YA fiction: best read yet

Sea of Tranquility 

Katja Millay

Atria Books, June 2013

To add any further acclaim to the responses this novel has gathered would be redundant, at best. I'm glad this blog considers what's different about the books I review -- because that is a much more entertaining consideration than looking for fresh ways to say that this is the best book I've read in a long time.  I don't particularly go for teen angst, and the dark, brooding and self-destructive characters aren't usually my type. But in this novel, they work and they work extremely effectively.

Millay self-published this book in September this year, and the response in the few months since has been amazing -- so much so that Simon & Schuster/Atria contracted with Millay to re-release it in June 2013.  

The book cover on Millay's first release was that of coins in a fountain -- so much more meaningful and aesthetically "right" than the black-and-white version from Atria's release.

But readers have much to be thankful for: that Millay even wrote the book, that NetGalley has been able to provide advance digital copies, and that eventually there will be print copies available.

So, what's different about this book?

An easy question to explore, because I simply had to ask, What really made this story special to me? The strongest quality was the instant and abiding connection between the two main protagonists:  both wounded, both emotionally fragile, yet both strong characters that were even better when they were together. 

The writing is so beautifully crafted that there was never a point during the read when I was aware of reading through someone's authoring. Character development was skillful and effective; and the actions of the characters within the plot line were spot-on. 

One thing different from most books I guide my readers to: the strong, explicit language. To a certain degree, the profanity and potty language add authenticity to the teen voices. But at a few points, the language detracts by drawing the reader's attention away from the story. 

What I'll do now that I've read the book:

Aaargh.  This is the great frustration with this particular work:  I have to wait until JUNE 2013 to share the print edition with my students. Too cruel: I know of at least 7 students for whom I would immediately buy a copy and put it in their hands. 

I can share with my patrons who have their own e-reader devices, but I have a problem with questions of equity: Why should only patrons who can afford e-readers have access to a great book?

So yes, I'll buy print copies for my school library collections -- and I'll hope I still can still connect the book with the readers that need it by next August when school starts. 

And for my patrons with e-reader devices, and for my libraries that actually circulate such devices pre-loaded, we'll be pushing this title for the great read it offers.

And I have yet to read such a PERFECT ending sentence to any book as this novel offered. Way to go, Katja!

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ebook series: Encounters with Jesus

The Skeptical Student 

Tim Keller

2012, Penguin Group / Dutton 

In author Tim Keller's works, I listen for the transcendent: where does he speak truth that is unexpected and counter intuitive to most Biblical teaching? Sermons and books are made of words: where are those that are just too predictable, and where are those that are life-changing?

In this first in the "Encounters with Jesus" series of essays, Keller is challenged by two obstacles: a largely unbelieving audience and the brevity inherent in a speaking / essay format.

Despite these limitations, the familiar experience of Keller pulling me out of my complacency continues. There is truth to be heard in this essay that defies the ephemeral nature of the ebook format planned for the publication of his 2012 Oxford, English lectures.

What's different about this item? 

Keller is noted for his straight talk, his reasonable thinking, and his balanced awareness of the perspectives of both "believers" and those who do not accept the traditional Christian line. This short work continues those qualities: both believer ad skeptic alike will be able to follow Keller's story and logic and consider a response.

What will I do now that I have read it?

Without fail I find Keller's work (whether written or spoken) to be of great benefit to Christians examining how they live. This particular essay, and probably those that will follow in the series, are equally compelling. But while I would purchase a print copy for my libraries in a heart-beat, I still have to work out the logistics of e-book materials in a lending library situation. 

I do think the essay length of this work will draw readers, who might hesitate to take on a full-length work. A solution for ebook circulation continues to be a quest.

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The Tragedy Paper

The Tragedy Paper 

by Elizabeth Laban

2013, Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0375870407

This is Duncan's story, but it's told through Tim's story of the previous school year. Irving is a top-notch private school where both boys share the story of their senior year, and of the senior project, a composition that must provide evidence that students have grasped the concept of tragedy and what it looks like.

This is a solidly-crafted story line with an intriguing plot and exceptional interaction between characters.  But those characters are less-well developed than the reader would want in order to understand the implications of the plot developments.  

I happened to be reading a book by Gary Schmidt (First Boy) at the same time I was reading this book -- and the contrast between the depth and development of that plot and its characters, and the details of Tragedy Paper was striking.  Duncan and Tim's stories are less compelling, less engaging, though more dramatic more of the time.

What is different about this book 

The over-laying of Tim and Duncan's stories (and of their common friends and experiences) makes for a skillful tale that many young adult readers will enjoy.  The points of sameness, though from two different lives, makes for a very good story.  Foreshadowing is skillfully woven into the action and thoughts of the protagonists. And there is tragedy, of course, but not earth-shaking tragedy. I think young adult readers will like this story.  And I appreciate that the book includes a protagonist that is different.

What I'll do now that I've read this book 

The marketing and publicity for the book will probably put it on the radar for most libraries and book stores, and I think it will have a moderate success.  I will be purchasing this for my school library patrons, and I'll enjoy finding a match between the story of Tim and Duncan and my readers who will enjoy that story.

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