Best Books 2019

I have read 180 mostly young adult and middle years fiction books (so far) in 2019. I have cut those down to a list of 24 (how? I do not know). See picture above. The most important concerns that were felt in the YA community this year seem to be #ownvoices and positive representatives of rarely seen or heard minority groups. I believe I have included excellent examples of these, including How We Roll, How it Feels to Float, and Ghost Bird. I seem to also have a bias toward LGBT stories (too many to list), and am happy to see an increasing number of books for younger teens.

I then whittled that crazy long list down to only 5. Look, on any given day, it could have been a different five. I cast my eye over my choices now, and I find myself second guessing decisions. So basically I loved them all a lot.

Three of them are squarely contemporary YA, and reflect a range of intensity — from full on gritty realism (This is How We Change the Ending) through to happy, flirty romance (It Sounded Better in my Head). Call it What you Want fits neatly between these two #loveOzYA books, developing strong social issue story lines as well as a realistic love story. All of these books demand that their protagonists confront some very harsh truths about themselves and the choices they make, and organically allow them to navigate their own way through. I hope they find readers who will not only identify with their anxieties, but who will also be able to conquer some of their own life stresses. Reading is both therapy and escape.

To Night Owl from Dogfish represents my growing interest in books for 12 to 14 year olds. Honestly, they are the largest audience for my school library borrowing, and seeking out the full range of genres for them, to try to cater for every different reading taste, has become a priority and a godsend. These readers are so appreciative of efforts to provide them with accessible and satisfying material. There is much job affirmation to be gained from what might seem to be a chore (but clearly isn’t). Anyway, it is a funny warm novel, developing a terrific friendship between two unlikely girls. Their care and support of each other shines through their scrapes and sulks. The fact that it is written entirely through emails, text messages and a variety of other epistolary means, challenges this age group initially, but I have only heard glowing reviews from students. It’s a really enjoyable read.

I cannot make a list of favourite reads without including a new Marchetta. Those of us who started way back in 2004 with Saving Francesca have been waiting patiently for Jimmy’s story, and The Place on Dalhousie lives up to all expectations. A slim, tight novel, Marchetta nails what she always does best: creating complicated, messy families from air, bringing them together even when (especially if) they don’t want it. So much laughter is here. But also a feeling of nostalgia for people gone. It struck me with all the feels, but that is typical of this author. Her writing seems to tick every one of my reading boxes.

I wonder if next year we will be showered with more climate novels–not in the dystopian, set in the near future scenario–but in the right-now, it’s happening and what can be done situation. It seems highly likely given it’s the number one concern for teenagers across the world. And of course, it’s not only young people facing up to an uncertain future, it’s all of us.

Review: Two Middle Fiction Books (but are they?)

Lenny’s Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee

Published by Allen & Unwin
ISBN 9781760528706
Released on October 26 2018

Read October 8-12 2018

The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars by Jaclyn Moriarty

Published by Allen & Unwin
ISBN 9781760297183
Released on October 26 2018

Read August 23 – October 10 2018

Both of these books will be marketed at young readers, anywhere between 10 and 14 years. They are very different in style, subject matter, and purpose, but they have one thing in common  – The complexity of those above elements in each, mean that they can be enjoyed by much older readers. Foxlee and Moriarty use language in extraordinary ways, they don’t pander to a preconceived idea of how books should treat children, and they certainly don’t mess around with telling some harsh truths about living and dying. These two novels deserve a wide and deep audience.

The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars is a prequel (of sorts) to The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone. The same charm is evident, the same quirky humour, and it overflows with adventures, asides, and development of character. The start takes us to a different part of the Kingdoms and Empires world, and the gradual reveal of how it links to Bronte’s story is worth every minute. The story of the competitiveness between the two groups of children, and their subsequent banding together despite their differences, reflects Moriarty’s understanding of young people and the way they interact and navigate relationships. Finlay, Honey Bee, Glim, Victor, Taya, Eli and Hamish all require acknowledgement as each plays a pivotal role in discovering the mystery at the heart of the whispering wars. This is a twisty tale, and children will be caught up in the puzzles, the clues and the surprises.

