02 September 2011

TGIF #05


TGIF is a weekly feature hosted by Ginger at GReads. Each week, we re-cap the week's posts and answer a question.





THE QUESTION: 
Making a Difference: Which book(s) would you put in the hands of today's teenagers in hopes of making a difference in their lives?

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky - I read this book as an impressionable 16-year-old when it came out way back in 1999, after seeing an ad on MTV. I read it over and over and over throughout the next few years. I have two copies now. My original one is full of highlighted sections and little notes that instantly remind me of who I was and how I felt when I go back and re-read them, and the other is the one I loan out. I haven't read it in years (and am hesitant to read it now, at 29, in fear of losing the magic), but it's one book that stands out in my mind as being very important to me as a teen. Same goes for my sister.

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson - This book is important for anyone looking for a way to find their voice and stand up for themselves or anyone who may have to in the future. It's raw and a tough read, but so very important.

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger - This book should be given a real chance, and I think it resonates best with people who read it for the first time as a teenager. Watch John Green's videos (like here, here, and here) for spot-on analysis and ah-ha moments.

THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Another American classic. (Love the setting!) John Green made this the most recent book he video-analyzed (see: here) and he is your best bet at understanding and loving the book, if you might not otherwise.

These last three all have the same reason... I think one out of the three could take a hesitant reader and turn them into a person searching for their next great read.

The Disreputable History of Franke Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

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THIS WEEK'S REVIEW REMINDER:

SWEETLY by Jackson Pearce

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to go read all of the other answers and add some books to my TBR pile!

2 comments :

  1. Very, very awesome choice of books :-) I know we sort of talked about these the other day (in the pool!) & I completely agree with you. I have Frankie Landau-Banks right now! Should probably read it soon :-)

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  2. Love your words of wisdom and your choice of giveaway for banned books week. This book made me cry when I read it because the emotions are so real. The character stays with you long after you put the book down.

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