When we look around us today, there are many issues that need to be addressed. Whether it be through public service announcements, newspaper articles, or even novels specially designed for these reasons; we always find a way to bring them to the public eye. We all have those books, maybe childhood favourites or not, we’re talking about the books we could read over and over, and never get tired of them. With this knowledge, I am going to discuss from my perspective, the five best novels. As a scale of how to judge what is best, I will consider how real the issue discussed is, and how urgently they are addressed, as well as how touching the notions in the novels were to my own emotions.
#5: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher- Following the story of one Clay Jensen, an average teen with the stress of school, and crushes, Jay Asher takes us inside, to the parts of Clay that no one sees. After his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker commits suicide, Clay is shocked to receive a series of cassette tapes, recorded by her, two weeks later. On the tapes, it is depicted that there are thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker chose to end her life, and he is one of them.
This tragic story makes its audience aware of the countless ways we can affect a person’s life, without realizing it. It shows everyone that what you say or do can have a massive impact on someone else, in both positive and negative ways. There are several reasons this novel deserves to be on this list. For instance, it tackles an extreme problem in society, and allows the readers to become educated in the different minds of others. In some cases, it may even help others who are in the same situation as the main characters. This story may help to understand that they are not alone, and that things can get better. You may wonder, “why is this #5 if it’s so good?”, well, although the story is heart wrenching, and a complete representation of a huge issue we face often, it did not meet my criteria of “an amazing book”.
Do not get me wrong, it was a fantastic read, but there were certain aspects of the novel that just did not sit with me. One for instance, is the fact that the entire plot revolves around the idea that a teenage girl killed herself, because of the opinions of her classmates. Yes, this could be a good learning opportunity, yet, it almost makes the entire issue a joke or a game in a sense. The other reason that this novel remains on my #5, is because of the entire malevolence of the plot. Asher makes it almost impossible to feel any form of pity for the character. While reading, all I could think of is how angry Hannah Baker seemed. She never once asked for help, all she did was blame everyone else for her unhappiness, and for idiotic reasons as well. It was as if she killed herself only to make others suffer. This message, is not really one I would like to promote to the fragile minds of teenagers.
#4: Rules by Cynthia Lord-Being a Children’s literature book, you may wonder how this has gotten on my list, nevertheless, let me explain. This riveting story follows the life of a twelve year old girl, Catherine, who has been given the task of babysitting her eight-year-old brother, David. We then learn that this is the norm in Catherine’s life, because her brother is in fact autistic, and needs to be monitored at all times. Soon, things in Catherine’s life take a turn for the optimistic as she learns new things about her brother and children like him.
This is definitely a novel I recommend highly. It covers the topic of the mental illnesses that are not usually discussed as often as others. Autism has affected many people, including me. Living with an autistic brother is far from easy, and from my perspective, this story expresses the challenges well. For anyone of any age, who may be struggling with autism, whether it be in your family or your friend’s, I would have to say this book will open your eyes. The illnesses that are not really talked about are the ones that affect your brain most, the ones that others describe as “retarded”. Although this story is one of my personal favourites, it remains on my #4, simply for the reason that I enjoyed other novels more, and it is in fact a children’s story. Overall, it is an easy to read story, with some heart warming traits that may bring a tear to your eye, and knowledge to your mind. If you are someone who may refer to people with mental illnesses as “retarded”, I suggest that you pick this story up at your local library, and read it. Use this to take a moment to open your mind to other possibilities.
#3: Hold Still by Nina LaCour-Following the death of her best friend Ingrid, the main character, Caitlin struggles to move forward. When she finds Ingrid’s journal beneath her bed, she begins along a path of discovery, and understanding that leads her to new friendships and love. After going against herself for so long, she begins to see why some things happen for a reason.
“Hold Still” may seem like just another novel that tells the story of loss, but Nina LaCour takes this to new heights. In this story filled with heartbreak and new beginnings, the readers will without a doubt feel the very real impact suicide can have on not only one, but multiple people. As a massive global issue, suicide is a topic rarely discussed verbally. Using literature to approach the minds of those who may be considering such a fate, is an efficient way to address it. It opens doors for conversations that many try to avoid. By addressing these issues on mental illness, especially in this novel, we are telling those individuals that there are other ways. This story is full of quotes that can do nothing except make the reader think. One example would be “If you are looking for reasons there are no reasons.” once you really think about it, that one line has a great impact.
#2: Messenger by Lois Lowry-Part three of “The Giver” series, it is already clear that this novel is one for the books. The story is one about a young boy named Matty and his adventure of understanding his mysterious gift. While his village goes into minor chaos as a growing group of citizens protest to close its borders, the Forest that was once welcoming and beautiful, begins to turn dark and malevolent. As the trees thicken, making residents unwilling to pass through, with the help of Matty, his caregiver, Seer, must travel through the Forest to return his daughter home before it’s too late. Throughout the journey, Matty must do all he can to make sure he, his caregiver and his daughter arrive safely.
"Messenger" is definitely a novel I would recommend to any teenager. Lois Lowry follows the very real issue of finding yourself; something everyone has or will experience. You will be an emotional wreck by the end of this short book, although it is more because the story is so beautifully done than sorrow. With diverse characters, and an intriguing plot, you will find it difficult to put this book down, even after the pages are finished. Anyone can find ways to relate to this story, whether it be to the characters, or even just to the entire theme. I will not spoil anything for anyone who may want the opportunity to read this for themselves, but I will say, there is something in this story for everyone. The novel is short, but Lois Lowry found a way to portray her characters without much development, and still leave me satisfied in the end. Using magical power to reveal new identities, this book is seriously one everyone needs to read.
#1: Looking for Alaska by John Green-Splitting the story into two parts, before and after, we already know that this cannot be good, yet, it is. As an outcast, friendless teen, Miles Halter finds his happiness in famous last words. As the dying poet, Francois Rabelais had said, he went to seek a Great Perhaps. In order to do so, Miles decides to switch to a boarding school in Alabama for his junior year, that he believes holds something more for him. Later, when he meets the fascinating Alaska Young, he realizes he was right.
I have been a huge fan of literature for as long as I can remember, and I must say, a book has never touched me as much as John Green’s “Looking for Alaska”. As a very impatient person there is nothing I hate more than subtlety, or “beating around the bush”; John Green avoids this altogether in this novel. The beauty in Green’s work is that there is nothing hidden in his message. If a character has issues, we are aware of this, and if a character dies, we usually know exactly what happens. He has a real talent for creating characters that everyone will love, and relate to in some way. For me, that is the best aspect a novel can have: the ability to put yourself in the character’s shoes, and understand their way of thinking. Now, this story is unlike any other of John Green’s, he creates a character that few may completely understand, but in the end, he leaves us almost confused and unanswered in various ways. The conflicts faced in this story are full of love and crushes, as well as the true depression of life. It is clear that he has no issue with showing the plain reality of the world, to his readers, and that is what I admire most of this piece of writing.
All in all, each story referred to in this assignment has a special place in my heart. I believe they are by far, the top five novels I have ever read in my lifetime. It is highly that I recommend every lover of books to read atleast one of these fantastic stories. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
