I go through peaks and valleys of reading. I am at a peak right now. I read every possible second that isn't occupied with other necessary work. I am discovering a new found love of YA (or, young adult) books. They deal with issues surrounding the common teenager today but generally in fanciful or exaggerated settings. I love the dystopian themes and the raw angst that accompany them.
One thing I've noticed is that there are cycles of YA that tend to repeat themselves over the years. One year a whole slew of YA about end-of-the-world issues will emerge. The next year it will be depression/suicide themes. I find this interesting. I don't know enough about the publishing industry to know if this is something that has roots in the authors own creative process or if these books are being specifically selected by publishers for a "theme" of sorts. Does anyone know?
Two books I've read over the past few days are The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler and The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. Both are written for the 12 year old on age group. Both are "fluffy." If you know what I mean. Ok, I like the fact that my name is in the title of Liz Kessler's book. And I also think that these mermaid books have great potential to get reluctant readers excited about reading. I don't think it was great writing. It was heavy with dialogue. The characters were half-baked. But was it a good read? Yes.
The Sword of Shannara was, granted a very different subject, surprisingly enjoyable. I don't generally like fantasy. It isn't my thing. I mean, I enjoy it now and then, but its not what I reach for as a comfort read. This book, though not well written, has really great, excellently fleshed out characters. You will want to know them. And you will side with the good and deplore the bad. Which is always a good sign in a book as far as I'm concerned. Also, for all those kids that were read Tolkien and now want something similar, this is the ticket.
Two books I've read over the past few days are The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler and The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. Both are written for the 12 year old on age group. Both are "fluffy." If you know what I mean. Ok, I like the fact that my name is in the title of Liz Kessler's book. And I also think that these mermaid books have great potential to get reluctant readers excited about reading. I don't think it was great writing. It was heavy with dialogue. The characters were half-baked. But was it a good read? Yes.
The Sword of Shannara was, granted a very different subject, surprisingly enjoyable. I don't generally like fantasy. It isn't my thing. I mean, I enjoy it now and then, but its not what I reach for as a comfort read. This book, though not well written, has really great, excellently fleshed out characters. You will want to know them. And you will side with the good and deplore the bad. Which is always a good sign in a book as far as I'm concerned. Also, for all those kids that were read Tolkien and now want something similar, this is the ticket.
