Despite the brevity of this list, books on tough subjects are very dear to my heart. They are frequently the targets of book banning because they make people uncomfortable, but I think that is a real tragedy. These are the kinds of books that teach us about some of life's harsher realities, but more importantly, I think they help teach us empathy. Perhaps, that is a bit of a lofty goal, but fiction does allow us to see things from another person's perspective and if we take that to heart, I think much more good than bad will come of it.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky -- Homophobia, bullying, rape, abuse in varying forms, abortion -- this book covers a LOT of ground. (That last one was completely left out of the movie version, by the way. It seems Hollywood wasn't willing to go there on that particular hot-button topic.)
2. Before I Die, by Jenny Downham -- This is the story of a teenage girl dying of cancer and it is heart-breakingly beautiful. I've recommended it a million times before and I'll recommend it a million times more. It is a book that will really make you think and feel (and cry).
3. You Against Me, by Jenny Downham -- Told from the perspectives of a rape victim's brother and the rapist's sister, this is a very thought-provoking book. Jenny Downham has a gift for telling stories that are not always easy and this is another perfect example. In light of various real news stories lately, I think this is very a powerful book that more people should read.
I've had Before I Die for a long time but I've yet to read it - I hope I get to it eventually. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too - it is a very good book. Any book that can make me cry gets high marks and this one definitely did.
Delete"The Perks of Being..." seems to be the kind of book I think I would enjoy. If I remember correctly, it was also written in letter/diary form (I may be wrong though). And the rape issues are always such difficult ones to read about.
ReplyDeleteYes Riv it is in letter format. It's a very slim volume and I loved that it dealt with so many different things without being so "in your face" about it.
DeleteMy daughter's loved Perks of Being A Wallflower.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a quite memorable book. When I first picked it up, I had no idea how many different topics it would touch on, but I think it was really well done.
DeleteI've heard so much about Before I Die and You Against Me that I definitely have to check them both out sometime soon.
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Jenny Downham is definitely an auto-buy author for me, I just love her writing so much. I hope you check out her books when you get a chance! Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteI haven't read any of these, but I do tend to shy away from harsher issue books. You're right, though, that they teach us to be more empathetic and gentle with other people, which is a lesson all of us need to learn!
ReplyDeleteThey are not for everyone, but they often do teach good lessons. I can definitely see why some issue books end up on school reading lists.
DeleteI have not read the last two books on your list but I did enjoy Perks of Being a Wallflower. I don't read these type of books very often but I do enjoy them when I am in the mood to read them. One of my favorite tough subject books is Crank by Ellen Hopkins. Have you read any of those books?
ReplyDeleteAlso, sadly these are the types of books to be banned, but I agree with you that they are more likely to help then hurt.
I haven't read any Ellen Hopkins, but after this week's topic, I am seriously intrigued. Her books seem to have made it onto 90% of people's lists! I've also always wanted to try a novel in verse, so definitely going onto the TBR list...
DeleteAh, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, such a good book! Have you seen the film adaptation from 2012? It's really well done, great acting.
ReplyDeleteYou're right on about books like this being the target of bans. Boo! :)
Here's my TTT for the week. Happy reading!
I can't believe it took me until last year to read Perks, but you are right it is an excellent book. The movie was fairly well done, but I still like the book better (as usual!) Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteI really enjoyed You Against Me, but I've only seen the movie adaption of Before I Die (Now Is Good). I love the fact that you only listed a deserving three, nice choice. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I had heard there was a movie adaptation of Before I Die, but I loved the book so much, I think I'm afraid to watch it! If you liked You Against Me, I highly recommend the book version of Before I Die :)
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