time last year there had been a few early primroses; now there was just ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #7
Save:'The End of Everything' by Megan Abbott is a gripping novel that follows the story of 13-year-old Lizzie whose best friend Evie goes missing, leading to a complex and twisted tale of friendship, family dynamics, and the dark realities of human nature. As Lizzie delves deeper into Evie's disappearance, she uncovers unsettling truths and must navigate through the blurred lines of innocence and reality. The book is narrated from Lizzie's perspective, providing insights into the mind of a young girl facing the harsh truths of growing up.
The writing style in 'The End of Everything' is described as intense, emotional, and gripping by readers. Megan Abbott skillfully captures the unique voice of a 13-year-old narrator, creating a haunting and atmospheric narrative that delves into themes of loss, adolescence, and the complexities of relationships. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.
She, light-streaky out of the corner of my eye. It’s that game, the one called Bloody Murder, the name itself sending tingly nerves shooting buckshot in my belly, my gut, or wherever nerves may be. It... - #8
Save:'The Leavers' by Lisa Ko is a novel that delves into the complexities of immigration, assimilation, and the search for identity. The story follows Deming Guo, an eleven-year-old boy whose mother, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, disappears one day, leaving him to navigate the foster care system and eventually be adopted by a white family in upstate New York. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Deming, now named Daniel, and his birth mother Polly, shedding light on their struggles, desires, and the impact of their intertwined lives.
The novel explores themes of family, belonging, cultural dislocation, and the challenges faced by immigrants and adoptees. Through a multi-layered narrative, 'The Leavers' weaves together a compelling story of love, loss, and the quest for understanding one's place in the world, offering a poignant and sophisticated portrayal of the immigrant experience in America.
The day before Deming Guo saw his mother for the last time, she surprised him at school. A navy blue hat sat low on her forehead, scarf around her neck like a big brown snake. “What are you waiting fo... - #9
Save:Set during WWII, 'A Long Way from Verona' follows the story of Jessica Vye, a headstrong and vocal teenager who refuses to conform to societal expectations. Divided into three chapters, the book explores Jessica's journey of self-discovery, from her decision to become a writer after meeting a famous author, to her experiences during a German bombing in a slum. The narrative captures themes of coming of age, unconventional friendships, and the impact of war on everyday life in England, all depicted with delightful humor and poignant moments.
I ought to tell you at the beginning that I am not quite normal, having had a violent experience at the age of nine. I will make this clear at once because I have noticed that if things seep out slowl... "Lowborn" by Kerry Hudson is a memoir that delves into the author's childhood experiences of growing up in poverty, highlighting the challenges she faced such as abuse, neglect, and constant instability. The book alternates between recounting her past as a child and revisiting those places as an adult, providing a raw and personal account of her journey from poverty to overcoming the odds. Hudson's writing style captures the harsh realities of poverty while also showcasing moments of warmth and resilience in the face of adversity.
My mum was twenty when she met my dad. She’d left Aberdeen at sixteen with no qualifications, then travelled about the UK working as a waitress, spending her spare time and her tips at discos. She alw...
