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Books matching: teen angst

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  1. #1

    Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
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    Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful young adult novel that follows the story of Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a party. As the book progresses, it is revealed that Melinda was raped at the party and is unable to speak about the traumatic experience. Through her journey of self-discovery and healing, Melinda finds her voice and learns to speak up about her ordeal, ultimately empowering herself and others around her. The writing style of the book combines elements of darkness and humor, providing a raw and honest portrayal of teenage struggles.

    WELCOME TO MERRYWEATHER HIGH It is my first morning of high school. I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate, and a stomachache. The school bus wheezes to my corner. The door opens and I step up. I ...

  2. #2

    Violet & Claire by Francesca Lia Block
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    Violet & Claire is a story about two very different girls, Violet and Claire, who become close friends as they navigate through the highs and lows of life in Los Angeles. The book delves into their individual strengths and weaknesses, showcasing their ambitions and vulnerabilities. Through vivid descriptions and alternating perspectives, readers witness the evolution of their friendship, the challenges they face as they pursue their dreams, and the impact they have on each other's lives. The narrative captures themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and innocence, painting a picture of a deep and complex relationship between the two protagonists.

    Francesca Lia Block's writing in Violet & Claire is described as impressive and engaging, weaving together beautiful imagery and relatable characters. The book is praised for its emotional depth, fast-paced storytelling, and the realistic portrayal of the friendship dynamics between Violet and Claire. Block's ability to create flawed yet authentic characters and to explore themes of self-discovery and friendship resonates with readers of all ages. The novel is a blend of coming-of-age elements, Hollywood glamour, and poignant reflections on life's complexities, making it a captivating read that captures the essence of youth and friendship.

    The helicopter circles whirring in a sky the color of laundered-to-the-perfect-fade jeans. Clouds like the wigs of starlets—fluffy platinum spun floss. Below, the hills are covered with houses from ev...

  3. #3

    The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe
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    The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe is a dark and tender coming-of-age story that delves into the unlikely friendship between two misfits, Bunny and Michael. Bunny, an athletic and tall teenage girl, and Michael, an alienated gay teenage boy, form a deep bond despite their differences. The story explores themes of adolescence, friendship, and the struggles of growing up in California suburbs, where traumatic events shape the characters' lives. The narrative is written from Michael's perspective, offering a poignant and honest portrayal of their complex relationship and individual journeys.

    The book is praised for its vivid character portraits, distinct descriptions of people and places, and a compelling writing style that combines humor, tragedy, and insight. Readers are drawn into the multi-layered narrative that explores love, violence, and friendship through the lens of two outsiders navigating the challenges of adolescence and self-discovery.

    That was 2004, which was incidentally the same year the pictures of Abu Ghraib were published, the same year we reached the conclusion there were no weapons of mass destruction after all. What a whoop...

  4. #4

    Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman
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    Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman is a poignant and raw portrayal of a young man's descent into mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. The book alternates between Caden's reality and his hallucinatory world on a ship, blurring the lines between the two and providing a unique insight into his struggles. Through Caden's narrative, readers are taken on a journey through the depths of psychosis, hospitalization, and the impact of mental illness on both the individual and their loved ones. Shusterman's writing style delicately balances the harrowing nature of the story with moments of hope and compassion, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and enlightening.

    My family and I go to Las Vegas for two days while they tent our house for termites. I draw in my sketch pad for the whole drive, and get carsick. One step short of vomiting. Which, I suppose, makes m...

  5. #5

    Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
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    'Tell the Wolves I'm Home' by Carol Rifka Brunt is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in the 1980s during the onset of the AIDS epidemic in New York. The story follows June, a 14-year-old girl who grapples with the loss of her beloved Uncle Finn to AIDS. Through June's perspective, the readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships, including June's growing bond with Toby, Finn's partner. The writing style is emotional and evocative, delving into themes of love, grief, forgiveness, and the impact of AIDS on individuals and families.

    My sister Greta and I were having our portrait painted by our uncle Finn that afternoon because he knew he was dying. This was after I understood that I wasn’t going to grow up and move into his apart...

  6. #6

    Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
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    Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi is a contemporary novel that follows the story of two estranged Korean American sisters, Jayne and June. Jayne, a 20-something college student living in New York, struggles with an eating disorder and self-destructive behavior. When June is diagnosed with cancer, their lives intersect, forcing them to confront their past and navigate the complexities of their relationship. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, sisterhood, self-discovery, and the challenges of emerging adulthood, all portrayed through emotionally layered characters and realistic storytelling.

    Choi's writing style in Yolk is described as raw, emotional, and deeply personal, capturing the messy and chaotic aspects of life in early adulthood. The novel is praised for its exploration of heavy subjects such as eating disorders, family relationships, identity struggles, and the complexities of sisterhood. Through flawed yet relatable characters and a character-driven plot, Choi weaves a narrative that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the inner turmoil and growth of the protagonists.

    Depending on where I focus and how much pressure I apply to the back of my throat, I can just about blot him out. Him being Jeremy. Him who never shuts up. Him being my ex. He whose arm is clamped aro...

  7. #7

    Flushboy by Stephen Graham Jones
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    Flushboy by Stephen Graham Jones is a coming-of-age novel that follows a 16-year-old boy working at his dad's drive-through urinal, The Bladder Hut. The story delves into various teen issues, including parents' divorce, relationships, and self-discovery, all while maintaining a comedic and absurd tone. The writing style is a mix of humor, grossness, and sincerity, creating a unique and engaging narrative that explores the absurdity of teen life through the lens of a peculiar family business.

    I come on at four, right after school, and tie my apron and lower my hairnet and get my goggles in place before rolling the gloves on. By the end of the night the pads of my fingers will be pruned fro...

  8. #8

    Shiver - The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater
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    Grace, a girl with a deep connection to the wolves in the woods behind her house, meets Sam, a boy who transforms into a werewolf during cold weather. As they navigate the complexities of Sam's transformations and their growing love, they also find themselves caught in a web of mysteries and dangers involving other werewolves in their town. The book beautifully portrays their intense romance, the challenges they face, and the unique werewolf system created by the author, all set against a backdrop of suspense and action.

    I remember lying in the snow, a small red spot of warm going cold, surrounded by wolves. They were licking me, biting me, worrying at my body, pressing in. Their huddled bodies blocked what little hea...

  9. #9

    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...

  10. #10

    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...

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