Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
To begin with, I think it is important to note that (just about) any YA book that deals with mental illness is a good thing. Audrey, the main character in this book, suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder. She is on medication, she sees a therapist, she is working on her issues. Meanwhile, her mother is obsessed with getting Audrey's gamer older brother Frank to stop playing on his computer. I like that this book doesn't ever give details explaining WHY Audrey is this way- there are hints about a bullying situation at her old school, but instead focuses on the aftermath and recovery. I like that it portrays therapy and medication in a positive light. But it wasn't perfect. The parents seemed way too sitcom-y / exaggerated stereotypes. I hate that it is a new boyfriend that helps Audrey make the most progress. It isn't a romance story at all so I wish there was a different catalyst. For the most part it felt realistic and modern without being annoyingly tech-y. Overall it was a good book (I gave it 3 stars), just not one I'm rushing out to recommend to everyone I know.
Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia
Since I started reading again (4 years ago?) I mostly focused on YA because... teaching. Now that I don't have to read with a middle school audience in mind, I have an overwhelming vast sea of books available to me (with no real idea where to start). So I decided to use Modern Mrs. Darcy's blog as a reading list for the summer. I also am utilizing the library (#free) and their e-book library. This book was on MMD's list of 11 hot YA novels for the summer and immediately available as a library e-book. All of that to say... I was totally not prepared to this book.
First of all, I don't read "creepy" things and I don't watch scary movies. So the fact that there was a strong reference to The Shining almost made me completely stop reading. [Instead, I just finished it the next afternoon (and watched 2 episodes of Gilmore Girls before bed) so I wasn't totally freaked out.] This book IS really good. It is a murder mystery with some crazy characters stuck in a giant hotel due to a big statewide chorus/band festival. It reads like YA despite being technically an adult book. There were quite a few times that I had to suspend disbelief but I figured that is probably the case with most murder mysteries. I did wish we had found out more about certain characters by the end of the story (specifically Minnie's sister) but I did enjoy it.
Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick
Another good book that I finished in a few days. The author also wrote Silver Linings Playbook (didn't read it but saw the movie). I felt like this was a nice mixture of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Catcher in the Rye, and a John Green novel (specifically The Fault in Our Stars... but no cancer). The main character is an unhappy, privileged white girl who befriends the author of an out-of-print cult classic book recommended to her by her English teacher. Through the author she meets her boyfriend and his friend. The author helps Nanette's inner rebel surface as she comes to terms with "finding herself" (in true YA novel fashion). I liked the range of emotions the book covered, would totally recommend it (specifically thinking of some former students), and (again) how it handles mental illness. Possibly this is even a book I would re-read.
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
An 11 year old boy (who is never named and probably on the autistic spectrum) forms an unlikely friendship with Ona, a 104 year old woman he is assigned to help via the Boy Scouts. When the boy suddenly dies, his often absent father takes over the assignment. Together they try and accomplish the boy's dream of getting the the Guinness Book of World Records. (Too much more info on this book and I'll give too much away.) This story is the epitome of heart-warming. It is beautifully told and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.
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