YAmondAY welcomes YA author (and blogger extraordinaire) Coleen Patrick! Coleen
writes contemporary Young Adult, and she’s currently finishing the last stage of edits
for her debut YA novel, COME BACK TO ME.
Here’s more, in her own words:
I live in Virginia with my husband, our two kids and three two fish. My secret power is, well, secret, but I will admit my kryptonite is ironing. Ugh.
I love to read, I am on book number 63 for 2012 (thank you, Goodreads, for keeping tally). I love stories that make me laugh and/or cry, especially a story with normal characters and by that, I mean imperfect, struggling, and not quite yet aware of their own secret powers.
I think all three of the books below have that in common. Plus, they have an extra special something that just makes the stories stay with me.
“Unforgettable YA Books”
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher
Stolen is a story about 16-year old Gemma who finds herself in a shack in the Australian outback after being kidnapped from an airport by a crazy guy. It’s been at least two years since I read this book, but I can’t forget this story. At its heart, this story is about survival, but by far the most chilling and compelling part is how the author makes the reader experience Stockholm syndrome (capture bonding). I actually found myself sympathizing with Gemma’s captor, going so far as to begin considering him as a match for her. Stolen had me questioning myself, wondering how I would even consider such an outcome. It’s pure genius on the part of Lucy Christopher and a big part of why I can’t forget Stolen.
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Revolution is both a contemporary and historical story, featuring a connection between two 17-year-old girls from different times, who are both struggling with tragedy, grief and guilt. I think I picked the book up because I like stories featuring the French Revolution, but ultimately loved it because of the strength of spirit in tragic times. It sounds heavy, but there is a love story, and music plays a big part—both in its power to heal and to transcend time. This story just stays with me, and the main character Andi says it all, “The world goes on, stupid and brutal, but I do not.”
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The first in the Last Survivors Trilogy, this is a science fiction story about what happens to 16-year-old Miranda and her family after a meteor knocks the moon closer to the Earth. There is not only major climate change, but Miranda finds her life forever altered. Ever since I finished this book, I cannot reach into my pantry and pull out a canned food item (especially one that continually gets pushed to the back of my shelf), without wondering if maybe I will one day consider that not so appetizing can of mushrooms as a highlight of my day. This story is a reminder not to take even the simplest things for granted. But while Miranda deals with life as a teenager in an altered world, her story highlights that while we may shiver in the cold and shrink in famine, within us all is an awesome strength for survival.
Those sound like great reads! We all thank Coleen for these recommendations. What about you? Is there any YA novel that you find unforgettable? I’m very partial to “The Catcher In The Rye,” as cliché as it may sound. Please share!
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Pingback: Unforgettable Books: Dreams Wrapped in Words | Coleen Patrick
Thanks Fabio!
Confession time–I haven’t read Catcher in the Rye. It’s on my night stand though–and has been for a while. I WILL read it. I just have to remind myself I don’t have to write a paper about it when I’m done. I guess the book has that must read school list vibe.
I don’t think I have either, Coleen. We read To Kill a Mockingbird at school. Did you read that?
“Catcher” must’ve been pretty revolutionary at the time. Still holds up pretty well.
So happy to have you over, Coleen! Please feel free to answer the comments
No! My kids have already read it before me too. Maybe it was because I went to a catholic high school. We had to read books like John F.Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage.
I’ve read Catcher in the Rye, but I haven’t read any of the ones you mention above! And you’ve totally got me into them with these reviews. Bravo…I love YAMondAY!!
Thanks Jenny!!
I love the sound of the first two, though having just had my own fun at airports I’ll leave it a bit longer before I read that one
Hi Fabio!
They each sound like fabulous books although the first one really grabbed my attention!
Stolen is such a “grabber” Susie!!
Great pics, Coleen. LIke Susie, Stolen really captured my attention. That one will definitely be going on my list. I haven’t read Catcher in the Rye either. I guess I never had to in school or I’m skimped on it.
Fabio, thanks for having Coleen over!
Ok, so now I feel less embarrassed for not having read Catcher.
I would love to hear what you think when you get to read it Ginger!
I meant to add when you get to read Stolen! I’m typing too fast today.
All of your book choices sound fantastic, Coleen. I’ve never read a YA book—unless you count my rapid full scan of Twilight while standing in a bookstore.
Any thoughts on a “starter” if I decide to venture that way? Love that you two have paired up, by the way.
August I’d have to think about that. There are so many different ways to go with YA. Paranormal, romance, fantasy,etc. I don’t think there is just one to start with.
Although Stolen was a very compelling read!
Fascinating picks and I had never even heard of these. Thanks Coleen. The first book has a really gripping premise.
And it fulfills it in my opinion!!
Thanks Reetta
I always love hearing about new (to me) YA books and these three will be going on my TBR list. Thanks!
Love these choices. I haven’t read any of them. I may have to check them out. “Life as We Knew It” sounds very intriguing.
I have enjoyed Life As We Knew It, but I haven’t read any other books from your list, Coleen. As for my favorite novels… I’m afraid there are so many, that I would have to ask Fabio to make a special space on his blog in order to list them all
I definitely enjoy books by Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, Phillipa Gregory and many others.
Thanks Tami & Debra–I’d love to know what you think when you get a chance to read.
And Angela I’ve been a fan of Stephen King for a long time–I think Pet Semetary was the first one I read. It definitely is unforgettable. His books were the kind I had to take out of the house after reading–too scary to even leave the book lying around!
I haven’t read Catcher in the Rye for years. An awesome story. I love good YA book and these all sound like terrific recommendations, Coleen. Thanks for the list. I’ll check them out. I love books that touch you deeply in some way, then stay with you for months or years. Great post!
Two awesome people in one place! I’ve never heard of these titles, but the second one sounds really interesting. I’m a fan of historical fiction, and I used to read a lot of it when I was younger. You reminded me of that. I should check these titles out too.
And Colleen, I DO love Goodreads!
Thanks Sheila and Jess! And goodreads is great for so many things. Besides keeping track for me, it also is a great source for book quotes
There really wasn’t much in the way of YA when I was a teen. Though Mercedes Lackey’s Harper Hall books came close. I loooooved those – plus everything else of hers I read. The ones Coleen listed sound great – I would’ve eaten this stuff up if it was around way back when – we won’t say how far back.
I don’t think I know those books–at least I think, ha ha. And “way back when” is a perfectly acceptable time period–no need for details. Thanks Jennette
Wow Coleen, those books all sound amazing. For a book to still resonate with you two years later, that’s the golden ticket for a writer!
I will be honest and say that I have never read a YA book. That said, the first book you mention, “Stolen” grabbed my attention. Thanks Coleen and Fabio! YAmondAY right back atcha!
“Life as We Knew It” has been on my TBR list for a bit, but I’m adding the other two now – they sound great. I love YA, especially when I want a good read that’s not too long. Thanks, Coleen, and keep it up, Fabio!