Obsidian

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I would love to say that I enjoyed this book, but that would be a stretch. The plot was too predictable, the characters shallow and the resemblance to other YA novels too stark.
I will recommend this book to my students who like reading about the supernatural with a whole lot of teenage sexual tension and angst.
Not in my list of top YA novels.


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The Finisher

The Finisher by David Baldacci
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An entertaining coming of age novel showing that by believing in oneself and focusing on relationships which matter, there is no limit to what can be achieved. The main character, Vera Jane, continually is faced with choices which will define her and lead her towards her destiny. The story progresses, she looses her parents, her brother, her livelihood, her reputation and almost her life. Through it all, she carries herself as a hero and never gives up on her quest for knowledge and the truth.

The novel, in the beginning, reminded me of THE GIVER and other novels where the boundaries of the society are significant and citizens are warned that moving beyond the confines of their village will result in certain death. David Baldacci creates characters young readers can relate to, even if the situations in which they find themselves are unique to their world.

Vera Jane must battle her doubts and her insecurities which can be just as detrimental to her future as her battles with monsters and her fellow citizens in the Duelum. All young readers experience doubts about their abilities, who they can trust and what their future holds. This novel allows them to experience those doubts along with the characters and realize that regardless of the obstacles put in one's way, there are positive outcomes which can be realized with perseverance and dedication.


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Boys Like You

Boys Like You by Juliana Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every teenager experiences choices with impacts which reach far beyond themselves. Juliana Stone's novel BOYS LIKE YOU compels the reader to understand the choices made by Monroe and Nathan, not just on the surface, but the deep, lasting effects their decisions had on their friends and families.

What is more important, to me as the reader, is the connection to the old saying "It takes a village to raise a child." Both Monroe and Nathan have experienced life altering events which are tearing them about physically and emotionally. It is through accepting each other, learning to open up and forgive that we are able to watch the characters as they grow into themselves and become individuals who are stronger because of their experiences, not defined by them.

It is imperative that a Young Adult novel reach young readers with a story which is both believable and relateable.  From the very first pages, the reader experiences compassion and empathy for the characters as they traverse the lonely world their decisions have created.


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Where Silence Gathers

Where Silence Gathers by Kelsey Sutton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading hundreds of books, it is refreshing to read a novel in which the author takes a refreshing new look at a common theme. Kelsey Sutton transports the reader into the mind of the main character as she struggles with a common conflict humans experience but seldom discuss, the conflict between revenge and forgiveness.  Alexandra Tate must decide whether she will seek revenge for her family's death or forgive the man responsible. More importantly, however, she must decide if she will forgive herself for surviving the accident.

The manner in which the author personifies Emotions and Choices allows the reader the clearly connect with the characters as they traverse life. Creatively providing these beings with character traits and significant characteristics shows their power and lingering qualities as they impact Alex and those around her.

This is one title which will be recommended to my students as they traverse the field of young adult literature. Even with the science fiction feel to the Choices and Emotions, the conflicts Alex faces are ones which one readers can connect with.


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