Young Adult Fiction: Is it Really for Young Adults?

Hello bookworms,

          I’m always looking at Twitter, Facebook, Daedalus, Goodreads, and pretty much anywhere for good book recommendations. Being 22 years old, I try to notice the Young Adult Fiction section. Unfortunately, I’m not loving what I see.

Why?

         Have you noticed what books are being promoted as Young Adult fiction lately? I’m seeing a lot of books that seem to be geared towards middle school children or children approximately ages 9-13. Now, please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that 9-13 year olds are not young adults. 

Seriously? THIS passes as young ADULT??

          I’m not saying that a book for young people cannot be enjoyed by adults. The Harry Potter series gained a HUGE following from people of all ages from young children to the elderly. Harry Potter was geared for children and tweens.

The one Young Adult fiction series worth all ages time

 

          Back to my original thought, if the Young Adult fiction books are really for kids and tweens, then why are we calling it “Young Adult”? I thought that 9-13 year olds were classified under “children” or “preteen”. Young adults are around 18-25, right?

Since I’m right in the middle of the “young adult” age range let me tell you what I’m looking for:

Ø I LOVE classic books like Jane Eyre, the Jane Austen novels, Rebecca, etc. I’m always looking for something that reminds me of that style of writing.

 

Ø I like intelligent mysteries like the Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot series’. I want to be stumped and shocked by the mysteries that I read, and I want them to be intelligent to keep my mind working.

 

 

Ø I like love stories that aren’t all about sex. I want to see a relationship begin, develop over time, and I want them to be responsible. Drama and sex does not equal love.

          So where are the books for young adult women like me? Am I missing them? Are they under a different classification/genre? I’m sure I’m not the only book-loving twenty-something that feels this way. Those of you out there who have found the books for our age group, please let us know. Comment, tweet me (@LovelyLizzie10 , use hashtag #YAForAdults), or post on See Lizzie Read's Facebook page!

          If people send me recommendations (please no Amish fiction), or if I find any, I’ll be sure to post them so we can all reap the benefits.

Until Next Time,

          Lizzie <3

Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life's Unexpected Journey by Devin Brown

Hello bookworms!! ,

     Recently I received a Copy of Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journeys by Devin Brown. I’ve read it and now I’m ready to share my thoughts with you!

Summary

     J.R.R. Tolkien wrote an epic set of stories. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. These large novels have entertained young ones and adults for generations. But have you ever examined the writing for the truths about life? There are lessons in Tolkien’s writing about unlikely heroes going on unexpected adventures that we can all apply to our lives. Professor Devin Brown uncovers these lessons in Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journeys.

Review

     This was the first book I have ever read by author and Professor Devin Brown. A professor at Asbury University (where he teaches a class on C.S. Lewis and Tolkien), Brown has written books on the lives and works of both Lewis and Tolkien. Brown’s writing is intelligent yet down-to-Earth to make sure that anyone can understand. He’s also funny. For me, that’s always a huge plus to any writing meant to educate.

     Hobbit Lessons has given me a new respect for the writings of Tolkien. While I had noticed little nuggets of wisdom myself, Devin Brown brings out lessons of which I had never before thought. That’s, I think, the best part of the book. He doesn’t go as much for the obvious that we notice (the typical good triumphs over evil) but he delves deeper to bring forward points that many of us may have overlooked.

     A word of caution: If you have not read the books or even seen the movies, this book will spoil a few surprises and endings for you. What’s the best solution? Read the books AND Hobbit Lessons!

     I HIGHLY recommend Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journey. This book makes me wish I was studying at Asbury University so I could take Prof. Brown’s class! But since I’m not, I will at least read his other books. J

 At 133 pages, Hobbit Lessons is an enlightening, informative, and fun read.You won’t regret having read it!

**A special thanks to Devin Brown, Abingdon Press, and Goodreads for the copy! J

 

Check out Devin Brown and Hobbit Lessons here:

Goodreads

 

Buy on Amazon

 

Until Next Time,

                Lizzie <3

Mistaken by Karen Barnett

Hello Bookworms,

            I have a new book review for you today! I recently read Mistaken by Karen Barnett. This is Karen’s debut novel published in 2013. I can’t wait to share my thoughts!

Summary

            Laurie Burke has always been failed by the men in her life. They always make bad choices that throw her life into turmoil and then they leave her to pick up the pieces. Living with the reality that her dad is a drunk in a town with a growing rum-running industry is hard and Laurie’s been praying for just one man in her life she can trust.

            Daniel Shepherd had no plans of coming back to Port Angeles from Seattle. But when Daniel receives a letter from his aging grandfather asking for help, Daniel comes anyway. Maybe Port Angeles won’t be so bad. It’s a way to escape from his past.

            Samuel Brown works for the treasury department. He has come to Port Angeles to stop the rum-running ring and he’s good at his job.  He may be a bit smug but what else is new?

            Laurie’s prayers are about to be answered, but not at all in the way she expected. One thing’s for sure, in Port Angeles, first impressions are not what they seem…

Review

            Mistaken was so much fun to read. My best friend and I both read it and had so much fun discussing the details and our reactions to the shockers in the book!  This book would make a great easy read for a summer vacation. It’s also a great read for a book club! I think you and your friends will have a great time laughing, gasping, and discussing Mistaken.

     Mistaken is a good clean read that is action packed and keeps you guessing. There were points where I was completely shocked because I didn’t see it coming! At one point all I could do was sit there with my mouth hanging open and keep reading! I really think that you will enjoy this book and I greatly recommend it! If you’re looking for a great story to take on vacation with you this year, this is the one!

            I can’t wait to read more of Karen’s work and fortunately she is releasing her second novel “Out of the Ruins” this year!! (Woohoo!)

 

Buy Mistaken Here!

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3