However, The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars is so much more than a child’s fantasy, much in the same way as Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series is. Moriarty includes commentary and explanation along the way that is often mature and oh so relevant. We grapple with the injustices against people overwhelmed by poverty. We experience frustration at the wasted layers of bureaucracy and mediocrity. There’s also the crucial question to ponder: why are children always stolen away? This means that we, as adults, meet this story on a number of other ostensibly deeper layers, and are enriched and enlightened as well as entertained and moved.

Lenny’s Book of Everything is set in 1970’s Ohio, which might seem strange for an author who lives in Queensland. However, its time period, geographic location and creation of characters are all pitched perfectly. Cindy, mother of Lenore and David, is a force with which to be reckoned. She is all lioness, protective, growling and under estimated. Her fight for dominance with Burrell’s General Sales Manager Martha Brent, is a battle for the ages, and the lines drawn in the sand reflect the growing struggle for Davey’s life. Ultimately everyone unites for the same cause–and the emotional power is sustained and lingering on the reader.

Lenny our narrator is an authentic child. She radiates with anger about their useless ineffectual father, while she mourns his absence. She keeps Davey safe, at the same time resenting the attention everyone pours over him. She refuses to let go of her dreams to be an entomologist, and never wavers in her dislike for Mr King or her belief in Mrs Gasper. Her encounters with Mrs E Spink and the insights she gains through that misadventure, show her growing into a compassionate and kind individual. This really is Lenny’s book, and the heartache surrounding Davey is filtered through the lens of her optimism and faith in the world. Just like Scout, Holden and Ponyboy, Lenny is a character who represents her time, and whose view of the world is one to admire and revisit. Foxlee’s writing is sublime. Lenny’s Book of Everything is a story that will be enjoyed by adults as well as young people. The same is true of The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars.

Seek them out.

 

Review: The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

Published: Allen & Unwin
Released: November 1 2017 (in Australia)
ISBN: 9781760297176

Read: October 19 2017

At 109 chapters and over 500 pages, this story will challenge some young readers. But it is worth it because we are taken into a world that is fully realised, but never over-explained. We travel with Bronte to visit ten Aunts, and they are distinct individuals, and nothing feels repetitive or cliched. Each moment of revelation is seamlessly woven through the storyline, so that when its significance is inevitably realised, readers are not surprised or jolted out of the narrative.

The underlying sadness and pain take a while to leak through. Bronte is seemingly accommodating and well-mannered, so much of her point of view is coated with a stiff-upper-lip resolve. However, she also displays tremendously brave behaviour and very acute observations, and slowly we are given a glimpse into how she really feels about the disappearance and death of her parents. There is anger of course, and a longing that permeates her quest. It’s only late in the novel we are told that Bronte is reliving the story two years after her adventures. As a 12 year old, her perspective is wiser and gently scathing towards unkindness and narrow-mindedness. This is very subtle and is a further layer in a cleverly constructed story.

Moriarty incorporates humour to great effect. Each Aunt is accompanied by other characters who test Bronte’s mettle (ha. See what I did there?), and her ability to adapt and learn shows young readers about resilience and reward. Aunt Sue’s boisterous sons are delightful and generous, and Aunt Nancy’s clever daughters are wily and honest. Taylor’s no-nonsense offer of friendship arrives at exactly the right time, and the boy with no shoes is a mystery Bronte refuses to leave unsolved. I could go on listing other wonderful characters – the noisy librarian is particularly welcome, and the water sprites are effusive and jubilant—but to do that would spoil much of the wonder and delight of the novel. It’s best you discover them on your own.

The final quarter where all the clues fall together into the intricately woven climax keeps readers madly turning pages to watch Bronte stay one step ahead of the evil threatening her family and her identity. She needs all her skills and friends to triumph, and it’s an astonishing and wholly satisfying defeat. Then we have the final pages of reflection and quiet acceptance of her new reality. If I wanted more here, well, that’s ok. Those final poignant pages are all the more powerful for their low key and concise conclusion.

This ambitious and clever novel seems geared towards younger readers, but I believe anyone will love it. I think everyone should read it, actually.

Best of 2016: LoveOzYA

My three favourite Australian young adult books make the list for very different reasons. They each elicit powerful emotions from readers, as they present diverse and authentic portrayals of teenagers grappling with personal demons and public concerns as best as they can. Each book is a tiny glimpse into life in 2016, and represent the best examples of Australian YA authors. There are other favs that made other lists (One would think the Deep; A Tangle of Gold; Bro; The Road to Winter; Here’s the Thing; Our Chemical Hearts; The Ocean of the Dead; and mentioned like When Michael Met Mina, My Best Friend is a Goddess, Breathing Under Water, and The Yearbook Committee), so here I would like to acknowledge two more excellent novels, Everything is Changed by Nova Weetman and The Special Ones by Em Bailey. It’s been a stellar year for Australian young adult novels.

The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis (February 2016)

I read about four versions of this book prior to release. I love how complicated it is, and how much we have to work to understand and appreciate the character of Harley. It’s easy to love and sympathise with closeted Ryan and sidelined Miles, and of course Isaac is present through the story, and remembered with a sharpness of regret. I also value the nuances in the adult characters, who could have so easily been one dimensional. It’s a personal, yet universal narrative, and Kostakis deserves all the accolades.

Another Night in Mullet Town by Steven Herrick (May 2016)

Returning to verse, Herrick touches on several timely issues in his usual style, which offers healthy and positive depictions of straight, Australian teenage boys. His ability to create likable larrikins is often under-acknowledged. The themes of development versus community, and privilege are reflected in both the adults and the young men. Best of all is Herrick’s smart, concise story telling ability. He doesn’t waste a word. We are left hopeful for the future of Turon (Mullet town), and for the boys who make it their home.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (September 2016)

Such anticipation for this story, and it did not disappoint. Full of tropes (grieving sibling, fractured families, and lost friends), but is balanced so beautifully by lyrical prose, bittersweet resolutions, and a love story for the ages. Also, books, reading, letters, bookstores, transmigration, and a love of words. It’s rich with literary and pop cultural references, snarky dialogue, and flawed, authentic characters. Will require several re-reads, and should scoop many awards.

Next Monday, come back and read about my top books dealing with mental health issues.

Best of 2016: Music

I read quite a few books that included musical references, but books with characters who play, compose, and live for their sound were more rare. There was another that could have easily been included – Kissing Ted Callaghan, and the reason PS I like You got the nod is that it is actually published in 2016, where the Amy Spalding book was initially released in 2015, but Australia only got it this year. A technicality, but it’s something to make the choice clear (if not easier).

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West (July 2016)

Kasie West is building a reputation for strong romance novel, covering serious issues in light yet thoughtful ways. The love story is naturally most prominent, but the plot needs more, and this one starts out with song lyrics, builds to a mysterious pen pal, and while Lily tries to trust her heart, she also deals with stage fright, and a lack of self-belief in her song writing ability. It’s fun and flirty,and there’s family, and friendship drama, and great messages about positive relationships, honesty, and being true to yourself.

Freedom’s Just Another Word by Caroline Stellings (September 2016)

This could have slotted into the historical category, but Easy’s voice, her determination to make it as a blues singer is a stronger plotline than the 1970s setting. It could have also slotted easily into the diversity category (man, this book had me hopping!), because Easy’s positive bi-racial representation is fabulous. But when Janis Joplin makes an appearance, and encourages Easy to follow her dreams, well, that seals the deal. It’s a book about music, about being brave and taking risks (and road trips!). My full review is here.

We are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan Muller (November 2016)

Another story set in the not-too-distant past, well okay the ’80s, where we meet Scott and Cath, friends from childhood, separated when she leaves to attend College, and Scott doesn’t. The story is told through their letters back and forth (hence setting it before the Internet), as Cath tries to navigate her first year away from home, some shocking news about her parents’ marriage, and of course, missing Scott, who feels left  behind. His music and the band he forms keeps him from falling into a deep slump. It also provides a vibrant soundtrack for a bittersweet, slow burn friendship-into-romance novel.

On Friday, I want to highlight three books that encompasses diversity.